When you’re injured because of negligence by a federal government employee, you may have a right to compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA is a federal law that allows private individuals to sue the U.S. government for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage caused by federal employees acting within the scope of their employment. In plain English: if a government worker (like a VA doctor, postal truck driver, TSA agent, park ranger, etc.) hurts you through carelessness or misconduct, the FTCA lets you seek justice and financial recovery from the United States. This comprehensive guide explains your rights under the FTCA, how the claims process works step by step, who can (and cannot) file a claim, common examples, important deadlines and limits, and how NSLF’s experienced attorneys can help you navigate the process with transparency and expertise.

Support for Veterans and Families: Many FTCA claims involve veterans and their family members – for example, injuries at VA hospitals or military clinics. We understand the unique challenges veterans face when harmed by the institutions meant to serve them. This guide is written in plain, supportive language to help injured individuals and their loved ones understand their rights and options. (If you believe you may have an FTCA claim, don’t hesitate to contact NSLF for a free consultation – we’re here to help.)

What Is the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)?

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a law passed in 1946 that serves as a limited waiver of “sovereign immunity.” Normally, the government cannot be sued without its consent, but under the FTCA, the U.S. government consents to be sued for negligence in certain situations. In practical terms, the FTCA allows people injured by a federal employee’s negligence to file a claim for damages against the United States, just as you could sue a private person or company for causing injury.

Key points about what the FTCA does:

  • Allows injury claims against the U.S. Government: If a federal employee (acting in their official job duties) causes an injury or property loss through negligence or a wrongful act, the injured person can seek compensation from the U.S. government. For example, if a postal truck driver runs a red light and hits your car, you can file a claim under the FTCA instead of suing the driver individually.

  • “Scope of employment” requirement: The government is only liable if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment when the harm occurred. This means the act must have happened during the employee’s work duties. (E.g., a VA doctor treating a patient is within scope; a postal worker driving the mail route is within scope. But if that postal driver deviated for personal errands, the government might not be liable.)

  • State law applies: The FTCA doesn’t create a new type of negligence law; it uses the law of the state where the incident happened to judge the government’s liability. In other words, the government is held responsible in the same way a private person would be under that state’s laws. If your claim would be valid against a private individual under state law, it’s generally valid under the FTCA (unless an FTCA-specific exception applies).

What the FTCA is NOT: The FTCA is not a blanket allowance for all lawsuits against the government. It only covers certain types of claims (mainly negligence and wrongful acts of employees) and has strict rules and exceptions (discussed below in “Covered vs. Excluded Claims” and “Deadlines & Legal Limits”). It also does not allow punitive damages or jury trials – any lawsuit under the FTCA will be decided by a judge, and only compensatory damages (to cover your loss) can be awarded.

How FTCA Claims Work: Step-by-Step Process

Filing a claim under the FTCA involves a specific process and timeline that must be followed closely. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how an FTCA claim typically works, from the moment of injury to resolution:

  1. Injury by a Federal Employee: First, an incident occurs where you are injured or suffer loss because of a federal employee’s negligence or wrongful act. This could be a car accident with a USPS driver, medical malpractice by a VA doctor, a slip-and-fall in a federal building, etc. Your immediate step should be to seek any needed medical care and document what happened as much as possible (photos, names of witnesses, incident reports). It’s important to identify that a federal employee caused your injury; this is what brings your case under the FTCA (as opposed to a regular private lawsuit). If you’re unsure, a lawyer can help determine whether the person was a federal employee acting in their job.

  2. File an Administrative Claim (Standard Form 95): Before you can sue in court, you must file an administrative claim with the responsible federal agency – this is a required first step under the FTCA. You do this by completing Standard Form 95 (SF-95), which is a form titled “Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death.” On this form, you provide details about the incident and your injury, and state a specific amount of money you are seeking (this is called a “sum certain”). Key things to know:

    • Deadline: You must file the SF-95 within 2 years of the date of the injury (or when you first became aware of the injury). Missing this 2-year statute of limitations will likely bar your claim forever. (There are very few exceptions, so do not delay.)

