Vicarious Responsibility

Vicarious responsibility alludes to the situation where one party is held liable for the
unlawful actions of a third party. The third party also carries its part of the blame for
negligence or unlawful actions. Vicarious liability stems from the common law doctrine of
agency or respondeat superior. Respondeat superior is Latin for the master should answer. It is a
doctrine in tort law where a master is held liable for the wrong deeds of a servant. An employer
has vicarious liability for acts performed by their employees. The rule is recognized both in the
common law and civil law jurisdictions. An employer may be held liable for acts of omission
committed by the employees.
The University of Chicago Medical Center was forced to pay 53 million in a birth injury
lawsuit. The clinicians at the hospital failed to monitor the baby, and this resulted in birth-related
injuries. One of the ways through which an organization can prevent legal suits emanating from
vicarious liability is ensuring that the persons hired are qualified. The credentials and
qualifications of medical experts should be thoroughly screened. Proper supervision can also
alleviate the risk of being sued under vicarious liability. A healthcare organization should ensure
that all employees are supervised to ensure that they do not commit acts of omission or
negligence. A proper reporting system should be instituted. Mistakes should be corrected as soon
as they occur to prevent injuries to the patients.