A New Jersey case examines whether the U.S. government can be held responsible for a workplace injury.
Newark, NJ – A federal lawsuit stemming from a workplace injury at the Edison Job Corps Center is testing whether the United States can be held liable under federal tort law for actions tied to a facility it oversees. The case involves a truck driver who claims he was injured when a dock plate struck his leg during a delivery at the site.
Jonathan O. Rojas filed the lawsuit after the July 6, 2022 incident, alleging negligence against the United States, the Edison Job Corps Center, and multiple unidentified parties. According to the complaint, Rojas was standing near the rear of his truck when “a leaver [sic] which released a dock plate on [the] vehicle causing same to eject and strike [Rojas’s] leg,” resulting in injury.
Key Points
- Lawsuit claims dock plate incident injured delivery driver at Edison facility
- U.S. government seeks dismissal citing federal liability exceptions
- Case centers on whether contractor actions shield federal responsibility
Federal government challenges jurisdiction
The United States has moved to dismiss the case, arguing the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Specifically, the government points to exceptions within the law, including those related to independent contractors and discretionary functions.
These provisions can shield the federal government from liability when actions are carried out by third-party contractors or involve policy-based decisions.
Rojas’ complaint alleges that the United States “owned, operated, inspected, maintained, managed, and/or controlled” the Job Corps Center, while also asserting that other entities and individuals may have been responsible for the incident.
Parallel litigation adds complexity
The case is one of two lawsuits filed by Rojas over the same घटना. In a separate action, he sued Management and Training Corporation (MTC), identified as the contractor responsible for managing the Edison Job Corps Center. That case remains ongoing.
Court records show Rojas initially included the United States and Edison Job Corps Center in the earlier lawsuit but later voluntarily dismissed those claims before refiling in the current action.
The outcome of the government’s motion could determine whether the case proceeds against federal defendants or is limited to private contractors and other parties.