Full question:
My twenty year old son left home and has applied for social services. Am I responsible for his medical bills or any trouble that he might get in?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Age of Majority
- Date:
- State: New York
Answer:
Conduct that harms other people or their property is generally called a tort. It is a private wrong against a person for which the person may recover damages. The injured party may sue the wrongdoer to recover damages to compensate him for the harm or loss caused. A parent is not ordinarily liable for a tort committed by a child. However, there are exceptions. If the parent knows that the child has a dangerous tendency, such as the tendency to set houses on fire, the parent could be liable if the parent did not take reasonable steps to prevent such an occurrence. Such steps could be getting psychological counseling for the child. If a child is a reckless driver and the parent knows that the child is a reckless driver, the parent might be liable if the child uses the parent's car with the parent's permission and causes an accident. This is called negligent entrustment.
In New York, anyone over the age of 18 is considered an adult. You would not be liable for his medical bills or actions unless you agree to be (e.g., guaranteeing payment of medical expenses).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.
