Wright

Libelants, members of the crew of the U. S. A. T. General Buckner, were injured in line of duty during life boat drill on October 22, 1948. They have joined their several libels against the United States in view of the fact that the law applicable to each of them is the same and the only factual differences rest in the extent of their respective injuries.

After the accident in question, libel-ants were taken to the Marine Hospital where they were given treatment. Wright remained a hospital patient until December 31, 1948, Doerr until January 18, 1949, and Villanueva until March 24, 1949. Since those respective dates they have continued to receive treatment as out-patients.

Shortly after their admission to the hospital, libelants received as visitors representatives of respondent who explained to libelants their compensation rights under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C.A. § 751 et seq. Libelants, with the assistance of the Government representative, prepared applications for compensation. Shortly thereafter separate awards of disability compensation were made to libelants in the sums to which they were entitled under the Compensation Act. Since the original date…