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U.S. Attorneys' Manual

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U.S. Attorneys' Manual
Title 4: Civil

4-5.000 - Tort Litigation

4-5.100 Tort Litigation—Generally
4-5.110 Torts Branch Components—Aviation and Admiralty
4-5.120 Torts Branch Components——Constitutional and Specialized Torts
4-5.130 Torts Branch Components——Environmental Torts (formerly Environmental and Occupational Disease Litigation)
4-5.140 Torts Branch Components——Federal Tort Claims Act Staff
4-5.200 Torts Branch Procedures——Conduct of FTCA Litigation
4-5.220 Torts Branch Procedures——Substantive Considerations in FTCA Litigation
4-5.230 Torts Branch Procedures——Settlement of Federal Tort Claims Act Suits
4-5.240 Torts Branch Procedures——FTCA Payment Procedure
4-5.300 Aviation and Admiralty Litigation——Contacts and Mailing Information
4-5.310 Admiralty Litigation
4-5.320 Aviation Litigation
4-5.400 Constitutional and Specialized Torts—Key Staff and Contact Information
4-5.410 Constitutional and Specialized Torts——Introduction
4-5.412 Constitutional Torts——Representation Process
4-5.415 Constitutional Torts——Appealability of Immunity Claims
4-5.420 National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program——Contacts and Mailing Information
4-5.421 National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program——Introduction
4-5.422 Disposition of Cases Under the Vaccine Program
4-5.423 Action Following Receipt of a Vaccine Case
4-5.430 Radiation Exposure Compensation Program——Contacts and Mailing Information
4-5.431 Radiation Exposure Compensation Program——Introduction
4-5.432 Radiation Exposure Compensation Program——Categories and Criteria
4-5.437 Action Following Receipt of a Radiation Program Claim
4-5.500 Environmental Torts Contacts and Mailing Information
4-5.510 Environmental Torts (Formerly Environmental and Occupational Disease Litigation (EODL))——Introduction
4-5.520 Conduct of Toxic Tort and Asbestos Litigation
4-5.600 Federal Tort Claims Act Staff——Contacts and Mailing Information
4-5.610 FTCA Staff——Introduction
4-5.620 FTCA Staff——Research and Guidance Materials
4-5.630 FTCA Staff——Substitution of the United States for Federal Employees
4-5.640 FTCA Staff——Medical Care Recovery Act Cases
4-5.650 FTCA Staff——Medicare Recovery Cases

4-5.100 - Tort Litigation—Generally

Tort litigation against the Federal Government is under the general supervision of the Civil Division's Torts Branch. The Torts Branch has four different litigation offices or staffs, each of which specializes in a different area.

  • The Aviation and Admiralty Staff handles claims arising out of the government's role as aircraft or ship owner and as regulator of both air traffic and the nation's coastal and inland waterways.
  • The Constitutional and Specialized Torts Staff has three core missions: (1) Individual capacity representation of federal employees who have been sued, subpoenaed or charged for actions taken within the scope of their employment; (2) Defending the Secretary of Health and Human Services in his official capacity against claims seeking recovery of money damages under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program; and (2) Administratively adjudicating claims for compensation from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program.
  • The Environmental Torts (formerly Environmental and Occupational Disease Litigation) Staff handles property and personal injury cases involving toxic substances in the environment, the workplace, and government-owned housing.
  • The Federal Tort Claims Act Staff handles all other tort claims, including traditional actions against the government for personal injury and property damage.

Cases brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act may be the responsibility of any one of the four staffs, depending upon the subject matter. Although different categories of tort cases are the responsibility of the different staffs of the Torts Branch, many aspects of defending a federal tort lawsuit are common to all, or several, categories of tort cases. For example, many of the defenses available under the Federal Tort Claims Act may be equally applicable in aviation cases, general tort cases, and cases involving exposure to hazardous substances. Similarly, it is not uncommon for a single case to present alternative causes of action which cross the boundary between particular categories. For example, a single case will often include both a constitutional tort claim against individuals and a general tort claim against the government. In addition, as will be discussed, infra, some related contract issues may be handled by the Torts Branch, and, in some circumstances, cases may be the joint responsibility of the Torts Branch and other components of the Civil Division or other Divisions of the Department.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.110 - Torts Branch Components—Aviation and Admiralty

The Aviation and Admiralty staff represents the government in its role as owner of ships and regulator of the nation's coastal waters and inland waterways. Admiralty litigation may involve suits under statutes such as the Suits in Admiralty Act, the Public Vessels Act, and the Contract Disputes Act. Issues in admiralty may involve cargo damage, ship collision, contracts, and pollution in navigable waters. Aviation litigation arises from private and military air carrier operations and from the government's ownership and operation of both civil and military aircraft. The government's role in air traffic control, aircraft and airport certification, and dissemination of weather information is often involved in these cases.

4-5.120 - Torts Branch Components—Constitutional and Specialized Torts

The Constitutional and Specialized Torts staff represents current and former federal employees in their individual capacities against claims challenging conduct undertaken within the scope of their employment and seeking to recover money damages from their personal assets. Most commonly, these are personal liability, constitutional tort claims which under some circumstances may be inferred by the district courts. See Bivens v. Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971).

Exception. Any case challenging the adequacy of medical care for incarcerated persons, including those asserting Bivens claims, falls within the responsibility of the FTCA staff.

