Claims Against the Federal Government

You can sue the United States. But not the way you sue anyone else.

The Federal Tort Claims Act is the only route to compensation when a federal employee injures you — a postal truck, a government fleet vehicle, negligence at a federal facility. It is also a procedural minefield. You must present an administrative claim to the correct agency, on the correct form, stating a sum certain, and wait for the agency to deny it or let six months pass, before a court will hear anything. File in court too early and the case is dismissed. Present it to the wrong agency and the clock keeps running.

There is no jury. Damages are governed by the law of the state where the act occurred. Attorney's fees are capped by statute.

A result

$450,000 in a Federal Tort Claims Act claim arising from a collision caused by a government vehicle. Our client sustained a concussion that did not resolve — more than a year of daily headaches, double vision, vertigo, and impaired memory and concentration. Her physicians kept her out of work for months and then limited her hours, and she lost more than twice as much in earnings as she incurred in medical bills.

And in the D.C. Circuit

Our lawyers have briefed and argued appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Call (202) 524-0123 for a free consultation.