Legal Definitions - Suits in Admiralty Act

The Suits in Admiralty Act is a United States federal law enacted in 1920. Before this law, it was generally difficult to sue the U.S. government due to the legal principle of sovereign immunity, which protected the government from most lawsuits. This Act specifically waives the government's immunity, allowing individuals and entities to bring lawsuits against the United States for damages, injuries, or other claims that arise in maritime contexts. These cases, known as "admiralty" cases, typically involve incidents related to ships, shipping, navigation, or other activities on navigable waters.

Here are some examples of how the Suits in Admiralty Act might apply:

• Example 1: Collision with a Government Vessel

  A privately owned cargo ship is navigating a busy channel when it collides with a U.S. Navy auxiliary vessel due to alleged navigational error by the Navy crew. The collision causes extensive damage to the cargo ship and delays its operations.

  How it illustrates the term: The owner of the private cargo ship could file a lawsuit against the U.S. government under the Suits in Admiralty Act to recover the costs of repairs and lost revenue. This is because the incident occurred in a maritime setting, involved a government vessel, and alleges negligence on the part of the government.

• Example 2: Injury on a Government-Owned Dock

  A civilian dockworker is injured while loading supplies onto a U.S. Coast Guard cutter docked at a government-owned pier. The injury occurs when a piece of equipment, maintained by the Coast Guard, malfunctions and falls, striking the worker.

  How it illustrates the term: The injured dockworker could use the Suits in Admiralty Act to sue the U.S. government for their personal injuries. Even though the incident happened on a dock, it is directly related to the operation and maintenance of a government vessel and its maritime activities, falling under admiralty jurisdiction.

• Example 3: Damage to Cargo on a Chartered Government Vessel

  A private company charters a U.S. government-owned research vessel to transport specialized scientific equipment across the ocean. During the voyage, the equipment is severely damaged due to the government vessel crew's failure to properly secure it during rough seas, despite warnings.

  How it illustrates the term: The private company could invoke the Suits in Admiralty Act to sue the U.S. government for the cost of the damaged scientific equipment. The claim arises from an incident on a government-owned vessel in a maritime context, alleging negligence by the government's agents.