Hiring the neighbor kid to mow?

Hiring the neighbor kid to mow?

 

By: Mackenzie Frasher

 

Summer, one of our favorite times of the year, but also one that bears many challenges for homeowners.  With lawn maintenance a priority, many homeowners hire a neighborhood kid looking for a summer job to mow their lawn. When hiring a neighborhood kid, it does not always cross one’s mind on what would happen if he/she were to get injured while working for you.  Is there any coverage? We do not want to scare you away from helping the kid next door earn a few dollars, we are just wanting to educate you as the homeowner.

If an accident were to happen while they were mowing the lawn, the homeowner would be held liable, so it is important that the homeowner is aware and understands the risk. Even if the person you hired used their own mower, they are still located on your property, making the homeowner liable for any accidents or injuries.

To diminish the likelihood of an accident, make sure the operator is dressed properly with eye and hearing protection and correct shoes (no bare feet or sandals). Inspect the lawn for sticks, rocks or anything that can be thrown from the mower. Be careful when handling gasoline, make sure the engine is not running and cooled when filling the tank.

Some homeowner policies have Contingent Worker’s Compensation coverage, this is a layer of protection for the worker in the event of an injury.

If you do not already have this coverage call your agent.  

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