Constitutional and Specialized Torts Staff attorneys also represent the Secretary of Health and Human Services in his official capacity in cases seeking to recovery money damages under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. These cases are litigated in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and involve allegations of injuries and death caused by certain vaccines.

Finally, Constitutional Torts Staff personnel are responsible for reviewing and adjudicating claims seeking compensation for injuries caused by certain types of radiation exposure, under procedures created by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.130 - Torts Branch Components—Environmental Torts (formerly Environmental and Occupational Disease Litigation)

The Environmental Torts (ET) staff defends the United States in cases arising from allegations of personal injuries and property damage due to exposure to toxic materials resulting from federal activities. Ongoing litigation addresses complaints of injuries caused by air, surface-water, or groundwater contamination; housing and facility construction/renovation programs; and radiation experimentation. These cases include exposure to substances such as TCE, PCBs and dioxins, asbestos, lead-based paint, Agent Orange, Legionnella bacteria, radiation, electric magnetic fields and biological agents. Tort cases alleging toxic injury to persons or property in the course of EPA's clean-up activities are the responsibility of ET.

4-5.140 - Torts Branch Components—Federal Tort Claims Act Staff

The Federal Tort Claims Act Staff defends the government against tort suits including, for example, such areas as medical malpractice, personal injuries attributed to the actions of government employees, and Governmental Regulatory activities. This staff is also responsible for affirmative tort claims not encompassed within another staff's responsibilities. Any tort suit not within the responsibility of the other three staffs is the responsibility of the FTCA Staff.

4-5.200 - Torts Branch Procedures—Conduct of FTCA Litigation

Upon service of a complaint sounding in tort, the United States Attorney shall promptly forward a copy of that complaint to the appropriate component within the Torts Branch. The forwarding letter should indicate the date of service on the United States Attorney's Office and the name of the judge to whom the case has been assigned.

See USAM 4-1.310 et seq.

If an adverse judgment is received in a delegated FTCA case, the amount of the judgment is less than $500,000 and no significant issue is presented by the adverse decision, and both the United States Attorney and the affected agency recommend against appeal, the judgment can be promptly forwarded to the Tort Branch Director responsible for the matter who is authorized to determine against appeal, provided the determination is made within thirty days after entry of judgment. All other matters involving adverse judgments, the adverse judgments along with comments and supporting materials must be forwarded to the Appellate Staff: a copy of these materials also should be forwarded to the Torts Branch.

Copies of all compromise memoranda should be forwarded to the appropriate Torts Branch staff. addresses are provided in USAM 4-5.300, 400, 500, and 600.

[cited in USAM 4-1.600]

4-5.220 - Torts Branch Procedures—Substantive Considerations in FTCA Litigation

The Assistant United States Attorney assigned to a tort suit is expected to assume full responsibility for preparation of an aggressive, professional defense to the suit, unless the suit is one assigned to be handled directly by a component of the Torts Branch. The initial letter from the Torts Branch will request the agency to forward a litigation report to the Assistant United States Attorney. This litigation report will be the starting point for development of the facts and legal position to be taken in the litigation. However, the Assistant United States Attorney is responsible for ensuring that each reasonable legal and factual defense is pursued regardless of whether the agency litigation report identifies the defense. The Torts Branch Monographs and, particularly the FTCA Staff's Monograph "Checklist of FTCA Defenses," provide assistance.

The Assistant United States Attorney should obtain approval from the appropriate Torts Branch Staff prior to raising the "discretionary function exception" defense in any case and may well desire to consult with the Branch when a difficult issue pertaining to any of the exceptions or exclusions to the Federal Tort Claims Act arises. If the case is designated as a monitored case, Assistant United States Attorney may seek assistance from the Torts Branch attorney or reviewer designated in the initial letter from the Torts Branch to the agency requesting a litigation report. If the case is designated as a delegated case, the author of the appropriate Monograph, if any, should be contacted or inquiry may be made by calling the responsible Director's office.

The FTCA is the exclusive remedy for common law torts committed by federal employees acting in the scope of employment. United States Attorneys are authorized to make the certification required by law (28 U.S.C. § 2679(d)(1)) in order to substitute the United States for a federal employee against whom a common law tort suit is brought. See 28 C.F.R. § 15.3.

4-5.230 - Torts Branch Procedures—Settlement of Federal Tort Claims Act Suits

United States Attorneys responsible for the defense of FTCA or other tort litigation (e.g., Suits in Admiralty Act or Vessels Act) are currently delegated $1,000,000 in settlement authority, subject to the limitations set forth in Civil Directive No. 1-15, 28 C.F.R. Part O, Subpart y, App. If a United States Attorney seeks to settle for an amount in excess of the delegated authority, a detailed justification for the settlement must be forwarded to the Torts Branch. The responsible Director will then make a recommendation to the Assistant Attorney General (or if the proposed amount is in excess of $4,000,000 to the Associate Attorney General). Although the Torts Branch endeavors to expedite consideration of settlement proposals, opposing counsel and, if necessary, the court should be informed that immediate action cannot be guaranteed on any settlement proposal.It is customary to consult with the Torts Branch during settlement negotiations when any concern arises regarding the advisability of settlement or of the amount of the settlement. Although authority to settle a case can be obtained in exceptional cases prior to submission of an authorized offer from the other party(ies) to the case, this procedure is highly disfavored and should not be used unless special justification for its use is provided. However, the Torts Branch will provide counsel as to what amount it will recommend to the Assistant Attorney General in advance of initiation or completion of settlement negotiations.

