US Supreme Court Allows Soldier’s Lawsuit Against Military Contractor Over Afghanistan Bombing
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Apr 22
US Supreme Court Allows Soldier’s Lawsuit Against Military Contractor Over Afghanistan Bombing
53 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 22
The US Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that a wounded Army veteran can sue military contractor Fluor Corporation over a 2016 Afghanistan suicide bombing.
The majority found Fluor was not automatically shielded from liability, as the alleged negligence was not authorized by the military.
This decision could set a precedent for holding contractors accountable in war zones, impacting future lawsuits by service members against private firms.
What new legal precedent does this set for veterans injured by contractor negligence abroad?
Could this ruling unintentionally weaken military effectiveness by making contractors risk-averse?
Will this decision make it too costly for companies to support U.S. military operations?
What proof will courts now require to separate contractor negligence from battlefield chaos?
How will contractors now balance local hiring mandates with new security liability risks?
Hencely v. Fluor: Supreme Court Opens Door to War Zone Contractor Negligence Lawsuits
Overview
In April 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Specialist Winston Hencely, allowing his negligence lawsuit against Fluor Corporation to proceed after a 2016 suicide bombing at Bagram Air Base. The Court found Fluor liable for violating security protocols in supervising the attacker, rejecting the broad immunity contractors previously enjoyed under the Boyle precedent and the Federal Tort Claims Act's combatant activities exception. This landmark decision narrows contractor immunity, prompting military contractors to overhaul security practices and leading to a rise in state tort claims. While veterans hailed the ruling as a victory for accountability, the Pentagon expressed concern that increased litigation risks could hinder military operations. Globally, the ruling accelerates a trend toward greater contractor responsibility in conflict zones.