If I work at a group home for at risk youth and my car was damaged by a resident, who is liable for the cost of my repairs?
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If I work at a group home for at risk youth and my car was damaged by a resident, who is liable for the cost of my repairs?
While at work a resident threw a brick through my vehicle that was parked in the driveway. I was not scheduled to work that day but due to lack of coverage, I came in at my supervisor’s request. The resident has since been removed (as he was placed there by DHR). I was unable to drive my car for 5 days. I gave the company everything they asked for – estimates for repair and a police report. However, no one ever got back with me and I ended up paying out of pocket for the damages. Once the auto repair shop started repairs, they also saw that the brick did additional damage to the passenger door panel, for which I was quoted an additional $1,105. Who is liable? It has been 2 months now.
Asked on November 7, 2014 under Accident Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
The parents or legal guardians of the youth may be liable, since parents or legal guardians of minors are generally liable for their children's tortious acts. In addition, if the youth was able to do the damage because he was being inadequately supervised, that failure of supervision may make the group home liable. Of course, if none of the parents, legal guardians, or group home chooses to pay voluntarily, you'd have to sue to try to recover money, which has its own costs, both monetary and otherwise (e.g. there are consequences to suing your employer).
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