Legal Question in Business Law in New Jersey

Hiring a contractor

I am going to hire a roofing contractor to work on my roof. What is my legal liability if one of his workers gets hurt on the job? Is it my responsibility to make sure he has liability insurance and/or worker's compensation insurance? Am I covered by my homeowner's insurance? Should I ask for a copy of his insurance policies or is a written contract enough?

Thank you.


Asked on 5/27/04, 12:49 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Hiring a contractor

Unless you have created a dangerous condition, your liability is secondary to the contractor's. He should have liability and workmans compensation insure for his employees and you can insist on seeing certificates evidencing his insurance is in force. If you can, the contract should provide that he have such insurances and that he is primarily liable for any injuries to his workmen.

Read more
Answered on 5/27/04, 2:14 pm

Re: Hiring a contractor

First, you are smarter than most to even be asking the question!

Get written representation that they are insured, ask for a certification of insurance from their carrier and be sure you have a written contract before starting.

Read more
Answered on 5/27/04, 6:08 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in New Jersey