Privette Doctrine Doesn't Bar Contractor's Suit Over 'Dilapidated' Roof

A window cleaner who fell off a roof may proceed with his negligence lawsuit against a Los Angeles County homeowner, the 2nd District Court of Appeal decided Wednesday. Independent contractors like Luis Gonzalez generally aren’t allowed to sue those who hire them. But California law recognizes two exceptions to the rule, and the 2nd DCA found that Gonzalez meets the criteria for one of them. The 2nd DCA’s decision reversed the ruling of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which had granted summary judgment in favor of the homeowner, John Mathis. Mathis owns a home in Los Ange...