Virtually all states have enacted some variation of a parental responsibility law, which establishes how parents or legal guardians may be held liable for specific damages caused by a minor child. While the exact provisions depend on the legislation’s language, parents may be held financially accountable when a child intentionally or maliciously damages property, causes harm, or engages in destructive behavior.
In certain circumstances, parents may even bear the responsibility for their child’s unintentional harm. If you suffer harm from a minor’s negligent actions, speak with our lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We will evaluate your situation and provide honest advice about your best interests.
Understanding New York’s Parental Responsibility Legislation
New York’s Parental Responsibility Law stipulates that parents and legal guardians are accountable solely for the actions of their minor children. The age of majority in New York is 18, but this law applies only to children over 10 and under 18. Hence, the law covers minor children aged between 10 and 18.
In accordance with NY General Obligations Law 3-112, parents and legal guardians with custody of a minor child can be held liable for the child’s actions. However, this responsibility does not extend to cases where the State, Social Services Department, or a foster parent has custody of the minor.
Even beyond the specific provisions outlined above, the “common law”—a longstanding, unwritten collection of legal principles—can still hold parents accountable. If a parent is aware of a child’s inclination towards certain hazardous activities, they may have a legal duty to prevent foreseeable harm caused by the child reasonably. Failure to fulfill this duty could constitute negligence. Understanding parental responsibility laws in New York is complex without a lawyer. Speak with our Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP team to learn more about parental liability.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Personal Injury Accident?
After suffering injuries and property damage in an accident involving a negligent party, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. The full extent of your potential compensation depends on various factors, including the type of accident, injuries, and damages you suffer. While every accident has its own distinct characteristics, the following are a few examples of damages you may be able to secure compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emergency medical transportation
- Surgical procedures
- Cost of prescription medication
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term, at-home assistance
- Cost of prosthetic implants
- Past and future lost wages or income
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
While children make mistakes, if their actions lead to you suffering damages, you have the right to recover compensation for those losses. Our lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP will evaluate your situation and advise you on your best course of action. We will use our years of experience and extensive community connections to offer professional representation.
Contact a Professional Personal Injury Lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our team takes immense pride in delivering candid, responsive, and reliable legal guidance to our clients. We are acutely aware of the distressing and demanding nature of the personal injury claims process, and we are committed to meticulously investigating your child’s accident to gather essential evidence and documentation.
Boasting over a century of combined experience advocating for New York residents, our representation stands as a dependable pillar, empowering you to voice your concerns without hesitation. We hold a solid dedication to providing accessible legal insights through our Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP YouTube Channel, and within our community. Reach out to us by calling (516) 358-6900 or by completing our contact form to engage with one of our team members today.
