§2737 Property loss; personal injury or death: incident to use of property of the United States and not cognizable under other law

Summary

The Secretary or a person they choose can pay up to $1,000 to settle certain claims against the United States that are not covered by any other law. These claims can be for damage or loss of property, or for personal injury or death. The Secretary of Defense has the same power for Defense-related claims. A claim cannot be paid if the claimant, their agent, or their employee caused the damage or injury. Payments for injury or death are limited to reasonable medical, hospital, and burial costs actually paid and not already provided by the United States. Claims must be filed in writing within two years and must be accepted by the claimant as full settlement. Claims recoverable under an indemnity law or contract, or claims someone else can legally collect (subrogation), cannot be paid. Rules should be uniform and military department rules must be approved by the Secretary of Defense.