Us Code § 3725 - Claims of non-nationals for personal injury or death in a foreign country

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3725 — Claims of non-nationals for personal injury or death in a foreign country, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3725. Claims of non-nationals for personal injury or death in a foreign country

(a) The Secretary of State may settle, for not more than $1,500 in any one case, a claim for personal injury or death of an individual not a national of the United States in a foreign country in which the United States exercises privileges of extraterritoriality when the injury or death is caused by an officer, employee, or agent of the United States Government (except of a military department of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard). An officer or employee of the Government may not present a claim. A claim under this section may be allowed only if it is presented to the Secretary within one year after it accrues.

(b) The Secretary shall certify to Congress a settlement under this section for payment out of an appropriation that may be made to pay the settlement. The Secretary shall include a brief statement on the type of the claim, the amount claimed, and the amount of the settlement.

(c) A claim may be paid under this section only if the claimant accepts the amount of the settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim against the Government.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 975.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
3725(a) 31:224a(words before 21st comma, 1st, 2d provisos). Feb. 13, 1936, ch. 67, 49 Stat. 1138.
  31:224a(note). July 3, 1943, ch. 189, §7, 57 Stat. 374.
  Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 597, §1, 59 Stat. 662.
  Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 597, 59 Stat. 662, §5(1st sentence); added Mar. 20, 1946, ch. 104, 60 Stat. 56.
3725(b) 31:224a(words between 21st comma and 1st proviso).
3725(c) 31:224a(last proviso).

In subsection (a), the word "settle" is substituted for "consider, adjust, and determine" for consistency. The words "United States currency" are omitted as surplus. The words "after February 13, 1936" are omitted as executed. The words "act of omission of any" are omitted as surplus. The words "(except of a military department of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard)" are substituted for "including all officers, enlisted men, and employees of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps" because of 10:2734, section 7 of the Act of July 3, 1943 (ch. 189, 57 Stat. 374), and sections 1 and 5(1st sentence) of the Act of December 28, 1945 (ch. 597, 59 Stat. 662). The words "An officer or employee of the Government may not present a claim" are substituted for 31:224a(1st proviso) for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "by the Secretary of State" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (b), the word "settlement" is substituted for "amount as may be found to be due to any claimant . . . as a legal claim" for clarity and consistency. The words "by Congress" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "A claim may be paid under this section" are added for clarity. The words "of the settlement" are substituted for "determined under the provisions of this section" for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The word "complete" is substituted for "full" for consistency. The word "satisfaction" is substituted for "settlement" for clarity.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

About This Section

31 U.S.C. § 3725 is part of Title 31 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 31 U.S.C. § 3725. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3725

What does United States Code § 3725 cover?

Section 3725 ("Claims of non-nationals for personal injury or death in a foreign country") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3725?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3725" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3725 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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