Pennsylvania Federal Tort Claims Act Attorneys

When a federal government employee or agency causes serious harm through negligence, the path to compensation is far more complex than a standard personal injury case. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a narrow but critical legal avenue for injured people to hold the federal government accountable, and navigating it without experienced legal guidance puts your entire claim at risk. Strict deadlines, procedural requirements, and government immunity doctrines make these cases uniquely challenging, and a single misstep can permanently bar you from recovery.

Our firm handles a specific range of FTCA claims — not every type of federal tort case falls within our practice. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, our personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania focus on matters involving VA medical malpractice, military medical malpractice, serious auto accidents involving federally-owned vehicles, and injuries sustained on federal property. If your situation falls within one of these categories, we are prepared to guide you through every step of this complex process and fight to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.

What Is the Federal Tort Claims Act?

The FTCA is a federal law that waives the government’s sovereign immunity in specific circumstances, allowing private individuals to sue the United States for injuries caused by the negligent or wrongful acts of federal employees acting within the scope of their duties. Without this law, suing the federal government would be virtually impossible.

Unlike standard personal injury claims, FTCA cases must follow a specific administrative process before ever reaching federal court. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an injured party must first file an administrative claim with the responsible federal agency. If the agency denies the claim or fails to respond within six months, the claimant may then pursue the case in United States District Court. Missing any of these procedural steps can result in your claim being dismissed entirely.

How FTCA Cases Differ from Standard Personal Injury Claims

Federal tort claims are governed by a distinct set of rules that set them apart from conventional personal injury cases. The government is the defendant, not a private individual or company, and the entire process unfolds under federal law rather than state tort procedures.

Cases brought under the FTCA are also subject to strict time limits. In most circumstances, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your administrative claim with the appropriate federal agency. Missing this window may eliminate your right to pursue compensation altogether. Our medical malpractice attorneys and personal injury lawyers are well-versed in these timelines and procedural rules.

Types of FTCA Cases We Handle

Our firm focuses on a specific range of federal tort claims where the government’s negligence causes serious, life-altering harm. Each of these case types involves unique legal considerations, and we are prepared to handle the full scope of legal issues they present.

The FTCA cases we handle include:

• VA Medical Malpractice: Veterans who receive negligent medical care at a VA hospital may have a viable FTCA claim against the federal government.
• Military Medical Malpractice: Active duty service members and their families treated at military medical facilities may pursue compensation when substandard care causes harm.
• Serious Auto Accidents Involving Federally-Owned Vehicles: When a federal employee causes a serious collision while operating a government vehicle, victims may seek compensation through the FTCA.
• Injuries Sustained on Federal Property: Unsafe conditions on federally owned or managed property can give rise to an FTCA claim when those conditions cause injury to visitors or others.

Each of these claims must be handled with precision, as the rules governing federal tort actions differ considerably from those in state court. A thorough review of your situation is the best way to determine whether you have a viable path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FTCA

Who can file a federal tort claim?

Any private individual who has been injured by the negligent or wrongful act of a federal government employee acting within the scope of their official duties may be eligible to file an FTCA claim. This includes patients treated at VA or military hospitals, motorists injured by federal vehicle operators, and visitors harmed on federal property.

What compensation may be available in an FTCA claim?

Compensation in FTCA cases may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The specific damages available depend on the nature of the case and the applicable state law.

Can I sue if the federal employee was off duty?

Generally, no. For an FTCA claim to proceed, the federal employee must have been acting within the scope of their official duties at the time of the incident. Determining whether this standard is met can be complex, which is one reason legal review is so important early in the process.

What happens if my administrative claim is denied?

If the responsible federal agency denies your administrative claim or does not respond within six months, you may file a lawsuit in United States District Court. Our car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys can help you evaluate your next steps at any point in this process.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we have over 65 years of experience representing Pennsylvanians in complex and high-stakes legal matters. Our attorneys bring that same depth of knowledge and commitment to every FTCA case we handle, working diligently to protect your rights against one of the most formidable defendants in any legal system.

If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured due to the negligence of a federal employee or agency, we want to help you understand your options. To speak with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania FTCA attorney, please complete our contact form.