If I pay a neighbor to shovel snow for me, am I liable if he is injured?
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If I pay a neighbor to shovel snow for me, am I liable if he is injured?
He does not have a business; he just does odd jobs.
Asked on September 16, 2014 under Personal Injury, Ohio
Answers:
Michael Jacobs / McGowan & Jacobs, LLC
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
See the answer posted on 9/21 by SIZ regarding liability issues; however, if you have a homeowner's policy of insurance, you might consider putting your insurer on notice if a claim has been made as most policies require "prompt notice" of a claim. Additionally, some policies provide medical payments coverage for anyone injured on the property (up to a certain limit) regardless of fault.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You would only be liable if you did something which either intentionally or negligently contributed to his injury. For example: say that there was a large pothole in your driveway, which you were aware of but which the shoveler could not see (because it was covered by snow); if you failed to warn him and he turned his ankle in it, you could be liable. However, unless you do something wrong to contribute to or cause the injury, you should not be liable; liability depends on fault.
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