Two People Get In a Fight and Push a Third Party Through a Window...

by Anonymous
(USA)

A question about 3rd party unemployed tortfeasors...

Two people fighting outside a pool hall after hours accidentally push a third party into a plate glass window. Who is the responsible party in this scenario? Thanks for your input.

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 "Two People Get In a Fight and Push a Third Party Through a Window...":

Anonymous (USA):

The quick answer is: The two people who accidentally pushed the 3rd innocent party through the window are entirely liable. Fighting in public is technically a crime. Any injuries or death occurring to third parties during the commission of a crime are imputed to the particiapnts in the crime.

In the most serious example, when two or more people are in the midst of a felony and an innocent party dies, whether from a heart attack, a stray bullet, broken glass, or any other number of causes, those involved in the commission of the felony, whether they planned on the death of the third party, or if it was an accident, can be arrested and convicted of manslaughter, or even murder.

In the example you give, the parties engaged in fighting will be responsible for the injuries to the third party, the property damage to the window, and any ancillary damage the broken window may have caused.

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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