Lambertson v. United States

528 F.2d 441 (1976)

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Lambertson v. United States

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
528 F.2d 441 (1976)

  • Written by Lauren Petersen, JD
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Facts

Richard Lambertson (plaintiff) worked at a plant in Syracuse, New York. He was unloading a meat shipment at the plant’s receiving dock when William Boslet jumped on his back, pulled his wool cap over his eyes, and screamed, “boo.” Lambertson fell forward and hit his face on some nearby meat hooks, seriously injuring his mouth. Boslet apologized to Lambertson, and witnesses to the incident agreed that Boslet had not intended to injure him. Boslet was a meat inspector working for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Lambertson sued the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (the act), 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b). The act allows civil suits against the federal government for injuries caused by the negligence of federal employees acting within the scope of their employment. However, the act expressly prohibits suits for injuries from assaults or battery. The trial court dismissed Lambertson’s suit, reasoning that Boslet’s behavior was not actionable under the act because it constituted a battery. Lambertson appealed, arguing that the injuries he suffered from Boslet were the result of Boslet’s negligence, because Boslet did not intend to hurt Lambertson.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Van Graafeiland, J.)

Concurrence (Oakes, J.)

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