injury liability when acting as general contractors

**Kim** · 01-16-2006, 06:59 AM

Hi Everyone:

We are going to be general contractors for building our log home. We are hiring acouple of local guys who know how to put up a log home. Don't worry, we have checked them out thoroughly, and everyone we have talked to said they are excellent. They will dry in the logs, and then we will take it from there. The question is: how do we protect ourselves from anyone getting injured on the job while putting up the logs, and also when we hire subcontractors to finish the work? Thank you for imput!!!
Kim :?:

**WillandHelen** · 01-16-2006, 07:12 AM

If they are liscensed and insured then I think they assume thier own liability. Is that right everyone?

**Kim** · 01-16-2006, 08:14 AM

Hey thanks for the reply: No, they are not licensed or insured, they are just a couple of local boys who can build . I guess I should have made that clear! Sorry :? That is what I am trying to find out, now to protect ourselves.

**rreidnauer** · 01-16-2006, 08:22 AM

That's an issue I've been concerned about just having other LHBA students coming to work on my place.

**Kim** · 01-16-2006, 08:40 AM

HI Rod: Yeah, the guys said they would sign a piece of paper saying we would not be responsible for any injuries with their crew. If we got it signed and witnessed and notorized, would that protect us?

**Basil** · 01-16-2006, 10:10 AM

nope, probably not.

**WillandHelen** · 01-16-2006, 10:37 AM

Perhaps you could buy your own insurance for them to work for you.

**nobleknight** · 01-16-2006, 01:33 PM

01-16-05

See if your homeowners policy covers people/family helping you with home repair, or ask them if they have their own health care policy.

Tom
nobleknight
class 01-15-05

**kyle** · 01-16-2006, 03:04 PM

You might also have to check with your state labor department to see if they would require workmen's comp insurance even though you are subcontracting the work.

**gregorama** · 01-16-2006, 09:22 PM

I plan on getting general liability insurance for the project AND a hold-harmless agreement through an attorney. I'm no lawyer, but if I understand correctly, no hold-harmless will withstand negligence (intentional or otherwise) on your part. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong! Your Labor and Industries (or whatever it is in your state) department can help you; they have strict guidelines on who must be covered and for how much. I called in Alaska, and they had it all down to a T. A very important T. :wink:

Greg