Homeowner Tips: Contractor Liability
I often get asked about Contractor Liability from friends and clients. If as a homeowner you retain a licensed contractor who employs persons to fix your roof, paint or make repairs to your home and if the employee falls or otherwise injures himself, do you have liability?
The answer is yes, if you know of a potentially dangerous condition. For example, if a beam was rotten or roof supports were compromised and you failed to warn of the condition. If you have no knowledge of the condition, you may not have a theoretical liability but if there is catastrophic injuries, you may be sued nevertheless.
Your homeowners policy may not provide sufficient coverage for your protection so you might wish to consider an umbrella policy in case of a serious and unforeseen claim against you as a homeowner.