    • Filing to the right agency: Your claim must be sent to the appropriate federal agency responsible for the employee who caused your injury. For example, for a VA hospital injury, file with the Department of Veterans Affairs; for a postal truck accident, file with USPS; for a national park accident, file with the National Park Service, etc. An attorney can help identify the correct agency and address.

    • Details to include: Be thorough and accurate on the SF-95. Include when, where, and how the injury happened, the people involved, and the nature of your injuries. Crucially, demand a specific compensation amount (you can itemize medical bills, lost wages, etc.). You generally cannot recover more later than the amount you ask for here, so it’s important to value your claim properly. (The only exception is if you find new evidence of greater damage that you couldn’t have known before.)

  3. Agency Review & Waiting Period (Up to 6 Months): After you submit your administrative claim, the federal agency will review it. They may investigate, request more information, or even negotiate with you. The agency has up to 6 months to respond before you can proceed to court. During this time:

    • The agency might accept your claim and offer a settlement. If you’re represented by an attorney, your lawyer can negotiate to ensure the settlement is fair. If you accept a settlement, the claim is resolved and you give up the right to sue (because the matter is considered settled).

    • The agency might deny your claim (send a letter of denial).

    • Or, the agency might do nothing. If you don’t get a decision within 6 months, the law treats that silence as a “deemed denial,” and you are allowed to move on to the next step.

  4. Settlement or Final Denial of the Claim: If the agency offers a settlement and you find it acceptable (often with legal advice), then your claim may end here with an agreed payment. If the agency denies the claim (or you reject a low settlement offer), you will receive a denial notice. From the date the agency mails the denial, you have 6 months to file a lawsuit in federal court. Important: Do not miss this 6-month filing window after a denial, or you lose your right to sue. (If the agency hasn’t responded in 6+ months, you can choose to treat the claim as denied and file suit – you don’t necessarily have to wait for an official letter after 6 months.)

  5. Filing an FTCA Lawsuit in Federal Court: To pursue the claim further, you must file a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court (a federal court). The defendant in the suit will be the United States of America – not the individual employee or agency. In the lawsuit, you essentially argue that the federal employee’s negligence caused your injuries, and you seek the damages that were listed in your claim. The Department of Justice will defend the case on behalf of the government. Some things to know about FTCA lawsuits:

    • No Jury Trial: FTCA cases are decided by a federal judge – there is no right to a jury trial against the U.S. government. The judge will hear the evidence and make findings.

    • Bench Trial & Verdict: The case may proceed to a bench trial (trial before the judge). The process is similar to a regular injury lawsuit in many ways (exchange of evidence, witness testimony, experts, etc.), but the judge is the fact-finder. The judge will issue a verdict deciding whether the government was negligent and how much money, if any, to award you for your damages.

    • Possibility of Settlement: At any time during the lawsuit, the government may negotiate a settlement with you to avoid trial. In fact, many FTCA cases settle before reaching trial, especially if liability is clear. Your attorney can advise if a settlement offer is fair. If settled during litigation, the case ends and you’ll receive the agreed amount (with attorney fees handled as per the contingency arrangement – see below).

  6. Resolution – Compensation via Settlement or Judgment: The FTCA process concludes either with a settlement agreement or a court judgment. If you win your case (or secure a settlement), you will receive money for your economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering, etc.), as allowed by law. Punitive damages (meant to punish wrongdoing) are not permitted under FTCA, so compensation focuses on making you “whole” for your actual losses. If you lose the case, you unfortunately receive no recovery (and due to sovereign immunity rules, you generally cannot appeal an FTCA claim denial beyond certain limits – though if there was a legal error, appeals in the court system might be possible).

Throughout this process, having an experienced attorney is highly beneficial. The procedural rules are strict – for example, filing in the wrong court or suing the wrong entity can get your case thrown out, and failing to properly “exhaust” the administrative claim first will bar the lawsuit. NSLF’s FTCA lawyers handle all these steps for you: ensuring forms are filed correctly and on time, negotiating with the agency, and, if needed, aggressively litigating your case in court.

