Legal Question in Construction Law in Massachusetts

Could I be liable for my son's landscape business?

My son and his best friend (17+ years old) have been doing grass cutting, yard work, mulch spreading etc..as a summer job for the past couple of years. They now have a good following of customers and decided to make it somewhat official by having t-shirts made, giving customers those carbon copy estimate sheets, etc.. Making it appear like a real business instead of a couple of high school kids.

What type of liability do they have...or more so, something happens at a customer's yard..i.e. a rock accidentally goes through a window, they break something of the customers, cause some form of serious damage, etc..how liable are they, or more so...could I be exposed? They're two good kids saving for college...but it dawned on me as they are starting to take this serious that I might be liable.


Asked on 4/05/08, 7:34 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Craig J. Tiedemann Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP

Re: Could I be liable for my son's landscape business?

They need to incorporate (simple, and inexpensive, and shields them from personal liability), and obtain general liability insurance (same). Feel free to contact me directly for help with these things.

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Answered on 4/07/08, 1:08 pm
Steven Striffler Steven R. Striffler Attorney At Law

Re: Could I be liable for my son's landscape business?

Generally, parents are not liable for their children's conduct. Your son should get Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL) if he does not have it already. This will afford some protection for certain acts. If the sales volume $$$ warrants it, your son and his partner may want to consider creating an entity for their business. Are the taxes being handled properly?

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Answered on 4/06/08, 12:06 pm
Steven Striffler Steven R. Striffler Attorney At Law

Re: Could I be liable for my son's landscape business?

Generally, parents are not liable for their children's conduct. Your son should get Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL) if he does not have it already. This will afford some protection for certain acts. If the sales volume $$$ warrants it, your son and his partner may want to consider creating an entity for their business. Are the taxes being handled properly?

Read more
Answered on 4/06/08, 12:07 pm


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