Stipulations for admissions which are tantamount to a stipulation of liability must be approved by whatever level of authority is appropriate based on the highest reasonably predictable judgment that the court could enter predicated upon the stipulation or admission.

[updated October 2015]

4-5.240 - Torts Branch Procedures—FTCA Payment Procedure

The procedures for payment of an FTCA settlement should not be initiated until after all required approvals are obtained. Most FTCA settlements are paid by means of a Treasury check issued upon making a request to the Department of the Treasury. Forms for use in transmitting a request for payment to the Treasury Department are included in the Civil Resource Manual at 224 et seq.

Structured settlement agreements require careful attention to the terms and provisions of the agreement. The Torts Branch is available to be consulted regarding the particular terms of a structured settlement. Copies of the final settlement papers should be forwarded to the Torts Branch for retention. In the event that a reversionary trust provision is included in a structured settlement, the trust should include a requirement that the reversionary interest be paid to the United States Treasury in care of the Torts Branch pursuant to the terms of the agreement.

[updated July 2009]

4-5.300 - Aviation and Admiralty Litigation—Contacts and Mailing Information

Gary W. Allen, Director, (202) 616-4000, SS07(ALLEN).

Admiralty: David V. Hutchinson, Assistant Director for Afmiralty, (202) 616-4126, SS07(HUTCHINS); Debra J. Kossow, Senior Admiralty Counsel, (202) 616-4070, SS07 (KOSSOW); Scott R. Blaze, Senior Admiralty Counsel, (202)616-4042, SS07(BLAZE).

Aviation: Kathlynn Fadely, Assistant Director for Aviation, (202) 616-4044, SS07(FADELY); Steven J. Riegel, Senior Aciation Counsel, (202) 616-4049, SS07(RIEGEL); James C. Wilson, Senior Aviation Counsel, (202) 616-4081, SS07 (OMALLEY).

New York Field Office: Janis Schulmeisters, Attorney in Charge, (212)264-0480, civ20(jschulme); Jack S. Rockafellow, Assistant Attorney in Charge, (212) 264-0482, civ20Ijrockafe). Mailing & Delivery: Aviation & Admiralty Litigation, Torts Branch, Civil Division, 26 Federal Plaza, Suite 320, Ney York, NY 10278-0140.

West Coast Field Office: Philip A. Berns, Attorney in Charge, (415) 436-6630, CIV21(PBERNS); Warren A. Schneider, Assistant Attorney in Charge, (415) 436-6645, CIV21(WSCHNEID). Mailing: Aviation & Admiralty Litigation, Torts Branch, Civil Division, West Coast Field Office 450 Golden Gate Ave., P.O. Box 36028, San Francisco, CA 94102-3463.

4-5.310 - Admiralty Litigation

The Admiralty staff of the Torts Branch specializes, on the defensive side, in cases involving collisions at sea, groundings, seamen's injuries, search and rescue and other actions relating to the government's regulation of the nation's waterways. On the affirmative side, the cases include mortgage foreclosure, oil pollution and damage to government property. The admiralty staff also handles cases filed in district courts involving maritime contracts, both defensive and affirmative. The Admiralty staff generally retains primary responsibility for the defense of admiralty litigation, including preparation and trial. In any admiralty case handled primarily by an Assistant United States Attorney, there should be close cooperation with the Admiralty staff.

Two field offices handle the bulk of New York and West Coast maritime cases, because of the number of cases arising in these port areas and the active presence of major client agencies there. Maritime cases involving New York or nearby environs are generally handled in the New York Field Office located in New York City. Caes brought in West Coast states, as well as in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam are generally handled in the West Coast Field Office in San Francisco.

[cited in USAM 4-5.200]

4-5.320 - Aviation Litigation

The Aviation staff specializes in the defense of aviation cases arising primarily out of the activities of the FAA, NWS, NOAA and the military services. The Aviation staff generally retains primary responsibility for the defense of aviation litigation, including preparation and trial, particularly if questions of broad national import with particular precedential significance are involved, or if the litigation will raise questions concerning the use of air traffic control services or dissemination of weather and in-flight information to operators of commercial and private aircraft. In any aviation case handled primarily by an Assistant United States Attorney, there should be close cooperation with the Aviation Staff.

4-5.400 - Constitutional and Specialized Torts—Key Staff and Contact Information

Rupa Bhattacharyya, Director, (202) 305-0008.
Sal D'Alessio, Assistant Director,(202) 616-4168 or (202) 353-5329.

Andrea McCarthy, Senior Trial Counsel, (202) 616-4175.
Richard Montague, Senior Trial Counsel, (202) 616-4158.
Mary Hampton Mason, Senior Trial Counsel, (202) 616-4123.

Paul Michael Brown, Senior Counsel for Instructional Activities, (202) 616-4167.

