Kansas § 38-120 - Recovery from parents for malicious or willful acts by certain children; limitations. Any person receiving bodily injury or any person, par

Full text of Kansas Kansas Statutes Annotated § 38-120 — Recovery from parents for malicious or willful acts by certain children; limitations. Any person receiving bodily injury or any person, par, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-120. Recovery from parents for malicious or willful acts by certain children; limitations. Any person receiving bodily injury or any person, par

38-120. Recovery from parents for malicious or willful acts by certain children; limitations. Any person receiving bodily injury or any person, partnership, corporation, political subdivision or other entity whose property has been damaged or destroyed shall be entitled to recover damages in an appropriate action at law in a court of competent jurisdiction from the parents of any child, living with the parents, who maliciously or willfully injured such person or damaged or destroyed such property while under the age of 18 years. Such recovery shall be limited to the actual damages in an amount not to exceed $5,000, in addition to taxable court costs, unless the court or jury finds that the malicious or willful act of such minor causing such injury, damage or destruction is the result of parental neglect, in which event the $5,000 limitation does not apply. Recovery under this section for bodily injury shall be limited to actual medical expenses.History: L. 1959, ch. 203, § 1; L. 1965, ch. 275, § 1; L. 1978, ch. 156, § 1; L. 1995, ch. 257, § 5; July 1.

Source: official Kansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas § 38-120

What does Kansas Statutes Annotated § 38-120 cover?

Section 38-120 ("Recovery from parents for malicious or willful acts by certain children; limitations. Any person receiving bodily injury or any person, par") is part of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of Kansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Kansas § 38-120?

A common citation format is "Kansas Statutes Annotated § 38-120" (Kansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Kansas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Kansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Kansas attorney.

How does Kansas § 38-120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Kansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Kansas.