31 U.S.C. § 3723 : US Code - Section 3723: Small claims for privately owned property damage or loss

Search 31 U.S.C. § 3723 : US Code - Section 3723: Small claims for privately owned property damage or loss

(a) The head of an agency (except a military department of the
Department of Defense or the Coast Guard) may settle a claim for
not more than $1,000 for damage to, or loss of, privately owned
property that -
(1) is caused by the negligence of an officer or employee of
the United States Government acting within the scope of
employment; and
(2) may not be settled under chapter 171 of title 28.
(b) A claim under this section may be allowed only if it is
presented to the head of the agency within one year after it
accrues.
(c) A claim under this section may be paid as provided in section
1304 of this title only if the claimant accepts the amount of the
settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim against the
Government.