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In most states, the age of majority (when a person is recognized by law as an adult), is 18 years of age or older. A “minor” is a person who is under the age of 18. When a minor breaks the law or causes damage or injury to another person, an animal or property, the minor’s parents may bear the liability. Many state statutes authorize courts to hold parents financially resp…

“Negligent hiring” is a legal doctrine that holds employers liable for unlawful acts committed by their employees. The issue arises when an employer hires a person that she knew or should have known could pose an undue risk of harm to others within the course and scope of employment. Under this doctrine, the employer has the responsibility for checking the background and referen…

It is undeniable that the coordination of many skills is required for safe driving. Many of the physical and mental changes that come with aging diminish such skills. Aging commonly results in one or more of the following impairments: Diminished reflex response Drowsiness resulting from medication Impaired vision and hearing Loss of muscle strength and flexibility Reduction in the ability …

The liability of property owners for injuries that occur to persons on their property is largely a creation of state law and court decisions. For this reason, the nature of a property owner’s duties to individuals on the owner’s property varies among states. Such duties may involve issues regarding the owner’s actions and/or the owner’s failure to act. Usually severa…

An injured party who has successfully proven that the injury and damages were caused by the defendant may be entitled to an award of “punitive damages” in addition to actual damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoing on the part of a defendant and to deter the defendant (and others) from similar conduct. Punitive Damages The injured party bears the burden of sho…