BarbriSFCourseDetails
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Course Details

Course Information
  • smart_display Format

    Live Online with Live Q&A

  • signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Level

    Intermediate

  • work Practice Area

    Personal Injury and Med Mal

Date & Time
  • event Date

    Thursday, April 24, 2025

  • schedule Time

    1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT

  • timer Program Length

    90 minutes

Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.

$197.00

This CLE will address when parents or legal guardians can be held civilly or criminally liable for the actions of minors. The panel will discuss those situations in which liability can arise, including acts involving computers, the relevance of the child's culpability, insurance coverage issues, subrogation, theories of liability, defenses, and damages. The panel will also review special issues related to discovery and trial when minors may key witnesses.

Faculty

John J. Malm
Founder and Principal
John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers

Mr. Malm has more than 30 years of experience in personal injury litigation. He is the founder and principal of John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, Ill. Mr. Malm leads a team of six attorneys, practicing exclusively in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury law. The firm’s practice focuses on motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and product liability. Mr. Malm’s work on behalf of individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death litigation has led to significant recoveries.

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Jeffrey Kroll
Attorney
Miscellaneous

Description

Parental liability is a growing and complex area of law that has taken on increased importance in the aftermath of crimes, car accidents, and reckless conduct committed by unemancipated minors. Computer crimes and crimes committed using computers, phones, or social media, including copyright violations, should not be overlooked.

Liability is imposed based on theories of negligence, statutory liability, and the common law. When claims are asserted, thorny insurance coverage issues may arise over defense or payment of any claims. Even if no suit is filed, increasingly, parents may find themselves the targets of subrogation efforts. Only recently have insurers offered policies designed for foster parents.

When evaluating claims against parents, the age and capacity of the child may play an important role. Minors engaged in adult activities such as flying an airplane or driving a motor vehicle (or boat) are held to the standards of an adult engaged in such activities. The judicial system is increasingly willing to charge parents when their children commit crimes.

Listen as this expert panel discusses when parents or legal guardians can be held civilly or criminally liable for the actions of minors.

Outline

I. Civil liability for a Minor: 

A. Tender Years Doctrine

B. Adult-Like Activities

C. Pleadings & Procedure

II. Civil liability for Parents

A. By Statute: Parental Responsibility Act

B. By Common Law: 

1. Failure to Supervise

2. Negligent Entrustment

III. Insurance Coverage Issues

IV. Dealing with Children in Litigation


Benefits

The panel will review applicable law and discuss its application through individual cases: car accidents, bicycles, inherently dangerous activities such the use of a firearm, social host liability and impaired minors, sexual battery, and intentional/willful acts.