What is the Federal Tort Claims Act?
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a law that allows individuals to sue the United States government in certain situations. Defined another way, the FTCA is a statutory “exception” to the general rule of sovereign immunity, which says that individuals cannot sue the government without express permission to do so. For individuals and families that have suffered great injury, harm, or the loss of a loved one at the hands of government employees, the FTCA is an incredibly powerful tool for obtaining much needed compensation and a way forward after a tragic event.
If you are facing this situation, we are very sorry, and appreciate you visiting our law firm website. We will do everything possible to help you make the best decisions to protect your future and those of your loved ones.
FTCA Cases are Complex
FTCA cases are very complex. This is one reason why so many attorneys do not venture into this area of the law. First, FTCA cases have their own set of complicated rules regarding everything from where a claim may be filed to who needs to approve any settlement reached by the parties. Second, there are exceptions to exceptions to exceptions, all of which impact an injured person’s ability to bring a successful claim against the U.S. government. For example, active military service members generally may not use the FTCA for injuries sustained while on duty. And finally, FTCA claims are impacted in different ways by state laws, something that requires an exceptional amount of skill and diligence by attorneys who represent clients in this area. If you believe you have a valid claim against the government for an act or omission that caused you significant harm, don’t try to resolve your claim alone and contact the FTCA lawyers at Capovilla & Williams today.
Common Types of FTCA Claims
While there are many restrictions and exceptions to bringing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, there are some relatively common types of events that give rise to these cases. They include:
- Medical Malpractice at military hospitals, bases, or healthcare facilities
- Medical Malpractice at the Veterans Administration
- Motor Vehicle Collisions with government cars, trucks, and equipment
- Premises Liability a.k.a. injuries suffered on dangerous property
In most FTCA claims, a government employee commits a negligent act. Running a red light while driving a military cargo vehicle that results in an injury accident is one such example. However, the U.S. government can be held liable in other situations, such as those involving intentional acts or omissions (i.e. failure to act).
For frequently asked questions and answers about the FTCA, click here.
Contact an FTCA Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured or killed by an employee of the federal government, please contact our office today at 470-308-7854 or via the form on our contact page. We will listen to the details of your specific situation and provide the best steps to take to protect your right to compensation and justice. This consultation is completely free and confidential, and if you hire our law firm, you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case through settlement or verdict. But please do not delay. Deadlines apply for filing claims and recovering compensation. Call us today.
