Suing the Government
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) plays by a different set of rules than normal lawsuits. You need an attorney who understands the government's defense strategy from the inside out.
The Insider Advantage
Suing the United States isn't like suing a private citizen. The government is protected by "Sovereign Immunity," meaning they can only be sued under very strict conditions. One procedural misstep in the administrative process can get your case dismissed.
My Background
Before founding this firm, I served as an attorney with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
I spent years defending the government against these exact types of claims. Now, I use that experience to advocate for individuals injured by federal negligence. I know how agencies evaluate risk, and I use that insight to build the strongest possible case for you.
Accidents involving Postal Service (USPS) trucks, military recruiters, FBI vehicles, or any other government-owned fleet.
Since the driver is a federal employee, you generally cannot sue them personally. You must sue the United States under the FTCA.
Injuries caused by negligence at a Post Office, VA Hospital, Social Security office, or National Park.
If the government failed to maintain safe premises (e.g., wet floors, broken steps, ice accumulation), I can hold them accountable.
I represent Veterans and Inmates who have suffered from clear, preventable errors at VA Hospitals or BOP facilities.
This includes wrong-site surgeries, medication mix-ups, failure to follow established safety protocols, or ignoring obvious symptoms requiring emergency care.
The government has a duty to protect those in its care.
I handle claims involving failure to provide medical care to inmates, failure to protect inmates from known threats, or transport accidents involving prisoner vans.
The FTCA Process: Strict Rules & Deadlines
Before you can file a lawsuit, you must file an Administrative Tort Claim (Standard Form 95) with the specific agency responsible for your injury. This gives the agency a chance to settle the claim.
CRITICAL: You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file your Form 95. If you miss this date, your claim is likely barred forever.
Once filed, the agency has six months to investigate. You cannot file a lawsuit in federal court until the agency denies your claim OR six months have passed without a decision.
If the agency denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement, I then file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Because of my background, I am fully prepared to litigate against the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Also Handling: North Carolina State & Local Claims
If your injury was caused by a state or local government employee rather than a federal one, different rules apply. Lockridge Law Firm represents clients in both:
- NC State Agencies (Tort Claims Act): Negligence by the State Highway Patrol, NC DOT workers, or public school bus drivers. These claims are heard by the NC Industrial Commission.
- Local Law Enforcement: Excessive force, wrongful arrest, or negligence by Sheriff's Deputies or local Police Departments.
Note: Whether the defendant is the United States, the State of North Carolina, or a local Sheriff, I have the experience to navigate the specific immunity laws that protect them.
Injured by the Government?
Don't let the statute of limitations run out. Let a former government attorney handle your claim correctly from day one.
Free Case Evaluation