(Free Consultation: Not sure how to start your FTCA claim? Contact us today for a free consultation. We can evaluate your situation, help with the SF-95 filing, and guide you on the best path forward.)

Common Examples of FTCA Cases

FTCA claims can arise anytime a federal employee harms someone through negligence. Here are some common examples of situations that often lead to FTCA claims:

  • VA Hospital or Military Clinic Malpractice: Example: A veteran receives substandard care at a VA hospital – say, a misdiagnosis or surgical error by a VA doctor – leading to injury. The veteran (or their family) can file an FTCA claim for medical malpractice against the VA. (Note: Active-duty military personnel typically cannot sue for injuries “incident to service” (the Feres doctrine, explained later), but veterans and family members are eligible for VA medical negligence claims.)

  • Accidents Involving Postal Service Vehicles: Example: A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail truck runs a stop sign and hits your car, causing injuries. You can file an FTCA claim since the postal driver was a federal employee on the job. Similarly, if you’re a pedestrian hit by a mail truck or if a postal vehicle causes a multi-car crash, the FTCA would apply.

  • Slip-and-Fall or Negligence at Federal Buildings (e.g. Post Offices): Example: You slip on an unmarked wet floor at a post office or trip due to a broken step at a federal office building, getting injured. If the hazardous condition was due to negligence (e.g. employees knew about a spill and didn’t put up signs or fix it), you could have an FTCA claim for premises liability. This category covers accidents at post offices, federal courthouses, IRS offices, Social Security offices, and other federally-owned properties open to the public.

  • Airport Security or TSA Incidents: Example: A TSA agent at the airport injures you during security screening by mishandling equipment or using excessive force without cause. Or, a federal air marshal’s accidental discharge causes injuries. These incidents involve federal employees (TSA is under the Department of Homeland Security), so an FTCA claim could be filed for resulting injuries. Another example is negligence by federal airport security causing foreseeable harm (though issues involving aviation security can raise complex discretionary function questions).

  • National Park or Federal Land Accidents: Example: While visiting a national park, you are injured because a National Park Service ranger failed to mark a known hazard on a trail, or you’re hurt due to poorly maintained facilities at a national monument. If the injury stems from negligence (not simply an inherent natural risk), you could have a claim against the agency (e.g., National Park Service). Caveat: If the injury is related to a policy decision (like where to put warning signs or guardrails on a trail), the “discretionary function” exception might protect the government. But if it was a clear negligence (like not repairing a broken railing that staff were required to fix), FTCA liability may attach.

  • Federal Law Enforcement Misconduct or Negligence: Example: An FBI agent or federal law enforcement officer injures someone through unreasonable conduct – say, a car accident during a chase due to reckless driving, or an incident of excessive force. Normally, the FTCA does not allow claims for intentional torts like assault or battery, but there is an exception: if those acts are committed by federal law enforcement officers, you can pursue an FTCA claim for certain intentional harms. For instance, if a federal officer wrongfully shoots or physically assaults you, the FTCA’s “law enforcement proviso” permits a claim for assault or battery by an officer acting in their official capacity. (Negligence by law enforcement, like negligent driving or mishandling a firearm, is of course also covered.)

  • Other Examples: Virtually any scenario where a federal employee’s negligence causes injury could fall under FTCA. This includes things like negligent maintenance (e.g., a federal mechanic’s poor work on a government vehicle leads to a crash), negligent federal inspections (if a federal safety inspector’s lapse causes you harm), or medical errors by federally employed healthcare providers (such as military doctors treating civilian dependents, or clinicians at federally funded community health centers deemed as federal employees under certain programs).

Each case is unique, and whether the FTCA applies can depend on fine details (Was the person a federal employee or a contractor? Were they on duty? Was the act discretionary or mandatory?). NSLF has experience in all these types of FTCA cases, from advocating for injured veterans to individuals hurt on federal property. We can quickly evaluate if you have a valid FTCA claim and chart the path forward.

