§ 15.7 - Determination of claims.

(a) Authority to consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise and settle claims. The Counsel for Claims and Compensation shall have the authority to consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise and settle claims pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act which involve an alleged negligent or wrongful act or omission of an employee whose official duty station is the Department's national office in Washington, D.C., or which exceed $25,000 in amount, or which involve a new precedent, a new point of law, or a question of policy. Regional Solicitors and the Associate Regional Solicitors are authorized to consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise and settle, claims arising in their respective jurisdictions pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act which do not exceed $25,000 in amount and which do not involve a new precedent, new point of law, or a question of policy.

(b) Payment. Any award, compromise, or settlement in the amount of $2,500 or less made pursuant to this section shall be paid by the Secretary of Labor out of appropriations available to the Department. Payment of an award, compromise, or settlement in an amount in excess of $2,500 made pursuant to this subpart shall be made in accordance with 28 CFR 14.10.