Alabama Property and Casualty Practice Exam

Which legal principle can dictate consequences for actions taken with inherently dangerous substances, such as explosives?

1. workplace safety

2. strict liability

3. negligence

4. vicarious liability

The correct answer is: strict liability

The principle of strict liability applies to actions involving inherently dangerous substances, such as explosives, because it imposes responsibility on a person or entity that engages in such activities regardless of whether they exercised reasonable care or not. In contexts where activities are deemed inherently risky, the law holds the responsible party liable for any resulting harm, even if they took all possible precautions to prevent an accident. This legal framework is rooted in the idea that certain actions pose a greater risk to the public, and thus those who choose to engage in those actions must bear the consequences, irrespective of fault. For instance, if a company uses explosives for construction and an accident occurs that injures a bystander, the company can be held liable under strict liability principles, even if the company followed all safety protocols. This encourages higher safety standards and accountability in industries that handle dangerous materials. In contrast, workplace safety typically focuses on regulations and protections for employees, negligence requires proof of a lack of reasonable care, and vicarious liability involves an employer's responsibility for the actions of their employees in the course of employment. These principles do not inherently cover the strict responsibilities tied to the use of dangerous substances.