Who Can File an FTCA Claim? What’s Covered vs. Not Covered

Not everyone and every incident is eligible for an FTCA claim. This section explains who is allowed to file, what kinds of injuries or misconduct are covered under the FTCA, and what types of cases are excluded.

Eligible Claimants (Who Can File): Generally, the person who was injured files the FTCA claim. If the injured person is alive and capable, they file on their own (often with an attorney’s help). If the injury led to someone’s death, the claim is usually filed by the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate (for the benefit of the family) as a wrongful death FTCA claim. Family members (spouse, children, parents) might be claimants in wrongful death or certain bystander emotional distress claims, depending on state law. If the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated, a parent, guardian, or legal representative can file on their behalf. Veterans injured by VA medical malpractice absolutely qualify to file FTCA claims (being a veteran does not bar you; in fact, FTCA is the avenue for recourse). However, active-duty military personnel cannot file FTCA claims for injuries that are “incident to service” (injuries arising out of or in the course of military duty) – this is known as the Feres doctrine, an exclusion we discuss below. (Note: dependents of military personnel can file FTCA claims if they are injured by government negligence, such as a military doctor’s malpractice on a military family member.)

Covered Types of Injuries or Misconduct: The FTCA covers torts, which mostly means negligence or wrongful acts/omissions that cause injury. Common covered scenarios include:

  • Personal injury or property damage caused by negligence of a federal employee (car accidents, medical malpractice, slip-and-falls, etc., as described earlier).

  • Wrongful death caused by a federal employee’s negligence.

  • Certain intentional torts by federal law enforcement officers (assault, false arrest, etc.), thanks to a specific FTCA provision allowing those claims. For example, if a federal agent wrongfully detains or harms you, you may have a claim even though it was intentional misconduct, because the law enforcement proviso waives immunity for those specific torts.

  • Injuries on federal property due to negligence (premises liability cases), as long as a federal employee’s failure to maintain safe conditions was the cause.

  • Medical malpractice by federal healthcare providers: e.g. at VA hospitals, military hospitals (for non-active-duty patients), Indian Health Service facilities, or community clinics covered by the FTCA.

In essence, a claim is covered if:

  1. A federal employee (not an independent contractor) caused the harm.

  2. That employee was acting within the scope of their federal job duties.

  3. The act or omission was negligent or wrongful and caused your injury, under circumstances where a private person would be liable under state law.

  4. No specific FTCA exception blocks the claim (see below).

What’s Not Covered (FTCA Exclusions): There are important categories of claims that the FTCA does not allow, even if someone was harmed. Some key exclusions are:

  • Acts of Independent Contractors: If the person who caused your injury was not a federal employee but a contractor, the FTCA doesn’t apply. The government often hires private companies or contractors (for example, a contractor doctor at a VA hospital or a maintenance company cleaning a federal building). If a contractor’s employee was negligent, your claim would usually be against the contractor company, not the U.S. government. It can be tricky to know who is a federal employee versus a contractor – this is something an attorney can investigate.

  • Discretionary Function Exception: The FTCA bars claims based on discretionary acts or policy decisions by the government. This means if your injury stems from a policy judgment or decision a federal agency made – especially one involving social, economic, or political policy considerations – the government isn’t liable, even if the decision led to harm. For example, if the Park Service decided not to install certain guardrails or signs as a policy decision, they can’t be sued for an accident there. However, if an employee failed to follow a specific safety rule (not a judgment call, but a requirement), then it’s not discretionary and a claim could proceed. The discretionary function exception is complicated – it often comes up in cases like design of roads, regulatory decisions, planning-level failures, etc.

  • Most Intentional Torts (except law enforcement): Generally, you cannot sue the government for intentional misconduct of its employees (such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, defamation, etc.). The big exception (as noted above) is if the perpetrator was a federal investigative or law enforcement officer – then certain intentional torts are actionable under FTCA. But if a non-law-enforcement federal employee (say a postal clerk) assaulted you, the FTCA would not cover that; your recourse would be to potentially sue that individual (and that’s often difficult or subject to other immunities).

