Supreme Court to Decide on Liability of USPS for Missing Mail

Wed Nov 26 2025 15:56:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Supreme Court hears a case that questions the legal shield protecting the U.S. Postal Service from lawsuits over lost or delayed mail, amidst concerns of potential floodgates for litigation.

A landlord from Texas claims that USPS employees deliberately withheld her mail for two years, challenging the postal service's immunity under federal tort laws. The case raises significant concerns about the implications for both the Postal Service and future litigation if the court rules against it.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A significant legal battle is underway as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case that could redefine the limits of liability for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) concerning lost, delayed, or mishandled mail. This comes in light of accusations from a Texas landlord who claims her mail was unlawfully withheld by postal employees for two years.

Each year, especially during the holiday season, the volume of mail surges, making the stakes of this ruling even higher. The USPS argues that if the court rules in favor of the landlord, it could lead to a situation where numerous frivolous lawsuits concerning missing mail ensue.

The court case hinges on whether the special exemption that shields the USPS from lawsuits under the Federal Tort Claims Act still applies when postal workers intentionally fail to deliver mail. During a previous court session, Justice Samuel Alito raised concerns about the implications of opening floodgates for litigation, questioning the potential increase in postal rates if a multitude of lawsuits were to be litigated.

A Two-Year Battle Over Missing Mail

The landlord, Lebene Konan, alleges that she faced discrimination and mishandling of her mail directly tied to her identity as a Black property owner. After facing continuous issues with mail delivery from USPS in Euless, Texas, she resorted to filing a lawsuit after numerous complaints were ignored.

The issue began when Konan’s mailbox key was mysteriously changed, preventing her access to crucial mail, including bills and medications. Despite court orders for mail delivery, Konan claims her mail continued to be mishandled, leading to significant personal and financial repercussions.

Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of a potential ruling. While the USPS maintains that it is protected from lawsuits, recent court rulings have suggested a more nuanced view, determining that intentional actions by postal employees might fall outside the traditional exemptions afforded by the Federal Tort Claims Act.

A decision from the Supreme Court is expected next year, and the outcome could have lasting effects on the USPS's operational responsibilities and future legal accountability.