Can a civilian sue a military member?

Asked by: Mrs. Jany Leuschke IV  |  Last update: August 12, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)

A: Almost anyone is eligible to sue the military for harm or injury caused by them. This includes dependents, retirees, and all other citizens of the United States. The exception to this would be individuals who are/were serving in the military at the time of injury.

Can civilian sue the military?

While civilians can technically sue the military for accidents under certain conditions, the path is fraught with legal complexities and statutory limitations. The FTCA provides a route, but it is hedged with exceptions that protect military and other government functions from civil liability.

Is the military immune to lawsuits?

United States generally bars individuals from pursuing tort lawsuits against the United States for injuries arising from active-duty military service, establishing what is known as the Feres doctrine.

Can you sue the military for emotional distress?

(vii) Claims for negligent infliction of emotional distress may only be entertained when the claimant suffered physical injury arising from the same incident as the claim for emotional distress, or the claimant is the immediate family member of an injured party/decedent, was in the zone of danger and manifests physical ...

Can a civilian report a military member?

Anyone, including civilians with no Air Force affiliation, may file Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) complaints. Depending on the circumstances, the IG may also accept complaints from dependents or relatives of active duty members and retirees and their dependents.

Why a Civilian Attorney Without Military Experience Should NOT Defend a Military Case | Tim Bilecki

44 related questions found

Do civilians have authority over military?

Yet, civilians today, for the most part, the president and his staff -- as well as the secretary of defense -- remain firmly in control of the nation's military establishment.

How to file a complaint against a service member?

FOR COMPLAINTS

To report waste, fraud or abuse, or to submit a complaint regarding an ethics violation, please contact the DoD Office of Inspector General Hotline or call 800-424-9098 (Toll-Free).

How do I file a lawsuit against the military?

To file a tort claim against the U.S. Army, contact the claims office at the installation or medical center where the loss, damage, or injury occurred. A list of claims offices can be found here. Claims should be filed on a Standard Form 95 (Claim for Damage, Injury or Death).

Can you sue someone for PTSD?

In California, individuals who develop PTSD due to the actions or negligence of another party can file a claim to seek compensation for their damages.

What is negligence in the military?

A negligence or military activity claim arises from damage or loss of property or personal injury or death due to activities of the Army and the Department of Defense.

What is the Ferris doctrine?

Feres doctrine is a legal doctrine that prevents members of the armed forces who are injured while on active duty from successfully suing the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) . The doctrine was articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Feres v.

Can you sue the military for not paying you?

Military Pay Claims at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Federal law allows you to sue the U.S. government for payment of money as a result of the wrongful discharge, improper retirement, denial of promotion, service-related disability, and incorrect military records under some circumstances.

What is the military claims act?

The MCA is a mechanism to administratively settle and pay claims arising from personal injury, death, or damage and loss of real or personal property caused by the Department of Defense (DOD).

Does military law apply to civilians?

In the United States, however, civilians—even those forming part of a service community abroad—cannot in peacetime be tried at all under the military process, though they may become subject to military jurisdiction in time of war.

Can a civilian sue the VA?

Sovereign immunity generally prohibits people from suing the federal government. However, the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) allows you to sue the VA for injuries under certain circumstances. How long do I have to file a FTCA claim? You have up to two years from your date of injury to file a FTCA administrative claim.

Can I sue the military for harassment?

Unlike civilians, service member survivors of sexual harassment and assault are not allowed to sue the military for compensation for damages that occur in the workplace.

What is the average payout for PTSD?

The average PTSD settlement amount is often between $10,000 and $100,000. Factors that influence the amount include injury severity, loss of income, how fault is determined, and the impact of injuries on everyday life.

What are the 7 symptoms of PTSD?

Arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • Being easily startled.
  • Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge.
  • Having difficulty concentrating.
  • Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts.
  • Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior.

What is the most you can sue for emotional distress?

The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.

How do I file a complaint against a military member?

Although you may contact the DOD Hotline at any time, a faster way to resolve your complaint is usually to first contact your local or command-level Inspector General's Office. Call the Inspector General Hotline at 800-424-9098.

Can you sue the military for pain and suffering?

A: Almost anyone is eligible to sue the military for harm or injury caused by them. This includes dependents, retirees, and all other citizens of the United States. The exception to this would be individuals who are/were serving in the military at the time of injury.

What is the Navy Code 15?

Code 15 is the principal advisor to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy on Claims Policy and Tort/Admiralty Litigation matters; advisor to the Navy and other U.S. Government agencies on Maritime Law matters; certifies closest possible compliance for lights, day shapes, and sound signals on DoN vessels when they are ...

Can you anonymously report someone in the military?

You are not required to identify yourself when submitting a DoD Hotline complaint. In addition to filing anonymously (where you do not give your name to the DoD Hotline), you may choose to provide your name and request confidentiality.

How do I sue someone for bad service?

Yes, it is possible to sue a business for bad customer service, but the case needs to involve more than mere dissatisfaction with the service. There must be a violation of a legal duty or right, such as false advertising, breach of contract, discrimination, or other illegal practices.

What are the human rights of veterans?

What are my rights as a protected veteran? As a protected veteran under VEVRAA, you have the right to work in an environment free of discrimination. You cannot be denied employment, harassed, demoted, terminated, paid less or treated less favorably because of your veteran status.