What does “vicarious liability” entail?

Vicarious liability refers to the legal principle that holds an employer or principal accountable for the negligent actions of an employee or agent that occur within the scope of their employment or authority. This doctrine is rooted in the idea that employers should bear some responsibility for the actions of individuals they hire, provided those actions are connected to their work duties.

For instance, if an employee causes an accident while performing their job, the employer can be held liable for damages even if the employer was not directly at fault. This principle encourages employers to implement proper training, supervision, and safety measures because their financial interests align with ensuring that their employees act competently and responsibly.

The other options highlight different concepts that are not related to the definition of vicarious liability. Assigning liability based solely on personal negligence does not account for the relationship between an employee's actions and the employer’s responsibility. Eliminating the requirement for employee training does not address the accountability of the employer for their employee's actions. Lastly, the employer's right to pursue damages from employees does not relate to vicarious liability as that concept focuses on the employer's responsibility to third parties rather than recourse within the employment relationship.