In what situation would vicarious liability be applicable?

• A. A driver hitting a pedestrian while parking
• B. A parent being liable for their child's actions
• C. An employee misplacing property on purpose
• D. A business owner claiming damages

Answer: (B)

Vicarious liability arises when one party is held legally responsible for the negligent actions of another party, typically because of a relationship between the two, such as that between a parent and child or an employer and employee. In this context, option B is applicable because it directly reflects the principle of vicarious liability. Parents can be held liable for the negligent actions of their children, especially if the child is still a minor. This responsibility does not necessarily mean the parent acted negligently; rather, it is based on the legal relationship and their duty to supervise and manage their child's behavior.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not effectively demonstrate vicarious liability. For instance, a driver hitting a pedestrian while parking typically pertains to the driver's own negligence. An employee misplacing property on purpose involves intentional misconduct, which does not fall under vicarious liability as it negates the employer's responsibility for negligent acts. Lastly, a business owner claiming damages focuses on the owner's own interests and responsibilities, rather than liability linked to another party's actions. Therefore, the best fitting option highlighting the essence of vicarious liability is the relationship between a parent and their child's conduct.