Glossary · Torts
Respondeat Superior
respondeat-superior-0d2fe16f822b2d03-2026-07-28
- Type
- Glossary
- Jurisdiction
- National
- Date
- 2026-07-28
- Topic
- Torts
A doctrine making employers vicariously liable for torts their employees commit within the scope of employment. The injured party need not show the employer did anything wrong itself; liability attaches because the employee was doing the employer's work when the harm occurred. It generally does not cover independent contractors or employees on a purely personal frolic.
Definition
A doctrine making employers vicariously liable for torts their employees commit within the scope of employment. The injured party need not show the employer did anything wrong itself; liability attaches because the employee was doing the employer's work when the harm occurred. It generally does not cover independent contractors or employees on a purely personal frolic.
Respondeat Superior. A doctrine making employers vicariously liable for torts their employees commit within the scope of employment. The injured party need not show the employer did anything wrong itself; liability attaches because the employee was doing the employer's work when the harm occurred. It generally does not cover independent contractors or employees on a purely personal frolic. Example: Under respondeat superior, the delivery company was liable when its driver ran a red light while making deliveries.