Defendant's Attorney: John M. Newman

Description: Helena, Montana personal injury car wreck lawyer represented the Plaintiffs who sued the Defendant on Federal Tort Claims Act auto negligence theory claiming to have suffered damages and/or injuries as a direct result of a motor vehicle accident caused by a federal government employee.

Here's an overview of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA):

What it is:

A federal statute that allows individuals to sue the U.S. government for injuries or damages caused by negligent or wrongful acts of its employees.
It waives the government's sovereign immunity in certain cases, permitting lawsuits that would otherwise be barred.

Key Provisions:

Scope of liability: The FTCA covers most tort claims, including personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death, arising from the negligent or wrongful acts of federal employees acting within the scope of their employment.
Exceptions: The Act excludes certain claims, such as those related to military activities, discretionary functions, and intentional torts.
Claims process: To initiate a claim, an individual must file an administrative claim with the appropriate federal agency within two years of the injury. If denied, they can file a lawsuit in federal court within six months of the denial.
Damages: Recoverable damages under the FTCA are generally the same as those available in private tort actions, including economic damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering). However, punitive damages are not available.

Common Examples of FTCA Claims:

Medical malpractice at a VA hospital
Injuries caused by defective government-manufactured products
Negligence by a federal employee operating a motor vehicle
Wrongful death due to a federal agency's failure to maintain safe premises

Important Considerations:

The FTCA is a complex statute with specific procedural requirements and deadlines. It's advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in FTCA claims if you believe you have a potential claim against the federal government.
The government has certain defenses available under the FTCA, such as the discretionary function exception, which may limit liability in some cases.
Damages under the FTCA are often subject to caps and limitations.

Additional Resources:

U.S. Department of Justice, FTCA website: https://www.house.gov/doing-business-with-the-house/leases/federal-tort-claims-act
Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1346(b), 2671-2680

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Outcome: Settled for an undisclosed sum and dismissed with prejudice.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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