Wright v. United States of America

On November 8, 2018, the United States Court of Federal Claims issued its decision in Wright v. United States. The plaintiff, Thomas C. Wright, a veteran, alleged that medical providers at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility negligently failed to timely diagnose his colon cancer, resulting in disease progression and diminished life expectancy. After a trial on liability and damages, the court found that the government breached the standard of care, directly causing the delayed diagnosis. The court awarded Mr. Wright $1,775,000 in damages for past and future pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding the government negligent and awarding $1,775,000 in damages.

Whether the United States was liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act for medical malpractice arising from a delayed cancer diagnosis at a VA hospital, and the proper quantification of non-economic damages.

The case drew attention to systemic issues in VA healthcare delivery and reinforced the legal avenue for veterans to obtain compensation when harmed by medical negligence at federal facilities.