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Circuit Court Says U.S. Tort Claims Must State Damages in 'Sum Certain'

BY Janice G. Inman
February 25, 2010

In a case that did not involve a medical malpractice allegation but that could affect the prosecution of cases against the United States for botched medical care, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently held that a lawsuit could not go forward until a “sum certain” in damages was alleged. The case, White-Squire v. United States Postal Service, — F.3d —-, 2010 WL 293048 (C.A.3 (N.J.)), affirmed a district court's dismissal of a suit brought in accordance with the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Private Citizen Alleges Injury

On July 17, 2006, a United States Postal Service (USPS) vehicle driven by a USPS employee acting within the scope of his employment allegedly collided with a car driven by Plaintiff Monica White-Squire. On Aug. 15, 2006, White-Squire's attorney sent a letter to the USPS purporting to provide formal notice that White-Squire was pursuing a personal injury claim against it. The letter did not include a sum certain claim for damages.

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