Just as living vicariously through someone else involves taking pleasure in another person’s exploits, vicarious liability means that you can legally be held responsible for another person’s wrongdoing. This is possible because of how certain legal relationships work. Here’s an example: say one of your employees mops up a spill at your café but forgets to put out a “wet floor” sign. A customer comes in and slips on the wet patch. If the fall leads to an injury, the customer could sue your business for damages. Even though your employee’s actions led to the incident (and even if you reminded the employee to put up the sign), you and your business could be considered responsible in the eyes of the law. In order for liability to pass from an employee to you or your business, the employee must be acting within the scope of their job or professional duties. Even if an employee acts against directions you give them, you could be held liable for the damage their action (or lack of action) causes.

Asha Antony

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