Preventable Amputation Results in Settlement of $1M to Vietnam Veteran in Federal Tort Claims Act Case

Gentry Locke for the Plaintiff

United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia – Roanoke Division

Our client, a Vietnam Veteran, went to the Salem Veterans Administration Medical Center (“Salem VAMC”) for vascular surgery on his leg. During the course of the surgery, the surgeon did not properly identify our client’s anatomy, thereby causing a blood vessel injury. Our client’s healthcare providers at the Salem VAMC knew, or should have known, that it was critical to assess our client’s leg after the surgery to ensure there was proper blood flow. They did not do so and watched as our client’s leg died in front of them. Our client required an amputation and his life has been forever changed. As our client’s healthcare providers at the Salem VAMC had immunity from being sued for their medical malpractice, we were forced to sue the United States of America under the Federal Tort Claims Act.