Chicago Product Liability Lawyers - Article

Strict Liability

Strict liability is the legal doctrine that makes an individual responsible for the damages and losses that are caused by his or her actions and omissions, regardless of culpability. Strict liability is important to personal injury (particularly product liability), corporations law, and criminal law.

In tort law, strict liability is the imposition of liability on a party without finding that party to be at fault, such as negligence or tortious intent. The plaintiff has to prove only that the tort happened and that the defendant was responsible in some way for the injuries, damages, and losses.

Strict liability is imposed to a degree that neither good faith nor the fact that the defendant took all possible safety precautions are valid defenses. Strict liability often applies to those engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous ventures.

Strict liability is different from absolute liability. In absolute liability, only a guilty act is required. With strict liability, a guilty act and a guilty mind are required. In strict liability situations, the plaintiff does not have to prove fault, but the defendant can raise an absence of fault as a defense.

A tiger rehabilitation center can be used as an example of strict liability. Tigers are inherently dangerous. Regardless of how strong the tiger cages are, an animal can escape and cause damage and injury. If this happens, the owner of the facility is held liable. A contractor that hires a demolition subcontractor without proper insurance is another situation where the contractor is held liable. If the subcontractor makes a mistake, the contractor is held strictly liable for any damage that occurs.

Contact a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

If you have been injured by a company’s product, contact the Chicago product liability lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.