Statutes, codes, and regulations
Code of Federal Regulations
Title 43 - PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIORSubtitle A - OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIORPart 22 - ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EMPLOYEES
Subpart A - ADMINISTRATIVE TORT CLAIMS
Section 22.2 - Provisions of law and regulations thereunder

43 C.F.R. § 22.2

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Current through November 30, 2024
Section 22.2 - Provisions of law and regulations thereunder
(a) Section 2672 of title 28 U.S. Code, as above amended, provides that:

The head of each Federal agency or his designee, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, and settle any claim for injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the agency while acting within the scope of his office or employment, under circumstances where the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred: Provided, That any award, compromise, or settlement in excess of $25,000 shall be effected only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his designee.

Subject to the provisions of this title relating to civil actions on tort claims against the United States, any such award, compromise, settlement, or determination shall be final and conclusive on all officers of the Government, except when procured by means of fraud.

Any award, compromise, or settlement in an amount of $2,500 or less made pursuant to this section shall be paid by the head of the Federal agency concerned out of appropriations available to that agency. Payment of any award, compromise, or settlement in an amount in excess of $2,500 made pursuant to this section or made by the Attorney General in any amount pursuant to section 2677 of this title shall be paid in a manner similar to judgments and compromises in like causes and appropriations or funds available for the payment of such judgments and compromises are hereby made available for the payment of awards, compromises, or settlements under this chapter.

The acceptance by the claimant of any such award, compromise, or settlement shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, and shall constitute a complete release of any claim against the United States and against the employee of the Government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter.

(b) Subsection (a) of section 2675 of said title 28 provides that:

An action shall not be instituted upon a claim against the United States for money damages for injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Government while acting within the scope of his office or employment, unless the claimant shall have first presented the claim to the appropriate Federal agency and his claim shall have been finally denied by the agency in writing and sent by certified or registered mail. The failure of any agency to make final disposition of a claim within 6 months after it is filed shall, at the option of the claimant any time thereafter, be deemed a final denial of the claim for purposes of this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to such claims as may be asserted under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by third party complaint, cross-claim, or counter-claim.

(c) Section 2678 of said title 28, as amended, provides that no attorney shall charge fees in excess of 25 percent of a judgment or settlement after litigation, or in excess of 20 percent of administrative settlements.
(d) Subsection (b) of section 2679 of said title 28 provides that tort remedies against the United States resulting from the operation of any employee of the Government of any motor vehicle while acting within the scope of his employment shall be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding against the employee or his estate.
(e) Subsection (b) of section 2401 of said title 28 provides:

A tort claim against the United States shall be forever barred unless it is presented in writing to the appropriate Federal agency within 2 years after such claim accrues or unless action is begun within 6 months after the date of mailing, by certified or registered mail, of notice of final denial of the claim by the agency to which it was presented.

(f) The Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended, shall apply to claims accruing 6 months or more after date of its enactment (date of enactment, July 18, 1966).
(g) Pursuant to section 2672 of title 28, United States Code, as amended, the Attorney General has issued regulations (herein referred to as "the Regulations"; 28 CFR part 14 ), prescribing standards and procedures for settlement of tort claims (31 FR 16616). The officers to whom authority is delegated to settle tort claims shall follow and be guided by such Regulations ( 28 CFR part 14 ).

43 C.F.R. §22.2