 

Vaccine Injury Compensation Act Internet Homepage Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Internet Homepage

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7146, Washington, DC 20044-7146
Physical Address: 1425 New York Avenue, Suite 8122, Washington, DC 20005

E-mail for Individual Capacity Representation Requests: doj.representation@usdoj.gov

[updated October 2016] [cited in USAM 4-5.200]

4-5.410 - Constitutional and Specialized Torts—Introduction

The Constitutional Torts staff defends present and former federal employees against claims seeking to recover money damages from their personal assets in suits challenging conduct undertaken in the scope of federal employment. Under 28 U.S.C. §§516 to 519, the Attorney General and the Department of Justice are responsible for attending to the interests of the United States in litigation, which includes providing individual capacity representation in this context.

Policy guidelines pertaining to individual capacity representation are found at 28 C.F.R. §§ 50.15 and 50.16.

Caution. Department attorneys are forbidden from providing individual capacity representation to federal employees unless individual capacity representation has been approved under the procedures set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(1) and (a)(2). This ban includes removal of suits filed in state court.

Exception. While a request for individual capacity representation is pending, Department attorneys may seek an extension of time for the defendant employee to respond to a complaint, provided the motion makes it clear the Department attorney is appearing for that limited purpose.

The overwhelming majority of requests from federal employees for individual capacity representation by Department Attorneys are processed by the Constitutional Torts staff. Accordingly, agency counsel should forward the papers described in 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(1) and (a)(2) to the Constitutional Torts Staff, preferably by email, to the address listed above.

Exception. Any case challenging the adequacy of medical care for incarcerated persons, including those asserting Bivens claims, falls within the responsibility of the FTCA staff.

Personal damages claims against individuals raise special concerns that are critical to their defense and with which the government attorney must be able to deal effectively. These are discussed briefly in subsequent sections.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.412 - Constitutional Torts—Representation Process

Generally. Personal representation of government employees is necessary only when they are sued in an individual capacity for damages. When a government employee is sued in an official capacity, the real defendant is the United States and should relief be awarded, it would be against the resources of the United States. Kentucky v. Graham, 473 US 159 (1985). As a matter of course Department attorneys represent federal officials sued in their official capacities for declaratory, injunctive or other forms of relief, and 28 C.F.R. § 50.15 is not implicated.

When an employee (present or former) is sued in his or her individual capacity, he or she is the personal target of the lawsuit. The plaintiff seeks recovery from the personal assets of the employee as opposed to the assets of the United States. The employee is named in the caption as a party defendant as required under Rule 10(a) and the prayer for relief demands money damages.

What about federal employees who testify at depositions? Are they entitled to individual capacity representation? Generally speaking, no. The employee is a witness, not a party and faces no claim seeking to recover money damages.

Situations in Which Individual Capacity Representation is Generally Not Available. Department of Justice representation is generally not available in a federal criminal proceeding or investigation. 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(4). Nor is it available in a civil case if the employee is the subject of a federal criminal investigation concerning the act or acts for which he seeks representation. See 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(5) to (7). In such a civil case, however, private counsel may be provided to the employee at federal expense, provided no decision has been made to seek an indictment or file an information against the employee. 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(7).

Criteria for Individual Capacity Representation. There is a two-part test. First, the employee's actions giving rise to the suit must reasonably appear to have been performed within the scope of federal employment. Second, it must be in the interest of the United States to provide the requested representation. 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a).

The Department of Justice is ultimately responsible for making the scope and interest determinations after reviewing the recommendation and analysis provided by the agency that employed the defendant. Because the executive is responsible for determining the interests of the United States in litigation, decisions of this nature are precluded from judicial review by the doctrine of separation of powers. Falkowski v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 764 F.2d 907 (D.C. Cir. 1985), reh'g denied, 783 F.2d 252 (D.C.Cir.), cert. denied, 478 U.S. 1013 (1986).

Procedure for Requesting Department of Justice Representation.

Generally. Department of Justice representation is neither automatic nor compulsory; federal employees are free to retain counsel of their choice at their own expense. Every individual defendant who desires Department of Justice representation must request it in writing. The written request should be submitted to the individual's employing agency (usually the Office of the General Counsel, Chief Counsel, or Solicitor) along with a copy of the summons and complaint or other legal papers. The agency should then forward the request with all available factual information to the Department of Justice with a recommendation as to whether representation should be provided based upon the criteria of "scope" and "interest."

Time-Sensitive Requests. If a request for individual capacity representation must be considered promptly, it should be emailed to the address listed above and followed by a telephone call to the Director of the Constitutional Torts Staff to advise regarding the short suspense date. In some rare cases an oral request for "conditional" approval may be made. See 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(1). Such requests must be supplemented by a written representation request package as soon as possible. Finally, as noted, above, United States Attorneys have automatic authority to seek extensions of time in which to respond to a complaint.

Representation Agreements. Once individual capacity representation is approved, the litigating attorney should forward a Form 399 to the client for signature and return. The form sets forth the limitations of Department of Justice representation so that the client may be fully informed before he or she enters into the attorney-client relationship. See Department of Justice Order 2770.5.

Appellate Review. Whenever the Solicitor General declines to authorize an appeal on behalf of an employee or representation of the employee involves assertion of a position that conflicts with the interest of the United States, the Department may not continue to represent the employee if: (1) the employee does not knowingly agree to forego appeal or waive assertion of the position; or (2) the assigned attorney determines, after consultation with his or her supervisor (and, if appropriate, with the litigating division) that an appeal or assertion of the position is necessary to the employee's adequate representation. 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(11). However, in appropriate cases, private counsel may be provided at federal expense. 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a)(11)(iii).

