Vicarious liability is a system whereby an employer is liable for the torts of his employees committed in the course of employment. The principle of placing liability on the employer as well as upon the individual tortfeasor is mainly justified by the concept of loss distribution; that is, that the employer will usually be better able to distribute the loss, either through insurance or through his customers. This chapter begins with a definition of an employee. It then discusses the liability of the employee; how an employer is liable for the torts of his employee only if the act is committed ‘in the course of his employment‘; and liability for independent contractors.
Chapter
18. Vicarious liability
Chapter
18. Vicarious liability
Vicarious liability is a system whereby an employer is liable for the torts of his employees committed in the course of employment. The principle of placing liability on the employer as well as upon the individual tortfeasor is mainly justified by the concept of loss distribution; that is, that the employer will usually be better able to distribute the loss, either through insurance or through his customers. This chapter begins with a definition of an employee. It then discusses the liability of the employee; how an employer is liable for the torts of his employee only if the act is committed ‘in the course of his employment’; and liability for independent contractors.
Chapter
9. Vicarious liability
Without assuming prior legal knowledge, books in the Directions series introduce and guide readers through key points of law and legal debate. Questions, diagrams, and exercises help readers to engage fully with each subject and check their understanding as they progress. In general, liability is based on the personal fault of the wrongdoer himself. A person is liable only for his own acts, and a defendant will usually be free of any liability unless he has negligently or intentionally caused the harm or damage to the claimant. However, a person who has no fault or personal blame may also be held liable for the damage caused by the tort of another. This is known as vicarious liability, which is most common in the workplace and imposes liability without the need to prove that the defendant is at fault.
Chapter
9. Vicarious liability
Without assuming prior legal knowledge, books in the Directions series introduce and guide readers through key points of law and legal debate. Questions, diagrams, and exercises help readers engage fully with each subject and check their understanding as they progress. In general, liability is based on the personal fault of the wrongdoer himself. A person is liable only for their own acts, and a defendant will usually be free of any liability unless they have negligently or intentionally caused the harm or damage to the claimant. However, a person who has no fault or personal blame may also be held liable for the damage caused by the tort of another. This is known as vicarious liability, which is most common in the workplace and imposes liability without the need to prove that the defendant is at fault.
