In most instances, parties will not be held responsible for the acts of other individuals. There are exceptions, though, that would allow for the imposition of vicarious liability. For example, employers may be held accountable for the negligent acts of their employees if they occurred while the employee was working. Typically, vicarious liability does not allow for the imposition of fault for the acts of an independent contractor, though, as discussed in a recent opinion issued by a Massachusetts court. If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by another party, you might be owed damages, and it is advisable to consult a Cape Cod personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The Subject Accident
Allegedly, the defendant driver was an independent contractor working for the defendant corporation. After the defendant driver completed a contract for the defendant corporation, he was on his way to pick up a load for another corporation when he ran a red light and struck the decedent’s vehicle. The decedent died from the injuries he sustained in the accident two days later.
It is reported that the plaintiff, the administrator of the decedent’s estate, filed a lawsuit against the defendants, alleging that the defendant driver was directly liable and the defendant corporation was vicariously liable for the decedent’s death. The defendant corporation moved for summary judgment, and the court granted the motion. The plaintiff then filed an appeal. Continue Reading ›