Payment of Adverse Judgments. Regardless of whether representation is provided by the Department of Justice, a federal employee remains personally responsible for the satisfaction of a judgment entered solely against the employee; there is no right to compel indemnification from the United States or an agency thereof in the event of an adverse judgment. However, the Attorney General may authorize indemnification of Department of Justice employees for adverse judgments or, in exceptional circumstances, for adverse settlements. See 28 C.F.R. § 50.15 (c). Some other agencies have similar regulations allowing indemnification of their employees.

Private Counsel. Where conflicts in the factual or legal positions of a number of defendants make representation by a single attorney impossible, retention of private counsel at government expense may be authorized, provided the scope and interest criteria have been satisfied and subject to the availability of funds. See 28 C.F.R. § 50.15(a) (10) and 50.16. Special written agreements between the Department of Justice and private counsel are required. See Administrative Directive 2120.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.415 - Constitutional Torts—Appealability of Immunity Claims

The current immunity doctrines not only are designed to protect officials from liability but from the burdens of litigation as well. Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800 (1982). Accordingly, an order denying an absolute immunity defense is immediately appealable, to the extent that it turns on an issue of law. Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511, 530 (1985).

[updated May 2012]

4-5.420 - National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program—Contacts and Mailing Information

Rupa Bhattacharyya, Director, 202-305-0008
Vincent J. Matanoski, Deputy Director, 202-616-4124
Gabrielle M. Fielding, Assistant Director, 202-616-4359
Vorris Johnson, Assistant Director, 202-616-4136

Mailing:
Office of Vaccine Litigation
Torts Branch, Civil Division
United States Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146

Web sites:
http://www.justice.gov/civil/common/comp_progs.html
http://www.hrsa.gov/Vaccinecompensation/index.html

[updated October 2016]

4-5.421 - National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program—Introduction

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 through 34) (the "Program"), which is part of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (the "Vaccine Act"), establishes a "no fault" compensation system for persons injured by certain vaccines set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. Claimants need not establish that the vaccine was defective, or that any degree of negligence was involved in its administration. The only liability-related question is causation—did the vaccine cause the injury for which compensation is sought. The Act prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages against a manufacturer or vaccine administrator for a "vaccine-related injury or death" unless the individual has first pursued a claim under the Vaccine Act. By offering an alternative to traditional tort actions against vaccine administrators and manufacturers for alleged serious adverse reactions, the Program recognizes and furthers the public interest in encouraging the availability and use of these vaccines.

Note. Currently, the vaccines covered under the Program are: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, Haemophilus influenzae type b, rotavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, trivalent influenza vaccines, human papillomavirus, and meningococcal vaccines.

The Vaccine Litigation Group in the Torts Branch of the Civil Division defends all claims brought against the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Vaccine Act. The cases are filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims by individuals claiming to have suffered injuries as a result of the receipt of certain vaccines. The cases routinely involve claims of catastrophic injuries or death. As a result, the cases present unique challenges and require diverse litigation skills of the Department of Justice trial attorneys who defend them.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.422 - Disposition of Cases Under the Vaccine Program

The Vaccine Act established within the United States Court of Federal Claims an Office of Special Masters. When a petition for vaccine compensation is filed, the chief special master assigns the case to a special master who makes an initial determination as to whether entitlement to an award should be granted. In many cases, a trial is necessary to decide the issue of entitlement under the Program. Although the court is located in Washington, D.C., the entitlement hearing is usually held in the state where the vaccine-injured party resides.

A finding of vaccine-causation is made in one of two ways. The claimant may show vaccine-causation by proving a specified injury occurred within a specified time period following vaccination. This entitles the claimant to a presumption of vaccine-causation that can only be rebutted if we establish, by preponderant evidence, a cause for the alleged injury other than the vaccine. If the claimant cannot meet the requirements for a presumptively vaccine-related injury, the claimant must prove vaccine-causation under more traditional standards of proof used in tort litigation. In either situation, these cases require the development of detailed factual evidence and medical evidence from experts in various medical specialties, such as neurology, pediatrics, immunology, rheumatology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, pathology and virology.

Once a determination of vaccine-causation is made, the claimant is generally entitled to compensation for actual and future unreimbursable medical expenses related to the vaccine injury. A life care planner is usually retained to develop a life care plan to determine future medical and rehabilitative needs. Claimants are also entitled to lost wages, pain and suffering up to a jurisdictional maximum of $250,000, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs. There is no provision for punitive damages. In all cases resulting in a vaccine-related death, a fixed payment of $250,000 is provided. Cases that reach the compensation phase frequently are settled by the parties. Awards are paid from a trust fund, which is funded by an excise tax on vaccines.

Because of the severity of most vaccine injuries and the likelihood of lifelong future damages, vaccine cases require a complex economic analysis of the damage payments to be made to the injured party through lump sum payments, annuities, and/or reversionary trusts. The damages analysis may include interpretation of statutory compensation provisions and legal precedent for certain elements of damages. Consideration must also be given to other primary benefits to which the injured party is entitled such as private insurance, Medicare, and benefits under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under the statute, these benefits may be offset against the vaccine compensation award. Medicaid-based programs are secondary to a Program award.

