What is Liability?
Legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions. When a person or entity is found liable, they are legally obligated to compensate the injured party for their losses.
Understanding Liability
Liability can be based on negligence, strict liability, or intentional misconduct. In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties (comparative or contributory negligence). Businesses and individuals often carry liability insurance to protect against claims.
Examples
- 1A manufacturer held liable for a defective product
- 2A property owner liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions
- 3A driver liable for causing a car accident
Related Terms
Personal Injury
A legal term for an injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to damage to property. Personal injury claims are typically brought in civil court to recover compensation for harm caused by another party's negligence or intentional misconduct.
Negligence
The failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person or their property.
Damages
Monetary compensation awarded to a person injured through the wrongful conduct of another party. Damages are intended to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the injury occurred.
Tort
A civil wrong that causes harm to another person, for which the law provides a remedy. Torts can be intentional, negligent, or based on strict liability.
Comparative Negligence
A legal doctrine that allows damages to be apportioned based on each party's degree of fault. The plaintiff's recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
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