Month: November 2012

Parents can be sued.

In Ontario, parents can be liable for the actions of their children.

Many are unaware of the Parental Responsibility Act, 2000.

The act defines the liability of a parent. Basically, if a child damages or destroys the property of another the victim can sue the parents in Small Claims Court.

The victim can sue up to the maximum of $25,000 as per the Small Claims Court rules for loss or damage of the property sustained as a result of the activity of the child. Furthermore, the victim can sue for economic loss.

The parent can defend the lawsuit by satisfying the court that reasonable supervision was exercised and that the loss or damage was not intentional.

Finally, the act sets out a variety of factors the court might evaluate when considering whether the parent exercised reasonable supervision. For example, the age of the child, the prior conduct of the child and the potential danger of the activity to name only a few.

For further information please feel free to call Rehan Khalil a lawyer in Mississauga, Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area. 

MAJOR DEALS SEALED BY A HANDSHAKE

Many folks in the business world still admit that major deals are sealed by nothing more than a handshake. No contracts, no feuding lawyers, no fuss and outside the boardroom.

Sealing the deal with a handshake can be done for a variety of reasons. For some it may signal to the other party that, ``my word is my bond`` or ``let`s keep it simple`` or  more importantly, ``we trust each other.``

Whatever the case parties that seal the deal with a handshake are definitely making a statement whether intentional or not and trust is the underlying factor.

I have discussed oral contracts and their legal effect in a previous post entitled, ``I want to borrow money from a friend. ``

While some parties may never encounter any problems based on an oral contract countless others have.

Whatever your business practices it`s a good idea to have something in writing to confirm the details of the arrangement.

Speak to a lawyer and inevitability he or she will likely advise that written confirmation is not only helpful but safe.

Even if it is as simple as an email confirming the details of the transaction it will be helpful in the event the business deal goes south or worse ends up in litigation.

If you think you require legal advice in the area of commercial litigation, civil litigation please call me, I am a lawyer practising in Mississauga serving Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton and the greater Toronto area.

The Employment Contract

If you have been terminated or wrongfully dismissed the first question an employment lawyer typically asks is whether or not there was an employment contract.

If you`re an employer and looking to terminate an employee again the first question an employment lawyer will ask is whether or not there was an employment contract.

It never ceases to me amaze me that so many employers still don`t have an employment contract with their employees.

If you`re an employer and don`t have an employment contract in place you could be exposing yourself to legal liability. In addition, you will have a weak legal position if a dispute arises.

If you`re an employee without an employment contract you might be unaware of you’re legal rights.

It`s important to speak with an employment lawyer.

Call Rehan Khalil a lawyer in Mississauga. 

Serious Dog Bite Attack in Toronto

The Toronto Star reported today, Man loses testicle in bulldog attack. I have said it before and I will say it again dog bites are no laughing matter.

Here is a posting by me from last year about a serious dog bite injury Dog Bite.

In Ontario the owner of a dog that has attacked someone else can potentially face legal liability.

Many folks are unaware that the dog owners home insurance could potentially respond to a claim from a dog bite attack victim.

As a result, it is important people speak to a personal injury lawyer to understand their rights.

Call the law office of Rehan Khalil a lawyer in Mississauga, also serving the Greater Toronto Area.