Either party may appeal the special master's decision to the United States Court of Federal Claims. The Court of Federal Claims reviews the decision and enters judgment. The decision of the Court of Federal Claims may then be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and ultimately the United States Supreme Court.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.423 - Action Following Receipt of a Vaccine Case

Any vaccine injury compensation case received in the office of a United States Attorney should be forwarded immediately to the Vaccine Litigation Section of the Constitutional and Specialized Tort Branch for handling. If such a proceeding has been filed in the United States District Court or a state court for resolution, rather than the proper forum of the United States Court of Federal Claims, similar action should be taken to notify the Vaccine Litigation Section so appropriate steps may be taken in cooperation with the United States Attorney to either dismiss the case, or remove it to the Court of Federal Claims.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.430 - Radiation Exposure Compensation Program—Contacts and Mailing Information

Assistant Director: Gerard W. Fischer, 202-616-4090
Senior Counsel: Dianne S. Spellberg, 202-616-4129

Mailing: Radiation Exposure Compensation Program
United States Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146

[updated May 2012]

4-5.431 - Radiation Exposure Compensation Program—Introduction

On October 15, 1990, Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act ("the Act"), 42 U.S.C. § 2210 note (2006), which provides for compassionate payments to, or on behalf of, individuals who contracted certain cancers and other serious diseases following exposure to radiation that was released during above-ground nuclear weapons testing or as a result of their exposure to radiation during employment in uranium mines, mills, or in the transportation of uranium or vanadium-uranium ore.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (the "Radiation Program"), part of the Torts Branch, Civil Division, is responsible for administering the Act. The procedures established in the implementing regulations are designed to utilize existing records so that claims can be quickly resolved in a reliable, objective, nonadversarial manner with little administrative cost to the United States or to the person filing the claim. Part 79 of Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.432 - Radiation Exposure Compensation Program—Categories and Criteria

There are five categories of claims: uranium miners, uranium millers, ore transporters, downwinders, and onsite participants. There are two major eligibility criteria for each category of claims: exposure to radiation and subsequent development of a compensable disease.

The uranium miner provisions of the Act provide a payment of $100,000 to, or on behalf of, uranium miners who worked in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, or Texas during the years 1942 to 1971. The miner must have been exposed to a certain threshold level of radiation measured by working level months of radiation ("WLMs") during the course of his uranium mining activities. Alternatively, the miner must have been employed in a uranium mine for at least one year during the same time period. Finally, the miner must have subsequently developed primary cancer of the lung or one of the following nonmalignant respiratory diseases: pulmonary fibrosis, fibrosis of the lung, cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung, silicosis, or pneumoconiosis. § 5(a)(1)(A), § 5(b)(3), 42 U.S.C. § 2210; 28 C.F.R. § 79.42.

The uranium miller provisions of the Act provide a payment of $100,000 to, or on behalf of, uranium millers who worked in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, or Texas during the years 1942 to 1971. The miller must have been employed in a uranium mill for at least one year during this time period. Finally, the miller must have subsequently developed primary renal cancer, chronic renal disease, primary cancer of the lung, or one of the following nonmalignant respiratory diseases: pulmonary fibrosis, fibrosis of the lung, cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung, silicosis, or pneumoconiosis. § 5(a)(1)(A), § 5(b)(3), 42 U.S.C. § 2210; 28 C.F.R. § 79.52.

The uranium ore transporter provisions of the Act provide a payment of $100,000 to, or on behalf of, uranium ore transporters who worked in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, or Texas during the years 1942 to 1971. The ore transporter must have transported uranium or vanadium-uranium ore from a mine or mill for at least one year during this time period. Finally, the ore transporter must have subsequently developed primary renal cancer, chronic renal disease, primary cancer of the lung, or one of the following nonmalignant respiratory diseases: pulmonary fibrosis, fibrosis of the lung, cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung, silicosis, or pneumoconiosis. § 5(a)(1)(A), § 5(b)(3), 42 U.S.C. § 2210; 28 C.F.R. § 79.62.

The downwinder provisions of the Act provide a payment of $50,000 to, or on behalf of, individuals who lived or worked downwind of atmospheric nuclear tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site. The downwinder must establish physical presence in certain geographical areas in Utah, Nevada and Arizona for at least two years during the time period beginning on January 21, 1951, and ending on October 31, 1958, or for the entire period from June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962. In order to receive compensation under the "downwinder" provisions of the Act, it must also be demonstrated that, after the requisite length of exposure, one of the following specified compensable diseases was developed: leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia), lymphoma (other than Hodgkin's disease), multiple myeloma, or primary cancer of the thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile duct, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated), or lung. § 4(a)(2), § 4(b), 42 U.S.C. § 2210; 28 C.F.R. § 79.22.

