Personal Injury Newsletters

Actions Against Parents for Torts of Children

Generally, parents are not liable for the torts of their minor children. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, and parents may be held liable in certain circumstances.

Federal Tort Claims Act - Discretionary Function Exception

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) bars claims that are based on the performance or failure to perform a discretionary function or duty of a federal agency or federal government employee, even if there is an abuse of discretion. According to this "discretionary function exception," a personal injury action cannot be filed under the FTCA if the employee's negligence arises from a discretionary function or the execution of a statute or regulation.

Federal Volunteer Protection Act -- Applicability

The federal Volunteer Protection Act (VPA) applies to "volunteers."

The Jones Act -- Overview

The Jones Act is a federal law designed to compensate seamen who are injured while working aboard vessels in navigable waters.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act - Death Benefits

If a maritime employee's death was caused by a work related injury, the employee's widow, widower, or other eligible survivor may recover death benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The widow, widower, or survivor may also recover funeral expenses of up to $3,000.