Scarbrough v. Murrow Transfer Co.
This case consolidates two wrongful death lawsuits filed by Mrs. Alberta Scarbrough and Claud Nolan against Murrow Transfer Company and Billy Ray Burge, stemming from a fatal motor vehicle accident on September 17, 1966. The accident, which resulted in the deaths of Randolph Scarbrough and Jimmy Ray Nolan, occurred when Burge, driving a tractor-trailer for Murrow Transfer, negligently crossed into the opposing lane, causing a collision with a United States Job Corps bus. The court found Burge and Murrow Transfer liable for negligence. Additionally, a third-party action for indemnity or contribution by the defendants against the United States of America was dismissed, with the court ruling that the Federal Employees Compensation Act provided the exclusive remedy for claims against the U.S. related to the Job Corps members' deaths. The plaintiffs were each awarded $28,000 in damages.