The onsite participant provisions of the Act provide a payment of $75,000 to, or on behalf of, individuals who contracted a compensable disease after participating onsite during a period of atmospheric nuclear testing between July 16, 1945, and December 31, 1962. The test site locations where atmospheric nuclear testing occurred are: (1) the Nevada Test Site; (2) the Pacific Test Sites; (3) the Trinity Test Site; and (4) the South Atlantic Test Site. § 4(a)(2)(C), 42 U.S.C. § 2210; 28 C.F.R. § 79.32. The onsite participant also must have developed one of the 20 cancers identified under the downwinder provisions.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.437 - Action Following Receipt of a Radiation Program Claim

The Act affords claimants the right to seek judicial review of a final action in a United States District Court. § 6(l). If a case appealing a denial decision to a United States District Court is received, please notify Gerard W. Fischer, Assistant Director, at 202-616-4090, or Dianne S. Spellberg, Senior Counsel, at 202-616-4129.

[updated May 2012]

4-5.500 - Environmental Torts Contacts and Mailing Information

J. Patrick Glynn, (202) 616-4200, j.patrick.glynn@usdoj.civ.gov, Director.

Christina Falk, (202) 616-4216, christina.falk@usdoj.gov, Assistant Director.

Bridget Bailey Lipscomb, (202) 616-9356, bridget.lipscomb@usdoj.gov, Assistant Director.

Mailing: Torts Branch, Civil Division
United States Department of Justice
P.O. Box 340
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044v

[cited in USAM 4-4.210; 4-5.200]

[updated January 2016]

4-5.510 - Environmental Torts (Formerly Environmental and Occupational Disease Litigation (EODL))—Introduction

The Environmental Torts (ET) staff  defends the United States in FTCA and other toxic tort actions arising from contamination of the environment or exposure to chemicals or substances  in the workplace and elsewhere. Some of the most visible examples of the litigation over the past few years have been those cases dealing with groundwater and air-dispersed contamination from chemicals, radiation experimentation on human subjects, crop injury due to herbicide exposure, mold exposure, lead paint exposure, carbon monoxide exposure, and asbestos exposure. Other ongoing litigation addresses complaints of property damage and/or personal injury allegedly caused by PCBs and dioxins, lead-based paint, Hantavirus, Valley Fever, Agent Orange, Legionnella bacteria, exposure to formaldehyde in government-purchased trailers, as well as other "sick building" toxins, munitions and ordnance,and biological agents. Many of these cases arise out of activities of the military, but they stem from other agencies' activities, as well.

Toxic tort litigation involves direct personal injury and/or property damage actions and third-party claims by manufacturers and suppliers for contribution and indemnity. Claims are filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Suits in Admiralty and Public Vessels Acts, the Little Tucker Act, and against individual government employees seeking monetary damages. The ET staff litigates in the district courts and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Tort cases alleging negligence in the course of EPA'S Clean-Up Activities are the responsibility of ET. Vessel-caused pollution and clean-up cost recovery cases are handled by the Aviation & Admiralty staff.

Inquiries regarding toxic tort and asbestos litigation may be made by calling 202-616-4200,  emailing the Director: j.patrick.glynn@usdoj.gov or writing to the Environmental Torts Section at Post Office Box 340, Benjamin Franklin Station, Washington, D.C. 20044. Because security screening delays U.S. Mail deliveries, we encourage the use of commercial deliveries, such as UPS or Federal Express. Commercial deliveries should be mailed to Environmental Torts, Torts Branch, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800 South, Washington, D.C. 20004.

[cited in USAM 4-5.520]

[updated January 2016]

4-5.520 - Conduct of Toxic Tort and Asbestos Litigation

Environmental and related product liability tort actions, whether involving mass numbers of parties or only a few, pose special case management problems and thus are designated as "primary" to be handled by Department of Justice attorneys. Given long latency periods, the litigation often is not filed until decades after exposure. The cases can require massive and prolonged discovery involving millions of documents and the analysis of convoluted and complex fact situations. For example, many of our cases, fact issues have spanned a period since prior to World War II.

Environmental tort litigation also requires familiarity with specialized scientific and medical issues. The source of contamination in any particular case may be chronic and latent, as with mold and asbestos exposure or progressive groundwater contamination, or may be readily apparent, as with chemical or industrial spills. Disease or injury often manifests itself only following cumulative or repeated exposure, and in many instances, the effects of exposure have not been definitively scientifically or medically documented.

United States Attorneys confronted with environmental and related product liability tort claims against the United States shall contact ET as early as possible, preferably before suit. ET is prepared to assume "primary" responsibility for toxic tort litigation as described within USAM 4-5.510.

It should be noted that tort suits alleging breaches of duty arising directly from regulatory activities of the government generally are within the purview of the Federal Tort Claims Act staff, and should be directed to that staff. See USAM 4-5.600. Matters involving clean-up activities of the Environmental Protection Agency, however, should immediately be brought to the attention of ET. Such cases should be handled jointly with the Environment and Natural Resources Division. Also, matters involving the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 should be referred to the Aviation and Admiralty staff.

ET's expertise developed in the asbestos litigation has led to the assignment of certain contract (Little Tucker Act and Tucker Act) cases to ET. Cases asserting implied warranties or indemnities arising out of contracts for government purchase of products made in conformity with government specifications where said products' alleged toxicity caused personal injuries should be referred to ET. See, e.g., Hercules v. United States,516 U.S. 417, 116 S.Ct. 981 (1996) (Agent Orange); Lopez v. A.C. & S., 858 F.2d 712 (Fed. Cir. 1988), cert. denied, 491 U.S. 904 (1989) (asbestos). In addition, cases where government contractors seek to invoke indemnity provisions to be held harmless from environmental regulatory claims and tort claims should be referred to ET.

