Legal Question in Consumer Law in Wisconsin

I was in a flooring store a few days ago when my 3 year old son accidentally tipped over a piece of stained glass that was leaning against the front window of the store. The piece of glass was being sold by someone else other than the flooring store. The local artist who made the glass thinks that I should pay the entire $1650 for the piece. Am I legally responsible for something that was leaning against the front window and for sale by someone other than store I was shopping at?


Asked on 2/10/10, 9:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
JAY Nixon nixon law offices

Yes, parents are responsible for damages caused by their failure to properly supervise their children in WI, so your liability is fairly clear. However, the amount which you owe would not exceed the replacement value of the properly damaged. A lawyer could assist you in determining this amount and negotiating a settlement. You may also wish to simply turn this claim over to your renters or homeowners insurance company who could resolve this more easily than you could. If you do not have insurance, you should at least set up a free initial consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, since damages of this nature would be totally dischargeable it they were only accidental. My comments in this online forum are offered for public educational purposes only and are not legal advice, nor do they create any attorney/client relationship between us. However, I may be able to formally represent you if you contact my Racine office and make arrangements to retain me. I represent clients throughout WI.

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Answered on 2/22/10, 5:10 am


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