Injury to Another Child by My Daughter...

by Brenda
(Portland, Oregon)

My 13 year old daughter got into a fight with another young girl at school during their lunch break. The other girl received an injury and was taken to the emergency room.

Are we the parents obligated to pay the total amount of the other child's medical bills? Thank you.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Injury to Another Child by My Daughter...":

Brenda (Portland, Oregon):

In a word - Yes. In the State of Oregon, as in most states a parent can be held responsible and liable for the injuries their child inflicts upon another person.

As parents you will be responsible to pay the entire amount of the girl's medical bills, including the possibility of her out of pocket expenses such as prescription and over the counter medications, and even possibly the lost wages for one or both parents (that they may have lost while taking their child to the hospital and/or for other related treatments).

You can fight, but you will probably lose. The only issues you might be able to contest will be the type and amount of the medical bills.

You might consider trying to settle with the parents of the injured child before the case goes any further. Working out a settlement now is much better than being at the wrong end of a lawsuit later.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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