What concept holds a party 100% liable for damages under inherently dangerous activities?

• A. Negligence
• B. Strict Liability
• C. Imputed Liability
• D. Comparative Liability

Answer: (B)

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds a party responsible for their actions or products regardless of fault or intent. This concept is particularly relevant in cases involving inherently dangerous activities, where the risk of harm is so great that the party engaging in such activities is held fully accountable for any resulting damages.

For example, if a construction company uses explosives for demolition, any injury or damage caused by that activity falls under strict liability. The company does not need to demonstrate that it acted negligently; the nature of the activity itself is sufficient for the imposition of liability. This approach serves public policy interests by encouraging those who engage in inherently risky activities to take extra precautions to prevent harm to others.

In contrast, negligence requires a failure to exercise reasonable care, and imputed liability involves holding one party responsible for the actions of another based on their relationship, like an employer being liable for an employee's actions. Comparative liability addresses situations where multiple parties share fault, allowing damages to be distributed according to the percentage of responsibility for the harm. So, strict liability stands apart as it emphasizes the inherent dangers of certain activities rather than the behavior of the party involved.