§53911 Civil Actions for Losses

Summary

You can sue the United States in a federal admiralty (maritime) court if you disagree about a loss covered by this insurance. The suit can be filed in the federal district where you or your agent lives. If you live outside the United States, you can file in the District of Columbia or wherever the Attorney General agrees to accept the case. Anyone with an interest in the insurance can be joined to the case at the start or added later. A suit against the United States is the only legal action you can bring for the same matter against a government officer, employee, or agent. The case is decided under chapter 309 of this title. If you first file a claim with the Secretary of Transportation, the time limit to sue pauses while the Secretary considers the claim and for 60 days after a denial. If the Secretary does not act within 6 months, the claim is treated as denied unless a different period is agreed for good cause. If the Secretary admits the government owes money but people disagree who should get it, the government can ask a court to decide who gets paid. That case goes in DC or where any claimant lives. The court can order service in other reasonable ways, and if unknown claimants might exist, the court can allow notice by publishing in the Federal Register. A judgment after such publication releases the government from further liability.