Lacey v. United States

98 F. Supp. 219 (1951)

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Lacey v. United States

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
98 F. Supp. 219 (1951)

  • Written by Lauren Petersen, JD
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Facts

Lacey (plaintiff) died at sea after his plane crashed into the Massachusetts Bay. The coast guard endeavored to rescue Lacey, but did not reach him. Lacey’s estate sued the United States (defendant), alleging that the coast guard negligently failed to rescue Lacey after his crash. Lacey’s estate argued that the coast guard had a statutory duty to rescue people imperiled at sea, which meant that it was subject to tort liability. Lacey’s estate additionally argued that under the Good Samaritan rule, once the coast guard had undertaken to rescue Lacey, it was liable for negligently failing to reach him. The United States moved to dismiss the estate’s suit.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Sweeney, C.J.)

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