32 CFR § 536.54 - Joint tortfeasors.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t32/s536.54"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "32 CFR § 536.54 - Joint tortfeasors."
title_number: 32
title_name: "National Defense"
section_number: "536.54"
section_name: "Joint tortfeasors."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS"
part_number: "536"
part_name: "CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "10 U.S.C. 2733; 10 U.S.C. 1089; 10 U.S.C. 1054; 28 U.S.C. 1291, 2401-2402, 2411-2412, 2671-2680; 10 U.S.C. 2737; 32 U.S.C. 715; 10 U.S.C. 2734a, 2734b; 10 U.S.C. 2734; 10 U.S.C. 4801, 4802, 4806; 46 U.S.C. app. 740; 39 U.S.C. 411; 10 U.S.C. 939; 10 U.S.C. 2736; 10 U.S.C. 2735; 10 U.S.C. 2731."
regulatory_source: "71 FR 69360, Nov. 30, 2006, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "536"
---


# 536.54 Joint tortfeasors.

When joint tortfeasors are liable, it is DA policy to pay only the fair share of a claim attributable to the fault of the United States rather than pay the claim in full and then bring suit against the joint tortfeasor for contribution. If payment from a joint tortfeasor is not forthcoming after the CJA's demand, the United States should settle for its fair share, provided the claimant is willing to hold the United States harmless. Where a joint tortfeasor's liability greatly outweighs that of the United States, the claim should be referred to the joint tortfeasor for action.