When filing an FTCA claim, one small mistake can destroy your right to compensation. And one of the most common mistakes people make on the SF-95 form is leaving out something called a “sum certain.”

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve seen FTCA claims denied for this reason alone. The term sounds technical, but it’s actually simple—and understanding it could mean the difference between getting paid or getting denied.

This post breaks down what a sum certain means, why it’s required, and how to calculate it properly.

What Does “Sum Certain” Mean?

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), you can’t just say “I want to be compensated for my injury.” The government requires you to state a specific dollar amount you’re seeking in damages.

That amount is called a “sum certain.”

It’s your official demand for compensation—the amount of money you are asking the government to pay you for your losses.

Without it, your claim isn’t legally valid. The agency will reject your SF-95, and you could permanently lose your right to file a lawsuit.

Why the Sum Certain Matters

The sum certain serves several key purposes:

  • Gives notice to the government of how much you’re claiming

  • Defines the limits of your claim—your lawsuit can’t exceed this amount later

  • Starts the clock on the agency’s review and settlement process

  • Prevents dismissal of your case in federal court

In short: no sum certain, no case.

The courts have been very clear—if your SF-95 doesn’t include a precise dollar amount, it doesn’t matter how severe your injury is or how much evidence you have. The government can (and will) throw it out.

What to Include in Your Sum Certain

Your sum certain should represent your total losses—both financial and non-financial. Here’s what to consider including:

1. Medical Expenses

Add up all medical bills related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment costs.

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injury caused you to miss work or limited your ability to earn income in the future, include that amount.

3. Property Damage

If your property (like a vehicle) was damaged in the incident, include repair or replacement costs.

4. Pain and Suffering

This includes emotional distress, physical pain, trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and any ongoing hardship.

5. Wrongful Death Damages

If you’re filing on behalf of a loved one, include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.

How to Decide What Amount to List

You don’t have to calculate everything down to the penny—but you do need to choose a single, total number.

Here’s how to approach it strategically:

  • Estimate conservatively but fairly. Don’t inflate the number unrealistically, but don’t underestimate your damages either.

  • Err on the higher side. You cannot later recover more than what you list on your SF-95. It’s safer to list a slightly higher number to account for future expenses or complications.

  • Document everything. Keep receipts, medical records, pay stubs, and repair estimates. These support your total.

  • Consult an FTCA attorney. Experienced lawyers can help calculate a realistic, well-supported figure that maximizes your recovery while avoiding rejection.

How NSLF Helps Clients Determine the Right Sum Certain

At National Security Law Firm, our attorneys help clients carefully calculate their sum certain based on the full scope of their damages—past, present, and future.

We routinely assist clients with injuries from:

  • VA hospital malpractice

  • Postal vehicle collisions

  • TSA or airport negligence

  • Slip-and-fall injuries at post offices or federal courthouses

  • National park accidents

Our team reviews medical bills, lost wage documentation, and expert evaluations to ensure that your number is both realistic and defensible—so your claim is never dismissed on a technicality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few of the most common ways people make mistakes with their sum certain:

  • Writing “TBD,” “unknown,” or “to be determined” — this invalidates your claim.

  • Leaving the amount blank.

  • Listing separate numbers for medical bills and pain and suffering but not providing a total.

  • Forgetting to include property damage or lost wages.

  • Guessing without documentation.

Remember: once your SF-95 is filed, you can’t increase your sum certain later. That’s why getting it right the first time is critical.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm

FTCA claims are complex—and the sum certain requirement is just one of many pitfalls that can derail your case. That’s where we come in.

At National Security Law Firm, our attorneys have federal government and military backgrounds, giving us insider insight into how agencies evaluate claims and negotiate settlements.

We offer:

  • 4.9-star Google Reviews

  • Nationwide representation from our Washington, D.C. headquarters

  • Legal financing options through Pay Later by Affirm

  • Free consultations and contingency-based representation (you don’t pay unless we win)

  • Expert handling of every FTCA stage—from SF-95 drafting to federal court litigation

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve been injured at a VA hospital, post office, airport, or other federal facility, don’t guess what your claim is worth. Let us calculate your sum certain correctly and fight for every dollar you deserve.

📞 Call 202-600-4996 or book your free consultation online.

Learn More About FTCA Claims

For more in-depth guides, filing tips, and real-world examples, visit our FTCA Resource Center to explore:

  • How to File an SF-95

  • Common FTCA Mistakes

  • Who You Can Sue Under the FTCA

  • What Happens If Your FTCA Claim Is Denied

Understanding your sum certain is just the first step toward justice. Our attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.