Federal Tort Claims Act

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a U.S. law allowing individuals to sue the federal government for certain wrongful acts, such as negligence, that result in personal injury or property damage. Before the FTCA, the government was largely immune to lawsuits. Under this law, claims must be filed with the appropriate federal agency before proceeding to court. It does not cover all claims—such as those involving intentional misconduct or certain discretionary actions—and has specific procedural requirements. The FTCA helps ensure accountability and provides a legal pathway for victims seeking compensation from the federal government.