Parents Held Responsible For Babysitter's Fatal Auto Accident

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According to a recent decision by the 3rd District Court of Appeals, you could be liable for your babysitter's actions.

An eighteen year old babysitter's employers, William and Lori Kumbalek were sued, because Michael, the babysitter, while driving their youngest son home from day care, ran a stop sign while talking on his cell phone. The 18 year-old babysitter hit another car , killing Scott Bergene of Newton, Wisconsin. Mr. Bergene's widow sued the Kumbalek's, and their insurance company, claiming that Michael was employed by them when he killed her husband. Mr. Bergene's widow also sued Michael. Legally, an employer can be held accountable when his employee causes harm to another while engaged in the employer's business, even if the employer was not at fault.