A Fast Resolution for a Client's Changing Priorities - FTCA Claim Resolves for $400,000

When priorities change for our clients, it matters to us too. Here at Rawls Law Group, we handle FTCA claims against the VA from start to finish on a constant and regular basis, and we have been doing so for decades. Naturally, we know better than anyone that navigating FTCA claims is usually not a quick process. In our experience, claims can often take a year or more

depending on how (un)responsive the agency is. However, not everyone has time to waste.

We filed a recurrent prostate cancer claim for a veteran in the summer of 2024, and from our perspective, it was a strong one. Despite the clear liability, more than a year went by without any real movement from the VA.

Over that year, our client’s condition declined dramatically, and he was projected to only have a few months left. Suddenly, and quite reasonably, his goals shifted. He now wanted to resolve his claim quickly so he could focus on more meaningful and positive things in his final days than navigating a tort claim against the VA hospital that hurt him.

After talking with our client about his status, we decided to turn up the heat on the agency. When our firm finds ourselves in a position like this, it does not hurt to have built a reputation for being unafraid of filing suit in federal court on an FTCA claim when our clients don’t get a fair shake. It also doesn’t hurt to have long-standing working relationships with some of the agency’s staff attorneys.

Over the next few weeks, we were able to negotiate and resolved the claim for $400,000. This veteran had his money shortly after, and he’s now able to spend the rest of his time doing what matters most to him, with some extra money in hand, instead of waiting around to see if the VA would pay up for the harm it caused him.

When it comes to negotiating with the federal agencies our clients are up against, reputation and experience with handling these FTCA claims is important. Being able to use our knowledge to serve our clients’ unique and changing goals is what it’s all about. Every client is important to us, and we won’t forget this special victory.