US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Minors
Will my parents be liable for my actions after I injured my friend?

Will my parents be liable for my actions after I injured my friend?

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: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

In Ohio, if a minor under eighteen intentionally assaults someone and causes injuries, the victim can seek compensatory damages from the minor's parents. According to Ohio Revised Code Ann. § 3109.10, a parent may be held liable for their child's willful and malicious actions that result in bodily harm. The maximum amount recoverable in such a case is ten thousand dollars plus court costs. It’s important to note that this liability does not require the child to be found delinquent first. Therefore, your parents may indeed be liable for your actions against your friend.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a minor be sued for assault in Ohio?

Yes, a minor can be sued for assault in Ohio. If a minor intentionally causes injury to another person, the victim has the right to seek damages. This includes filing a lawsuit against the minor for the injuries sustained. However, the parents of the minor may also be held liable for the actions of their child under Ohio law, specifically if the actions were willful or malicious (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3109.10). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What are compensatory damages in Ohio?

Compensatory damages in Ohio refer to monetary compensation awarded to a victim for losses suffered due to another's wrongful actions. This can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs. In cases involving minors, parents may be liable for up to ten thousand dollars plus court costs for their child's willful actions that cause injury (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3109.10). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if a minor is found delinquent in Ohio?

If a minor is found delinquent in Ohio, it means they have been adjudicated as having committed an offense that would be a crime if they were an adult. This can lead to various consequences, including probation, community service, or placement in a juvenile facility. However, it's important to note that a finding of delinquency is not necessary for parents to be held liable for the minor's actions causing injury to others (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3109.10). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can parents be held responsible for their child's actions in Ohio?

Yes, parents can be held responsible for their child's actions in Ohio, particularly if the child intentionally causes harm to another person. Under Ohio law, parents may be liable for damages resulting from their child's willful or malicious actions, with a maximum recoverable amount of ten thousand dollars plus court costs (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3109.10). This liability applies regardless of whether the child has been found delinquent. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*