What Is Strict Or Absolute Liability?
Some persons or companies may be held “strictly liable” for certain activities that harm others, even if they have not acted negligently or with wrongful intent. Under this theory, a person injured by a defective or unexpectedly dangerous product, for instance, may recover compensation from the maker or seller of the product without showing that the manufacturer or seller was actually negligent. Also, persons or companies engaged in using explosives, storing dangerous substances, or keeping dangerous animals can be strictly liable for harm caused to others as a result of such activities. The theory behind imposing strict liability on those conducting such activities is that these activities pose an undue risk of harm to members of the community. Thus, anyone who conducts such activity does so at his own risk and is liable when something goes wrong and someone is harmed. The people who create certain risks are thus made accountable. In strict product liability, it is unnecessary to prove that the manufacturer was negligent; all you have to do is show that the product was defective, that it was allowed to be sold, and that the injuries were caused by the defect in the product. Some instances in which the law might apply strict liability are with regard to product liability, abnormally dangerous or ultra-hazardous activities and animal owner’s liability. For example, a plaintiff may be entitled to compensation after a defective product injures him or her regardless of whether the manufacturer was actually negligent. In other words, the plaintiff only has to prove that a product is defective or unreasonably dangerous and that the defect caused the injury. It is not necessary to show that the manufacturer was careless or negligent, which is much more difficult to prove.
Other Personal Injury Claims and Lawsuits FAQs
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How Do I Know If I Have A Personal Injury Claim?
First off, in order to proceed with a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that you have been injured. This may be a physical injury or it may be an emotional … more -
What Financial Compensation Can I Get In A Personal Injury Claim?
Depending on the type and extent of your personal injury, you may be eligible for compensatory damages for all losses and expenses you incur, and punitive damages. … more -
I Was Injured In An Accident, Now What?
The first thing to do is to have your injuries treated. If you do not have money to go to the doctor, some doctor’s will still treat you and wait for … more -
How Do I Prove Negligence In Court If It Goes That Far?
The burden of proof in a personal injury case as in most civil law cases is lower than the proof required in criminal law cases. In a criminal case, the prosecutor … more -
What Type Of Defenses Can Be Asserted In A Personal Injury Case?
One of the most common defenses is that of contributory or comparative negligence. This defense is made by the defendant. -
What Is Contributory Negligence?
The term “contributory negligence” is used to describe the actions of an injured person that may have also caused or contributed to his injury. For … more -
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence works on a percentage basis to assign a degree of fault for the injuries suffered. For example, in a case where a person slips and falls on a … more -
What Is The "assumption Of Risk" Defense?
If you have knowingly and voluntarily assumed the risk inherent in a particular action that caused an accident, you cannot sue the other person for negligence if you … more -
I Was Told By My Attorney That I May Be "liable" For The Accident, What Does That Mean?
The term liable generally means that an individual, company or some other entity may be obligated to pay money for someone’s injury because they caused it. The … more -
If I File A Lawsuit Against Someone Because I Was Injured, Will I Have To Go To Court?
You may. Most cases will resolve or settle before a trial is held. This is because a trial can be very time-consuming and expensive and the result is not … more
Personal Injury Sub-categories
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Asbestos
Assault and Battery Benzene Exposure Car Accident Defamation of Character Dog Bite Legal Terms |
Medical Negligence
Mold Product Liability Slip and Fall SUV Rollovers Taser Guns Toxic Torts |
