Legal Landscape

If you have been in a personal car accident involving damage or injury, you were probably required to notify your private insurer immediately or shortly after the accident. If you are involved an accident that could result in a claim for or against the U.S. Government, you have a similar duty to ensure the matter is reported promptly to the appropriate government claims office.
The U.S. Government, including the DoD, is self insured. The Fort Belvoir Claims Office investigates, evaluates, and determines liability for loss of or damage to property, injury, and wrongful death caused by Army and DoD activities assigned to Fort Belvoir.
People should immediately notify their chain of command if they are involved in or know of an incident that may result in a claim for or against the government due to property damage or loss, personal injury, or death. Reporting such incidents is for your protection. Soldiers and government employees are immune from claims or lawsuits for loss, damage, or injury attributable to acts performed in the scope of employment or military duties.
Supervisors should complete a statement regarding your scope of employment at the time of the incident. If the matter involves a traffic accident, the Standard Form 91 should be completed. Supervisors should complete blocks 71-82 to address scope of employment. For other types of incidents, the supervisor may have to complete a narrative statement.
Commanders and heads of Army and DoD organizations or activities are responsible for investigating incidents involving their Soldiers, employees, or equipment that may result in claims for or against the United States. Such incidents can occur as a result of falls or other accidents on government facilities or property.
Property damage and injuries sustained by customers, including retirees, generally require investigation under either the Federal Tort Claims Act or Military Claims Act. Prompt identification of these incidents is critical to establish facts necessary for proper liability determination.
Work-related injuries are not considered under the FTCA or MCA, but should be reported immediately to the employee's servicing personnel office as a worker's compensation claim.
Information for commanders and heads of tenant activities is posted at belvoir.army.mil/sja/newsite/claimsInformationPapers. asp.
Immediately upon identification of a potential claim, a commander, supervisor, or the head of an activity should contact the Fort Belvoir Claim Office in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 9990 Belvoir Drive, Bldg. 257.
People with questions regarding potential claims arising from DoD activities may call 703-805-4377 or send an e-mail to gregory.hand@conus.army.mil.