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Litigation

Mar. 17, 2011

Home Improvement: When There's An Accident, Who's at Fault?

Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors risk incurring liability in the event of an accident. By Gary A. Watt of Archer Norris.


By Gary A. Watt


More and more homeowners stay put these days, making improvements instead of selling and trading up. What risks does a homeowner face if an accident occurs and the contractor turns out to be unlicensed? The law is unsettled, so the answers are uncertain.


One answer is that the homeowner can be deemed the injured plaintiff's "employer," triggering draconian responsibilities and potential liability under California's vas...

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