- Category: contract law, Contracts
Subcontractors in Czech Work Contracts: Who’s Liable for Mistakes?
In construction and other projects, contractors often bring in subcontractors. They handle parts of the job – wiring, plastering, roofing.
But what if something goes wrong? Is the contractor still liable?
Clients often hear: “That part was done by another firm. It’s not our fault.”
But under Czech law, this is not a valid defense.
⚖️ What Does Czech Law Say?
Under Sections 2913 and 2631 of the Civil Code:
“Anyone who uses another person to fulfill an obligation is liable as if they performed it themselves.”
In other words: if you hire someone, you’re still fully responsible.
🧱 Real Case: Faulty Electrical Work
A contractor renovated a flat and hired a separate firm to do the wiring. After handover, serious faults appeared – dangerous circuits, poor quality cabling.
The contractor argued: “We didn’t do that part.”
But the court ruled: the contractor was the primary contractual party and must ensure the job is done correctly, no matter who performed it.
📌 What Does It Mean in Practice?
Even when you hire subcontractors, you are fully liable to the client.
The client doesn’t deal with subcontractors – they hold the contractor responsible.
You may seek damages from your subcontractor, but that’s your own legal matter.
No delegation of legal responsibility is allowed unless agreed in writing with the client (rare and risky).
✅ Dealing with subcontractor errors?
📩 Short legal consultation from CZK 1,500 excl. VAT.
I’ll help clarify legal responsibility, prepare claims or defenses, and protect your position.
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in contract law.
Learn more here.
- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 19/06/2025