  • Military Injuries “Incident to Service” (Feres Doctrine): Active-duty military members cannot sue for injuries that arise out of or in the course of military service. This means if a soldier is harmed due to negligence by military personnel, they generally cannot file an FTCA claim (their compensation is limited to veterans’ benefits). For example, a Navy corpsman’s medical negligence toward an active-duty sailor is not actionable under FTCA. (Note: A recent change allows military members to file administrative claims for medical malpractice by DoD healthcare providers, but those are handled internally and are not traditional FTCA lawsuits in court. Families of service members and veterans are not under the Feres bar, so they can sue for their own injuries.)

  • Claims Arising in Foreign Countries: The FTCA does not apply to injuries that occur outside of the United States. For instance, if you were injured due to a U.S. government employee’s actions on foreign soil, you typically cannot use the FTCA for that (there are separate processes for some foreign claims).

  • Certain specific exclusions: The FTCA law contains some other specific exceptions, like claims related to combatant activities in wartime, or claims related to tax assessments, mail delivery misfires, and others. These are less common for personal injury scenarios, but they exist. One notable one for injury law: no claims for injury from a federal quarantine action (unlikely to apply to most people, but an example of a niche exclusion).

If your situation falls into an excluded category, the government simply hasn’t waived immunity for it – meaning they can’t be sued for that particular kind of issue. It’s crucial to get legal advice if you’re unsure. NSLF will frankly advise you if we discover that your potential claim is barred by an FTCA exception. We believe in transparency – we won’t waste your time or give false hope if the law clearly doesn’t allow a recovery in your case. Instead, we’ll explore if any other avenue of relief exists.

FTCA Deadlines, Damages, and Legal Limitations

Like any legal claim, FTCA cases come with time limits and rules on what you can recover. The FTCA also imposes some unique limitations because you’re dealing with the government. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the key deadlines and legal limits to keep in mind:

  • 2-Year Administrative Claim Deadline: You must file your administrative claim within 2 years of when the claim “accrues” (usually the date of injury). If you miss this two-year statute of limitations at the administrative level, your claim is dead – no exceptions for being unaware of the law (there is a very limited discovery rule for latent injuries, but don’t count on it – act promptly). Note: For minors or those mentally incapable, the law does not extend the deadline; the 2-year clock still ticks, so a guardian should file on their behalf within 2 years. Bottom line: act fast.

  • 6-Month Litigation Deadline: If the agency formally denies your claim, you then have 6 months from the mailing date of the denial to file your lawsuit in court. This is another critical deadline – missing it means you lose the right to sue. Mark that date as soon as any denial letter arrives. If the agency doesn’t respond at all for 6 months, you have the option to consider it denied and file suit; in such cases, the 6-month filing window doesn’t officially begin until a denial is sent, so you aren’t forced to file immediately at 6 months without a denial. But practically, once you hit the 6-month silence mark, it’s usually wise to confer with your attorney about proceeding to court if desired.

  • No Punitive Damages: Under the FTCA, you cannot recover punitive damages against the government. Punitive damages (meant to punish egregious behavior) are simply off the table, even if a private defendant might have been liable for them under state law. The government only pays compensatory damages (for your actual loss: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.).

  • No Jury Trial: As mentioned, FTCA cases are bench trials – decided by a judge, not a jury. This is a legal limit you should be aware of; some plaintiffs prefer juries for sympathetic cases, but with the U.S. as defendant, Congress has opted to have judges hear these cases. The judge will determine both liability and the amount of damages if any.

  • Damages Caps and State Law Limits: The FTCA makes the U.S. liable in the same manner (and to the same extent) as a private party under the local state’s law. This means any state law limits on damages (like caps on medical malpractice awards, or rules on noneconomic damages) will generally apply to your FTCA claim. For example, if a state law caps noneconomic (pain and suffering) damages at $500,000 for med mal cases, an FTCA medical malpractice award in that state would likely be subject to that cap. Additionally, you typically cannot recover more in court than the “sum certain” you demanded in your SF-95 claim. The only exception is if you later find new evidence or new injuries that you genuinely couldn’t have known about when filing the claim – then a higher amount might be considered. This rule prevents “ambushing” the government with a much larger demand in court than what they had a chance to consider administratively.

