Vicarious liability

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 cafe 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.

As a business owner, you could be vicariously liable for the actions of:

Your employees. 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.

Agents you work with. “Agent” is a classification that includes anyone who works on behalf of someone else (the principal). Agents can be either independent contractors or employees, and they have the authority to alter or create legal relationships between the principal and third parties. Typically, in vicarious liability cases involving the agent-principal relationship, both the agent and the principal assume some liability, meaning that the person harmed by the wrongdoing can seek damages from both parties.

Independent contractors. One reason some business owners choose to work with independent contractors is to avoid exposure to vicarious liability. While the general rule holds that principals (you) are not liable for work done by independent contractors, there are a few situations in which vicarious liability can pass up the chain. These include instances when you are negligent (e.g. you hire a contractor who isn't qualified for the work they're required to do); when you hire a contractor to complete tasks that, by law, you're required to do yourself; and when you hire a contractor to complete work that is inherently dangerous to third parties.

Luckily, business insurance protects you in cases of vicarious liability.

Vicarious liability is an everyday risk for business owners, but that doesn't mean your bottom line has to suffer because of mistakes or oversights that other people make. Various types of business insurance specifically protect businesses from the costs of both direct and vicarious liability.

Insureon helps small business owners compare business insurance quotes with one easy online application. Start an application today to select the right policy limits for your risk exposures.