What am I liable for in an injury causing accident if my my minor daughter was at fault?
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What am I liable for in an injury causing accident if my my minor daughter was at fault?
Without my knowledge or consent, a 16 year old brought 2 other minor children to my house. The children were supposed to be under the 16 year old’s care. My 15 year old was there alone. They all rode our 4-wheeler and 1 of the children fell off and was injured. My child was driving at the time. If my insurance will not cover, what am I liable for under the law?
Asked on August 9, 2010 under Personal Injury, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
The parent of a minor child is liable for the actions of his oer her child. If your child negligently injured another child--such as by letting him or her drive a vehicle she was inexperienced with, too young for, not legally eligible to drive, to small to control, etc., or because of neglignently supervising children that were in his or her care--the child's parent could be liable for:
* Medical costs
* Pain and suffering (serious injuries)
* Other out of pocket expenses traceable to the injury (e.g. cost of tutor, if the child can't make it into school; cost of building a wheel chair ramp or modifying a bathroom, etc.)
The fact that it was without your knowledge or consent doesn't, unfortunately, protect you.
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