  • No Pre-Judgment Interest or Attorney’s Fees as Damages: The FTCA does not allow you to recover interest on your claim before judgment. Also, any awarded damages are gross of attorney’s fees – meaning, if you win $100,000, that’s for your loss; you cannot make the government pay your lawyer separately or add legal fees on top (instead, attorney fees come out of your award, and are capped by law – see next section on fees).

  • The Proper Defendant is the United States: You cannot sue the individual employee or even the agency by name under the FTCA. The only correct defendant in an FTCA lawsuit is “United States of America.” Suing the wrong entity (like suing “VA Hospital” or the person’s name) will typically get your case dismissed. This is more a procedural requirement than a limit on recovery, but it’s crucial for your case to survive. (When we file FTCA suits at NSLF, we ensure the complaint is properly styled against the U.S.)

  • Exclusive Remedy & No Double Dipping: An FTCA judgment or settlement is usually an exclusive remedy – you can’t then sue the employee personally for the same act. Also, you cannot get paid twice for the same harm. For instance, if you settled your administrative FTCA claim for a certain amount, you can’t then file a new lawsuit for more money from the same incident. Likewise, if you pursue a Section 1151 VA disability claim for negligence (for veterans, within the VA benefits system) and also an FTCA claim for the same injury, any VA benefit you receive might be offset or affected by an FTCA recovery (and vice versa). We navigate these issues to maximize our clients’ overall benefit.

Understanding these limitations helps set realistic expectations. We will walk you through how damages are calculated in your case (using state law standards) and what you can or cannot receive. Rest assured, we will fight for every dollar of compensation you are entitled to under the law, within the bounds of FTCA’s rules.

Choosing the Right FTCA Lawyer

Before you move forward with your Federal Tort Claims Act case, it’s crucial to understand that not all personal injury lawyers are equipped to take on the federal government.

FTCA litigation is governed by unique rules, strict deadlines, and specialized defenses that only experienced federal litigators truly understand. A single mistake—like miscalculating your damages, missing an SF-95 deadline, or mishandling discovery—can destroy your entire claim.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), our FTCA team is led by Danielle N. Moora, a former senior DHS and TSA attorney with nearly two decades of government litigation experience. Working alongside Matt Pollack, one of the nation’s foremost FOIA experts, our team combines insider knowledge, elite strategy, and relentless advocacy to maximize every client’s recovery.

If you’re considering filing an FTCA claim, read our in-depth guide on how to select the right attorney and the red flags to avoid before hiring one. It could be the single most important step you take in your case.

👉 How to Choose the Right FTCA Lawyer (and Red Flags to Avoid)

NSLF’s FTCA Legal Services, Contingency Fees & Transparency

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we take pride in offering compassionate, expert legal representation for FTCA claims. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for you, while aggressively advocating for your rights. Here’s what you can expect when you choose NSLF for your Federal Tort Claims Act case:

✅ Deep Experience with FTCA Cases: FTCA claims are not your run-of-the-mill personal injury cases – they involve federal procedures, administrative filings, and unique laws. Our legal team has extensive experience handling FTCA claims for clients including veterans, military families, federal employees’ families, and others injured by government negligence. We understand the nuances of sovereign immunity, the tricks and tactics agencies may use to deny or minimize claims, and how to build a strong case that meets the FTCA’s requirements. From filing the SF-95 form correctly, to gathering evidence and expert opinions, to negotiating with government counsel, we’ve got you covered at each step.

✅ Full-Service Representation: When we take on your case, we handle everything from start to finish. You focus on your recovery; we’ll focus on the claim. Our FTCA attorneys will:

  • Investigate the incident thoroughly (including obtaining incident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert evaluations if needed).

  • Identify the correct agency and file the SF-95 on your behalf, making sure to include all necessary details and a properly supported demand amount.

