Legal Definitions - absolute liability

Definition: Absolute liability is a legal term that refers to the responsibility or accountability of a person or entity for damages or harm caused, regardless of whether they were negligent or intended to cause harm. It is a type of liability that is based on the breach of an absolute duty to make something safe.

Example: A common example of absolute liability is in product liability cases. If a product is found to be defective and causes harm to a consumer, the manufacturer can be held absolutely liable for the damages, even if they were not negligent in the production of the product.

Another example is in cases of ultrahazardous activities, such as the use of explosives or the keeping of wild animals. If harm is caused to others as a result of these activities, the person or entity responsible can be held absolutely liable for the damages.

These examples illustrate how absolute liability imposes a strict duty on individuals or entities to ensure the safety of others, regardless of their intentions or level of care.