Is a body shop liable for damage cause by a sublet?
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Is a body shop liable for damage cause by a sublet?
A car was at a body shop for repairs. The window was changed by a sublet company. It started to pour rain during the replacement and having the windshield out had to move the vehicle to inside to prevent electrical issues. In the process an accident happened. The vehicle had minor damages and the work it was in for had not been fully completed. There was some damage to the contents inside the body shop bay. Who is responsible for the vehicle damage
and the shop contents the body shop or the sublet?
Asked on June 24, 2016 under Business Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
More than one party can be liable--that is, in this case, you can potentially collect from both the shop and the subcontractor, increasing your chance of actually receiving money. If the subcontractor caused the damage, they would be liable if they were in any way at fault (for example, careless) in causing it: at fault parties are responsible for the damage they cause. The shop could also potentially be liable depending on the degree of supervision they exercised and the contract or relationship between them and the subcontractor. If neither party voluntarily compensates you and you have to sue, you should name both if them in the suit.
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