Can a guardian be held liable for the actions of the ward?

In Washington state, a guardian can be held liable for the actions of their ward. Under Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §§ 11.110.010 and 11.92.010, a guardian must exercise reasonable care, diligence, and prudence when managing the ward’s property and making decisions on their behalf. If the guardian fails to meet those standards, they can be held liable for any losses incurred by the ward. In addition, guardians can be held liable for any damages caused by the ward’s actions. For example, if the ward injures somebody or damages property, the guardian may be held liable for compensating the injured party or replacing the damaged property. This is because the guardian is responsible for the ward’s safety, so if their neglect results in harm, it can be attributed to them. However, there are some circumstances in which a guardian may not be held liable for their ward’s actions. For instance, if the ward is an adult and is completely capable of making their own decisions, the guardian will not be held liable if their actions cause harm. Further, if the guardian is able to prove that they exercised reasonable care and diligence in managing the ward’s property and did not contribute to the harm caused by the ward’s actions, they may be exempt from liability. Overall, it depends on the circumstances of each case, so it is important for guardians to understand their legal responsibilities and exercise caution when managing their ward’s affairs.

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Can a guardian be held liable for the actions of the ward?

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