Strict liability

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that makes a person responsible for the damages caused by their actions regardless of culpability (fault). Strict liability often applies to those engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous ventures.

A classic example of strict liability is the owner of a tiger rehabilitation center; no matter how strong the tiger cages are, if an animal escapes and causes damage and injury, the owner is held liable. Another example is a contractor hiring a demolition subcontractor that lacks proper insurance. If the subcontractor makes a mistake, the contractor is strictly liable for any damage that occurs.

The law imputes strict liability to situations that it considers to be inherently dangerous; this discourages reckless behavior and needless loss. It also has the effect of simplifying litigation and allowing the victim to become whole more quickly.

Strict liability is important in the law of torts, product liability, corporations law, and criminal law.