Most travelers assume that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other federal security officers are trained to protect, not harm. But when federal agents act carelessly — causing injury, humiliation, or property damage — the consequences can be devastating.

If this happens to you, you’re not powerless. You may have the right to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) — the law that allows individuals to recover compensation when federal employees cause injury or damage through negligence or misconduct.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we know exactly how these cases work because we’ve handled them from both sides. Our FTCA team includes former Department of Homeland Security and TSA attorneys who know the agency’s procedures, its defense strategies, and how to dismantle them.

Our mission is clear: to maximize every client’s settlement or judgment and hold the federal government accountable when its employees cross the line.

When TSA or Federal Security Negligence Causes Harm

Airport security incidents fall into two broad categories — negligence and intentional misconduct. Both can give rise to valid FTCA claims, depending on the facts.

Common Examples of TSA or Airport Security Negligence

  • Physical injury during screening – TSA officers using unnecessary force during pat-downs, causing bruises, sprains, or fractures.

  • Slip-and-fall accidents in security areas – Wet floors, misplaced bins, or unsecured equipment causing passengers to fall.

  • Property damage or loss – Mishandled baggage, broken devices, or valuable items stolen during inspection.

  • Negligent supervision or training – Inadequate oversight of TSA staff leading to repeated safety violations.

  • Emotional distress or humiliation – Unlawful searches, discriminatory treatment, or public exposure during screening.

✈️ Example: A passenger with a medical implant alerts TSA in advance. During screening, officers disregard protocols and forcibly touch the surgical site, causing injury. That’s not “routine screening” — that’s negligence.

When Misconduct Becomes a Federal Tort

Under the law enforcement proviso in the FTCA (28 U.S.C. § 2680(h)), you can also sue the government for intentional torts committed by law enforcement officers — including TSA agents, since they have authority to search, seize, and detain.

These include:

  • Assault or battery during pat-downs or detentions

  • False arrest or false imprisonment during questioning

  • Abuse of process or malicious prosecution stemming from false accusations

At NSLF, we’ve seen everything from TSA officers falsely detaining passengers over mistaken identity, to officers causing injury by ignoring clearly communicated medical conditions. In every case, our goal is the same: to prove negligence, establish liability, and maximize recovery.

For more background on suing the government for law enforcement misconduct, see our related post:
👉 Assault or False Arrest by Federal Law Enforcement: How to Hold Them Accountable.

What to Do If You Were Injured or Harmed by TSA

If you’ve been injured or wronged by TSA officers, the most important thing you can do is act quickly and document everything.

1. Gather Evidence Immediately

  • Request copies of incident reports and names of involved agents.

  • Take photos of injuries or damaged property.

  • Ask witnesses for contact information.

  • Keep all receipts for medical treatment or travel delays.

2. File an Administrative Claim (SF-95)

Under the FTCA, you must file a Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the Department of Homeland Security (which oversees TSA) before you can sue.
This must be done within two years of the incident.

For a complete walkthrough on how to file correctly, visit our Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the SF-95.

3. Don’t Go It Alone

The government may deny your claim or offer a low settlement. TSA and DHS attorneys are skilled at arguing that injuries were “routine” or “unavoidable.” That’s why hiring an experienced FTCA lawyer — one who knows TSA’s internal rules — is critical.

For tips on selecting the right representation, read:
👉 How to Choose the Right FTCA Lawyer (and Red Flags to Avoid).

Why TSA Negligence Cases Are Different

TSA cases are not like ordinary airport injury claims. They involve federal employees, sovereign immunity, and highly specialized defenses.

Common government tactics include:

  • Arguing the officers were performing “discretionary” duties immune from suit

  • Claiming the passenger “consented” to screening

  • Blaming preexisting conditions for injuries

  • Minimizing the damages or emotional impact

Our Counterstrategy:
At NSLF, we anticipate and neutralize these arguments early. Our attorneys use insider knowledge to show that the officer’s actions violated mandatory TSA protocols — which removes immunity under the discretionary function rule. We also file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover hidden reports, security logs, and internal complaints proving the agency knew of similar issues.

⚖️ We know their policies. We know their excuses. And we know how to turn their own regulations into evidence of negligence.

Damages You Can Recover

A successful FTCA claim can provide compensation for:

  • Medical expenses

  • Lost wages or missed flights

  • Property damage or loss

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress or reputational harm

If the misconduct led to lasting trauma — such as PTSD from an invasive or humiliating screening — we ensure those damages are fully documented and valued. Our goal is always full accountability and maximum compensation.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm

When you’re taking on a federal agency like TSA, you need more than a personal injury lawyer — you need a federal tort strategist.

Clients choose NSLF because:

  • ⭐ 4.9-star Google reviews (read them here)

  • 🪖 Attorneys with insider federal experience — including former DHS and TSA counsel

  • ⚖️ Nationwide representation from Washington, D.C., the center of federal law

  • 💸 Transparent pricing and legal financing options through Affirm

  • 💬 Free, no-pressure consultations

  • 💥 A relentless mission to maximize every settlement or judgment

We don’t just know TSA — we’ve worked inside the system. Now, we use that knowledge to fight for you.

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

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you were injured, humiliated, or wrongfully detained by TSA or another federal security officer, don’t let it slide. The government must be held to the same standard it demands from you.

📞 Call 202-600-4996 or book your free consultation online.
We’ll evaluate your claim, gather the evidence, and build a strategy to hold the government accountable — while you focus on moving forward.

Learn More About FTCA Claims

Visit our FTCA Resource Center for more guides and examples, including:

  • How to File Your SF-95

  • What Evidence Matters Most in FTCA Claims

  • Common FTCA Defenses (and How to Overcome Them)

  • 10 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your FTCA Settlement or Judgment

Whether your case involves TSA, Customs, or any federal security agency, our Resource Center explains your rights and how to protect them.

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