When you’ve been injured by the federal government—whether at a VA hospital, post office, military base, airport, or national park—you only get one chance to make it right.
That chance begins with hiring the right Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lawyer.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), based right here in Washington, D.C., we represent clients nationwide who’ve been harmed by the negligence of federal employees or agencies.
Our attorneys are former federal and military lawyers who know exactly how the government operates—and how to hold it accountable.

Our mission is simple: to maximize your settlement or judgment and make the system answer for its mistakes.

Why You Need a Federal Tort Claims Act Lawyer in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the center of federal law and litigation. It’s home to:

  • The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) — which defends most FTCA claims

  • The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia — one of the main venues for FTCA lawsuits

  • Major federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and U.S. Postal Service

When your claim involves the federal government, having a D.C.-based FTCA lawyer gives you a direct advantage.
We know the agencies, the procedures, and—most importantly—the people who handle these cases behind the scenes.

Our attorneys have litigated against nearly every major federal agency from right here in D.C.
When the government tries to delay, deny, or downplay your claim, we know how to fight back.

What the Federal Tort Claims Act Covers

The FTCA allows individuals to recover damages from the United States for negligence by federal employees acting within the scope of their duties.
Common examples include:

  • VA medical malpractice (misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistakes)

  • Car accidents involving government vehicles (USPS trucks, FBI, TSA, DHS, or military)

  • Slip-and-fall injuries in post offices, courthouses, or federal buildings

  • Negligence by federal law enforcement or TSA

  • Civilian injuries on military bases (non-service members only)

  • Accidents at national parks, memorials, and monuments in the D.C. area

If your injury happened because of a federal employee—or on federal property—you may have a valid FTCA claim.

The FTCA Process: How It Works

Step 1: File the SF-95

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the correct federal agency.
Your SF-95 must include all facts, documentation, and a “sum certain”—a specific dollar amount you’re claiming.
👉 Download the SF-95 Form

Step 2: Wait for Agency Review

The agency has six months to respond. They may settle or deny your claim. If they ignore it for six months, you can proceed to court.

Step 3: File in Federal Court

If the government denies your claim, NSLF will file suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or another proper venue.
Our D.C. location means we’re minutes away from the court and from most agencies’ legal offices—giving our clients unmatched responsiveness and advocacy.

FTCA Deadlines and Legal Limits

  • 2 years to file your SF-95 administrative claim

  • 6 months to sue after denial or agency inaction

  • Attorney fees capped at 20% for settlements / 25% for litigation

  • No punitive damages (only compensatory damages are recoverable)

These rules are absolute. One missed deadline can destroy your case. That’s why early representation is critical.

Federal Agencies and Locations Commonly Involved in D.C. FTCA Claims

Our Washington, D.C. Federal Tort Claims Act lawyers routinely handle cases involving negligence, accidents, and malpractice connected to the following agencies and facilities:

  • VA Medical Center – Washington, D.C. (VA hospital malpractice, surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes)

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (for military dependents, retirees, and civilian contractors)

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — TSA negligence, baggage injuries, and security screening accidents

  • U.S. Postal Service facilities and mail truck collisions throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

  • Smithsonian Institution museums and research centers, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and National Zoo

  • National Park Service properties such as the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island, C&O Canal, and Potomac Heritage Trail (unsafe conditions, vehicle accidents, and falls)

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters and its sub-agencies:

    • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

    • U.S. Secret Service

    • Federal Protective Service (FPS)

    • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

  • Department of Justice (DOJ) facilities, including Main Justice on Pennsylvania Avenue and FBI Headquarters (federal vehicle collisions, security negligence)

  • Department of Defense (DoD) and Pentagon civilian facilities, including Fort McNair and Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling

  • U.S. Capitol Complex, including Capitol Police, Library of Congress, and Architect of the Capitol maintenance operations

  • United States Park Police and federal law enforcement agencies involved in improper arrests, excessive force, or motor vehicle accidents

  • Department of State Headquarters (Harry S. Truman Building) — visitor or contractor injuries

  • U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) properties, courthouses, and office buildings throughout D.C.

  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and NIH satellite offices (federal employee negligence or lab accidents)

  • Smithsonian Gardens, National Arboretum, and National Gallery of Art (public injuries on federally maintained grounds)

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office on Vermont Avenue (premises accidents, administrative negligence)

  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing and U.S. Mint Headquarters (contractor and visitor injuries)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters (negligent facility maintenance or employee accidents)

  • Amtrak Union Station (federal jurisdiction in mixed-state injury cases)

From Foggy Bottom to Fort McNair, from the National Mall to Navy Yard, our Washington, D.C. FTCA attorneys handle cases wherever federal negligence causes harm—whether it’s inside a secure government office, a public museum, or a restricted military installation.

Why Experience Inside the Federal System Matters

FTCA cases are not like state personal injury lawsuits.
The rules, defenses, and procedures are unique—and designed to favor the government.

You need lawyers who:

  • Understand federal agency procedure and how claims are evaluated

  • Know how DOJ trial attorneys think and negotiate

  • Can uncover hidden government evidence through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests

  • Have direct experience with the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and federal courts

At National Security Law Firm, our team includes:

  • Former federal litigators and agency counsel

  • Military JAG officers who’ve prosecuted and defended government negligence cases

  • FOIA experts who know how to obtain the records that prove liability

We combine insider intelligence with courtroom power to achieve one goal: maximum recovery for every client.

Why Clients in Washington, D.C. Choose National Security Law Firm

✅ D.C.-Based Federal Law Firm — We’re located where your case will be decided: Washington, D.C.
✅ 4.9-Star Google Reviews — Read Our Reviews
✅ Former Federal and Military Attorneys — We’ve worked inside DOJ, DHS, TSA, and the Department of Defense
✅ FOIA-Driven Evidence Strategy — We find what the government hides
✅ Nationwide Representation — We represent clients across the country in federal court
✅ Veteran-Founded and Mission-Driven — We fight for fairness, discipline, and results

Our firm doesn’t just handle FTCA cases—we live and breathe them.
We know how to take on the most powerful defendant in the country: the United States government.

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

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you were injured at a federal facility, by a federal employee, or on government property in Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the U.S., contact our FTCA attorneys today.

Your consultation is free, confidential, and pressure-free.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and create a plan to recover everything you deserve.

📞 Call 202-600-4996 or Book a Consultation Now.

Learn More About FTCA Claims

Visit our FTCA Resource Center for detailed guides, case examples, and insider strategies written by former federal attorneys.

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