Louisiana § RS 9:4813 - Liability of the surety
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:4813 — Liability of the surety, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 9:4813. Liability of the surety
A. The surety is liable without benefit of discussion or division.
B. If the total amount owed to persons to whom the surety is liable exceeds the total amount of the bond, the surety's liability shall be discharged in the following order:
(1) First, and pro rata, to persons who preserve their claims in the manner required by R.S. 9:4822.
(2) Second, and in the order in which they present their obligations to the surety, to persons who do not preserve their claims as required by R.S. 9:4822 but to whom the contractor is otherwise liable.
(3) Third, to the owner.
C. The liability of the surety is not extinguished by a deficiency in the amount of the bond, the failure to attach the bond to the notice of contract, or the failure to file the notice as required by R.S. 9:4811.
D. An action shall not be brought against a surety, other than by the owner, before the expiration of the time specified by R.S. 9:4822 for claimants to file statements of their claims or privileges, unless a statement of the claim or privilege in the form required by R.S. 9:4822(H) is delivered to the surety at least thirty days prior to the institution of the action.
E. The surety's liability, except as to the owner, is extinguished as to each person who fails to institute an action asserting his claims or rights against the owner, the contractor, or the surety no later than one year after the expiration of the time specified in R.S. 9:4822 for the person to file his statement of claim or privilege.
F. A surety who pays a person to whom the surety is liable is legally subrogated to the person's contractual rights but may not assert by subrogation the person's claims or privileges arising under this Part.
Acts 1981, No. 724, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; Acts 2019, No. 325, §1.
NOTE: See Acts 2019, No. 325, §§6, 7, and 10, regarding applicability.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 9:4813
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:4813 cover?
Section RS 9:4813 ("Liability of the surety") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 9:4813?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:4813" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 9:4813 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.