Q: Liability exposure for yard work
A storm blew down some branches—some in our yard and some across our fence and into a pond. If we hire our landscaper to cut down and remove the branches and trim hanging ones from the tree, could we be liable if him or his crew are hurt (or killed!). The work is dangerous, and we don't know if landscaper carries appropriate insurance.
A: Generally you don't have liability other than for things you know about but don't tell him that aren't obvious--e.g., if you know there's a deep gopher hole near where they'll be working and one of them falls or their ladder tips, you may be liable.
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