Question

Roofing Issues. Sally agrees to roof a house for Bob. After doing his research, Bob chooses Sally based on her great reputation for being conscientious and doing good work. Bob knows little about roofing and stays away from all the noise involved. Sally provides her own tools for herself and other workers, sets her own schedule, and charges a flat rate of $10,000 to be paid when the job is completed. Sally hires Trudy, Glen, and Fred to help with the roofing. She pays them an hourly rate, supervises their work, provides them with tools and materials, and sets their schedules. Curious about what is going on there, Bob's friend Spencer walks by the house while the roofing is being done. Glen absentmindedly throws some old shingles off the roof and hits Spencer in the head, resulting in him going to the local emergency room and receiving a couple of stitches in his scalp. Spencer decides to sue all the roofers, Bob, and Sally for his hospital expenses and for pain and suffering. Which of the following is the most likely characterization of Trudy, Glen, and Fred in relation to Sally?
a. Spencer will win, because Glen was acting within the scope of his employment; therefore, Sally is liable for his negligence
b. Spencer will lose, because Glen was not acting within the scope of his employment; therefore, Sally is not liable for his negligence.
c. Spencer will win because regardless of whether Glen was acting within the scope of his employment, Sally is liable for his negligence
d. Spencer will lose because regardless of whether Glen was acting within the scope of his employment, Sally has no liability.
e. Spencer and Sally will split the damages equally

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Spencer will win because regardless of whether Glen was acting within the scope of his employment, Sally is liable for his negligence

Explanation:

Spencer will win the lawsuit and Sally is liable for negligence.

This is because, Sally was the person originally hired to do the roofing job.

She hired other workers to help her with the job, so she's liable to their actions and inactions.

Sally is operating under a working agreement (contract) and has already charged a fee of $10,000 so any punitive damages would be her responsibility.

Spencer was moving around and Glen threw some roofing shingles without any word of warning to people that might be in harm's way. So for Glenn's actions, Sally is liable for his negligence.