United States v. State Road Department of Florida

RUSSELL, Circuit Judge.

This suit, in the trial court was brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act1 by the State Road Department of the State of Florida against the United States of America to recover damages resulting from the partial destruction of, and damage to, the Thomas A. Jefferson Bridge across Pensacola Bay, Escambia County, Florida, caused when the bridge was struck by four liberty ships of the government during a severe rain and wind squall in Pensacola Harbor, where the ships were anchored.

In its answer the United States denied its negligence, and asserted separate defenses. The…