Definition
Legal responsibility for someone else's conduct, allowing you to be sued for actions you didn't personally commit—just one of law's more frustrating surprises.
Example Usage
The employer was held vicariously liable for the employee's negligence, despite having no personal involvement in the accident.
Origin
From Latin 'vicarius,' meaning in place of another
Fun Fact
Scope of employment is crucial in vicarious liability; employers generally aren't liable if employees are on personal errands
Source: Tort law and employment law terminology
Related Terms
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See “Vicarious Liability” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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