Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Louisiana, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful property damage caused by their minor children. This is in accordance with the Louisiana Civil Code, which stipulates that parents are responsible for the damage occasioned by their minor children who reside with them. Additionally, parents may face liability for their child's negligent acts if it can be proven that the parents were negligent in supervising the child, a concept known as negligent supervision, or if they negligently entrusted their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, that contributed to the harm, known as negligent entrustment. The specifics of these liabilities, including any age and monetary limits, are detailed in the relevant Louisiana statutes. It is important for parents to be aware of these laws as they can have significant financial and legal implications.