Supreme Court of the United States
Stencel Aero Engineering Corp. v. United States
June 9, 1977431 U.S. 666
Summary
The Court held that a third‑party indemnity claim against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act is barred when the injury involves a serviceman injured in the course of military service. The majority applied the reasoning of Feres, finding the same factors—distinctively federal relationship, the Veterans’ Benefits Act’s exclusive compensation scheme, and military discipline concerns—preclude such recovery. The decision affirms the Eighth Circuit’s dismissal and leaves the serviceman’s direct claim pending. Justice Marshall’s dissent argued that the Feres limitation should not extend to indemnity suits by private contractors.
Holding
- Whether the Federal Tort Claims Act allows a third‑party indemnity action against the United States for injuries to a serviceman incurred in the course of military service.. No. The Court held that the indemnity action is barred for the same reasons the direct action by the serviceman is barred under Feres.
Docket 76-321