Deadlines for suing the government
United States v. Kwai Fun Wong
In brief
The Court said FTCA filing deadlines can be extended in appropriate circumstances and returned Wong’s case to the lower court.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 5-4 · April 22, 2015 · Opinion by Justice Kagan
- What it’s about
- Kwai Fun Wong's claim against the United States raised whether the deadline for suing under the Federal Tort Claims Act could be extended in appropriate circumstances (equitable tolling).
- Who it affects
- Courts may extend FTCA filing deadlines in appropriate circumstances for people bringing claims against the United States.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court said it could, agreed with the lower-court judgment, and sent the case back to the lower court (remanded).
The FTCA permits certain claims against the United States but sets deadlines for filing them.
Question presented
1. Whether the FTCA’s filing deadlines are subject to equitable tolling. 2. Whether the deadlines are “jurisdictional” in nature, so that courts are without power to adjudicate claims filed outside their strict limits. 3. if they are not jurisdictional, whether the statute nonetheless prohibits equitable tolling.
What the Court decided
Holding
Section 2401(b)’s time limits are subject to equitable tolling. 505, affirmed and remanded.
- Result
- Affirmed
The vote
From the opinions
“Our task in these cases is to interpret and enforce a federal statute that specifies the limits of the waiver of sovereign immunity in the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).”
What's next
Wong’s case returns to the lower court for further proceedings under the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Documents
Opinions
Docket activity
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AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
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AI analysis generated: Impact Analysis
AI analysis generated: Opinion Summary
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AI analysis generated: Decision Record
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More questions
- What filing deadlines did the FTCA set?
- A claim had to be filed with the appropriate agency within two years after it arose, then in federal court within six months after the agency’s final decision.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.