Full question:
I am a 17-year-old living in Ohio. Last week my friend and I had an argument which turned out to be ugly and violent. I could not control my anger; thus I hit him with force which caused him multiple injuries. My friend has lodged a complaint. Will my parents be liable for my actions?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Liability of Parent
- Date:
- State: Ohio
Answer:
If a child under the age of eighteen willfully and maliciously assaults another person using force that is likely to produce bodily harm, that person is entitled to recover compensatory damages in a civil action in an amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars and costs of the suit from the parent of the child.This is provided in ORC Ann. §3109.10. It reads:
“As used in this section, "parent" has the same meaning as in Section 3109.09 of the Revised Code.
Any person is entitled to maintain an action to recover compensatory damages in a civil action, in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars and costs of suit in a court of competent jurisdiction, from the parent of a child under the age of eighteen if the child willfully and maliciously assaults the person by a means or force likely to produce great bodily harm. A finding of willful and malicious assault by a means or force likely to produce great bodily harm is not dependent upon a prior finding that the child is a delinquent child.
Any action brought pursuant to this section shall be commenced and heard as in other civil actions for damages.
The monetary limitation upon compensatory damages set forth in this section does not apply to a civil action brought pursuant to Section 2307.70 of the Revised Code.”
Therefore, your parents may be liable for your wilful and malicious actions against your friend.Any person is entitled to maintain an action to recover compensatory damages in a civil action, in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars and costs of suit in a court of competent jurisdiction, from the parent of a child under the age of eighteen if the child willfully and maliciously assaults the person by a means or force likely to produce great bodily harm. A finding of willful and malicious assault by a means or force likely to produce great bodily harm is not dependent upon a prior finding that the child is a delinquent child.
Any action brought pursuant to this section shall be commenced and heard as in other civil actions for damages.
The monetary limitation upon compensatory damages set forth in this section does not apply to a civil action brought pursuant to Section 2307.70 of the Revised Code.”
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