(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.