[updated January 2016]

4-5.600 - Federal Tort Claims Act Staff—Contacts and Mailing Information

James G. Touhey, Jr.,  (202) 616-4292, Director.

Roger D. Einerson, (202) 616-4250, Assistant Director.

Rupert M. Mitsch, (202) 616-4258,  Assistant Director.

Kirsten Wilkerson, (202) 353-7550, Assistant Director.

Mailing: 
Federal Tort Claims Act Litigation Staff
Civil Division
United States Department of Justice
 P.O. Box 888
 Benjamin Franklin Station
 Washington, D.C. 20044

Fed Express/Couriers/Etc.:
Federal Tort Claims Act Litigation Staff
 Civil Division
 Room 8097N
 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
 Washington, DC 20004

[cited in USAM 4-5.200; 4-5.520]

[updated October 2016]

4-5.610 - FTCA Staff—Introduction

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Staff litigates cases filed against the United States under the FTCA (except for aviation and most environmental tort suits); tort suits filed in district courts under legislation extending the FTCA to Community and Migrant Health Centers and to Indian tribes; and affirmative tort suits on behalf of federal agencies. The Staff is also responsible for the administration of the FTCA.

The FTCA Staff litigates seminal suits filed under the FTCA and related statutes authorizing tort suits against the United States. Representative cases include AIDs litigation, medical malpractice, mine inspection, and banking litigation. The Staff initiates changes in Department regulations implementing the FTCA, which apply throughout the government. The Staff provides guidance to all federal agencies, subject to oversight by Department officials, on policy issues arising under the FTCA. In addition, the Staff resolves administrative claims arising from Department of Justice activities to the extent that such claims are not delegated for direct handling to units within the Department.

Although most of the Staff's work consists of handling litigation directly, the Staff also provides oversight and guidance to United States Attorneys' offices for FTCA litigation handled by those offices.

4-5.620 - FTCA Staff—Research and Guidance Materials

The Torts Branch has prepared Monographs and a Handbook covering many recurring substantive issues pertaining to Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) litigation. The current FTCA Monographs are:

  1. Actionable Duty
  2. Administrative Claim Sum Certain Requirement and the Ad Damnum Limitation
  3. Administrative Claims
  4. Checklist of FTCA Defenses
  5. Claims Under Wrongful Death and Survival Statutes and Claims for Loss of Consortium
  6. Discretionary Function Exception, Part A and Part B
  7. FTCA Exception: Claims Arising in a Foreign Country
  8. FTCA Statute of Limitations
  9. Indemnity and Contribution
  10. Law Enforcement Torts under the FTCA
  11. The Doctrines of Loss of Chance and Increased Risk
  12. Prejudgment and Postjudgment Interest in Federal Tort Claims Act Litigation
  13. The Assault and Battery Exception
  14. The FTCA'S Contractor Exclusion and Related Issues
  15. The Misrepresentation Exception and the Interference with Contract Rights Exception
  16. The Feres Doctrine

Each United States Attorney has received copies of the foregoing Monographs. If an Assistant United States Attorney needs an additional copy of a particular Monograph, it can be obtained by calling the Torts Branch Main number at (202)  616-4400. 

[updated October 2016]

4-5.630 - FTCA Staff—Substitution of the United States for Federal Employees

United States Attorneys are authorized to make the certification provided for in 10 U.S.C. § 1089(c), 22 U.S.C. § 817(c), 28 U.S.C. § 2679(d), 38 U.S.C. § 4116(c), and 42 U.S.C. §§ 233(c) and 2458a(c), in order to substitute the United States as defendant in place of federal employees acting within the scope of their federal employment who have been sued under state tort law. See 28 C.F.R. § 15.3.

4-5.640 - FTCA Staff—Medical Care Recovery Act Cases

Sections 2651 to 2653 of Title 42 authorize the recovery of the reasonable value of hospital, medical, surgical, or dental care and treatment (including prostheses and medical appliances) which the United States is authorized or required by law to furnish or has furnished to a person who is injured or suffers a disease under circumstances creating tort liability upon the part of a third party.

Administrative agencies are bound by regulations promulgated by the Attorney General (28 C.F.R. §§ 43.1 to 43.4) and generally will prevail upon the insured person to assert the government's claim in his/her own name for the use and benefit of the United States. 42 U.S.C. § 2651(b)(1) authorizes the government to intervene in the insured person's tort suit as of absolute right. If intervention is necessary, the injured person can normally be counted on to establish the defendant's basic tort liability. Intervention should be utilized as a measure of last resort only if private counsel do not cooperate with the agency to protect our right to participate in agency recovery.

If advice is needed, the FTCA staff may be contacted at (202) 616-4400.

[updated November 2007]

4-5.650 - FTCA Staff—Medicare Recovery Cases

Section 1395y(b)(1) of Title 42 provides that Medicare shall be a secondary payor in certain circumstances, including automobile accident cases or other instances where a third party would otherwise be liable for medical costs. This provision also expressly authorizes the United States to bring an independent action to recover from an insurer the cost of Medicare payments needed as a result of an automobile accident, or to join or intervene in any such action.

If advice is needed, the FTCA staff may be contacted at (202) 616-4296.