How Much Does an FTCA Lawyer Cost? -

When you’ve been injured by the federal government, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford legal help. Many people assume hiring a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lawyer will cost thousands upfront.

The good news? It doesn’t.

At National Security Law Firm, we represent clients in FTCA cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay us unless we win. In fact, federal law places strict limits on how much attorneys can charge in FTCA cases.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about FTCA attorney fees, costs, and payment options.

The Short Answer: You Only Pay If You Win

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, lawyer fees are capped by law — and they’re paid only out of your recovery.

That means:

You don’t pay any upfront retainer.
You don’t receive monthly invoices.
You don’t owe attorney’s fees unless your case results in a settlement or judgment.

At National Security Law Firm, we advance the costs of building and litigating your case, so you never have to worry about paying out of pocket.

The FTCA’s Attorney Fee Caps

Federal law strictly limits how much your lawyer can charge you for handling an FTCA claim.

Under 28 U.S.C. § 2678, the caps are:

20% of your recovery if the case settles at the administrative stage (before filing in court)
25% if the case proceeds to federal court

These caps apply nationwide, no matter which attorney or law firm you hire. They were created by Congress to protect injured claimants and ensure fair access to justice when suing the U.S. government.

Example:
If your case settles for $100,000 during the administrative phase, your attorney’s fee cannot exceed $20,000.
If you win $200,000 in court, the fee cap is $50,000.

No lawyer can charge you more than these percentages under federal law.

What the Fee Covers

Your contingency fee covers everything that goes into building and managing your case, including:

Case evaluation and strategy
Drafting and filing your SF-95 form
Submitting supporting evidence and documentation
Handling communications with the federal agency
Negotiating settlement offers
Filing and litigating your case in federal court if needed

In short, your lawyer doesn’t just show up at the end — they do the heavy lifting from day one.

What About Case Expenses?

In addition to attorney fees, there are sometimes case-related expenses such as:

Medical record retrieval fees
Expert witness evaluations
Filing and court fees
Travel expenses for depositions or hearings

At National Security Law Firm, we advance these costs on your behalf, so you owe nothing upfront. If we win your case, these costs are deducted from your recovery along with the capped fee.

If we don’t win, you owe nothing — period.

Legal Financing Options

We also offer legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm for clients who need flexible payment options for non-contingency matters or related cases.

This program allows clients to spread payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months with no impact on credit just to check eligibility. It’s designed to make high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.

Why Hiring an FTCA Lawyer Is Worth It

FTCA cases are not like typical personal injury lawsuits. They involve:

Strict federal procedures and deadlines
Complex jurisdictional rules
Unique defenses like the “discretionary function” exception
Negotiations with federal agencies and DOJ attorneys

Without an experienced FTCA lawyer, even small errors can lead to permanent dismissal of your claim. Having the right team ensures your case is handled correctly, on time, and for maximum recovery.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm

At National Security Law Firm, our attorneys have served inside the very agencies we now litigate against. We know the system, we know the people, and we know how to win.

We offer:

4.9-star Google Reviews
Nationwide representation from our Washington, D.C. headquarters
Former federal and military attorneys with insider experience
Free, no-pressure consultations
Contingency-based representation — you don’t pay unless we win

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

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)

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

If you’ve been injured at a VA hospital, post office, airport, or other federal property, you can afford the representation you deserve.

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

Our team will explain your options, outline costs upfront, and handle everything with no hidden fees — guaranteed.

Learn More About FTCA Claims

Visit our FTCA Resource Center for in-depth guides on:

How to File an SF-95
What a “Sum Certain” Means
How Long an FTCA Claim Takes
How Judgments Are Capped Under the FTCA

Justice shouldn’t depend on your wallet — and under the FTCA, it doesn’t have to.

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