Florida Veteran will sue VA over HIV

Fla. veteran says he is HIV+, will sue VA

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Aug 18, 2009 18:56:21 EDT

MIAMI — A South Florida man, who claims he contracted HIV during an endoscopic colonoscopy at a Miami Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, has filed a notice that he will sue the federal government

Juan Rivera, 55, an Army veteran, claims he contracted HIV during the procedure on or about May 19, 2008. Rivera said he had been tested twice and both times he was positive for the disease. He served in the Army from 1979 to 1989.

Ira Leesfield, an attorney for Rivera, said the notice is necessary under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Rivera has to give the federal government six months before he files a federal lawsuit. Leesfield said this lawsuit will be filed against the VA through the United States of America. He added the claim states Rivera will sue for $20 million in damages.
Fla. veteran says he is HIV will sue VA