Agent’s Tort is a legal term that refers to a wrongful act or omission committed by an agent on behalf of their principal, resulting in harm or injury to a third party. This tort arises from the principle of vicarious liability, where the principal is held responsible for the actions of their agent within the scope of their employment or agency relationship.
To establish an Agent’s Tort, certain elements must be proven, including the existence of an agency relationship between the principal and the agent, the agent’s negligent or intentional act or omission, and the resulting harm or injury suffered by the third party. The principal can be held liable for the agent’s actions, even if they did not directly participate in or have knowledge of the wrongful act.
Examples of Agent’s Tort may include a salesperson making false representations about a product, leading to financial loss for a customer, or a driver causing an accident while performing work-related duties for their employer. In such cases, the injured party can seek compensation from both the agent and the principal for the damages caused.
Agent’s Tort plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and protecting the rights of individuals who suffer harm due to the actions of agents. It serves as a legal mechanism to hold principals responsible for the conduct of their agents, promoting ethical behavior and providing a means of redress for those who have been wronged.
An agent’s tort refers to a situation where an agent, acting on behalf of a principal, commits a wrongful act that causes harm to a third party. In such cases, the principal may be held liable for the agent’s actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees or agents while they are acting within the scope of their employment. This means that the principal may be held legally responsible for the agent’s tortious conduct, even if the principal did not directly participate in or authorize the wrongful act. However, there are certain limitations and defences that may apply in agent’s tort cases, such as if the agent was acting outside the scope of their employment or if the principal can show that they took reasonable steps to prevent the wrongful act.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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