❤️
Agency • Liability of Principal for Agent's Torts
AG#008
Legal Definition
Generally, intentional torts are outside the scope of an agency relationship. However, there are three exceptions: (1) where force is authorized by the principal, (2) friction is generated by the employment, or (3) the agent is furthering the business of the principal.
Plain English Explanation
If an employee snaps and punches a customer in the mouth, their principal won't be liable unless they told the employee to punch the customer, or if the employee is in a job that experiences a higher-than-usual amount of confrontation and conflict (e.g., a bouncer, or a bill collector).
Visual Aids
Related Concepts
Generally, when are an agent's actions within the scope of a principal-agent relationship?
What are the requirements for a principal-agent relationship to be established?
What is the difference between a frolic and a detour?
When is a borrowing principal liable for torts committed by a borrowed agent?
When is a principal liable for torts committed by an independent contractor?
When is a principal liable for torts committed by a sub-agent?
When is a principal vicariously liable for torts committed by its agent?