  • Communicate with the federal agency throughout the administrative phase, advocating for a fair settlement and keeping you informed of any updates.

  • If the agency doesn’t offer a fair resolution, we file a lawsuit in federal court and handle all litigation aspects – drafting the complaint, handling motions, discovery (depositions, interrogatories, etc.), and representing you in court hearings and at trial.

  • Negotiate settlements at any stage when possible, but also be fully prepared to go to trial if that’s what it takes. We are not afraid to face the Department of Justice lawyers in court – our team includes tough litigators who know how to present a compelling case before a judge.

  • Keep you informed at every major step. We believe in transparency and will explain the legal strategy, the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and the potential timelines and outcomes, so you’re never in the dark.

✅ Contingency Fee Pricing (No Upfront Costs): You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket when you hire NSLF for an FTCA case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win or settle your case – our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. Moreover, the FTCA itself places strict limits on attorney fees to protect you: by law, attorneys cannot charge more than 20% of an administrative settlement, or 25% of a court judgment/settlement. This is codified in 28 U.S.C. § 2678, and NSLF adheres to these caps. In fact, no matter how much work we put in, our fee will never exceed 20%–25% of your award (20% if we resolve your claim at the agency level, 25% if we have to litigate). This is lower than the typical 33%-40% contingency fee charged in many personal injury cases, which means more of the recovery stays with you. We will discuss our fee arrangement in detail during your initial consultation, so you know exactly how it works.

✅ Transparency and Trust: We know hiring a lawyer is a big decision. NSLF is committed to honesty and transparency in our practice. We will explain the fee agreement clearly (for example, if there are case expenses like expert witness fees or filing fees, we explain if those come out of the recovery or are separate – typically, such costs are advanced by us and then deducted from the settlement or judgment after the contingency fee is applied, and if we don’t recover anything, you usually owe nothing for costs either). Our attorneys will also give you a straightforward assessment of your case once we’ve done an initial investigation. If we believe your claim has challenges (e.g. a possible FTCA exception issue or evidentiary hurdles), we will tell you and discuss how we might overcome them. Our aim is to empower you with information and guide you through the process with compassion.

✅ Free Consultation & No-Pressure Case Evaluation: If you’re reading this, you likely have questions about your potential FTCA claim. We invite you to reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can contact us here to schedule a time to talk. We’ll listen to your story, ask a few questions, and let you know how we can help. Even if you’re not sure if your situation qualifies, don’t hesitate – we’re happy to help you figure it out. And if we take your case, remember: you pay nothing unless we win.

✅ Nationwide Capability: FTCA cases are federal in nature. While you generally file where the incident happened, our attorneys can handle FTCA claims nationwide by associating with local counsel as needed. So whether you were injured at a VA hospital in Ohio, in a national park in California, or by a federal agent in Texas, NSLF can assist. We are familiar with working with various federal agencies and the regional U.S. Attorney’s Offices that defend these cases.

In summary, NSLF is on your side. We combine legal skill in federal claims with genuine care for our clients’ well-being. Our mission is to help you obtain justice and fair compensation, while making the legal process as clear and manageable as possible for you. You have enough to deal with after an injury – let us handle the heavy lifting in your FTCA claim.

Take Action – Know Your Rights Under the FTCA: If you or a loved one has been injured due to government negligence, you have the right to answers and potentially compensation. The Federal Tort Claims Act can be a powerful tool for accountability, but the process can be intimidating without guidance. NSLF is here to help. We encourage you to act promptly – remember those critical deadlines (2 years to file your claim!). Call us or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, answer any questions, and explain your options under the FTCA.

Learn More: For additional information about our experience and services in this area, please visit our Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Practice Area page, where we provide further details on FTCA litigation and highlight some case results. You’ll see why clients trust NSLF’s team of FTCA lawyers to handle these complex claims with care, expertise, and tenacity.

You don’t have to navigate the FTCA process alone. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you – so you can focus on healing while we focus on your case. Contact NSLF today and take the first step toward justice and compensation under the FTCA.