What is the difference between direct and vicarious liability in professional liability law?

Professional liability law in Maryland deals with negligence and other related liabilities of professionals. There are two categories of liability known as direct and vicarious liability. Direct liability occurs when a professional is held responsible for their own negligent act. This means that the professional is held directly liable for the damage or harm caused to someone as a result of their actions. For example, if an accountant makes a mistake which leads to an individual’s taxes being wrong, the accountant may be held liable for any damages the individual suffered as a result. Vicarious liability occurs when a professional is held liable for the negligence of another person. This means that the professional is not personally responsible for the damage or harm caused, but is liable for any damages because they employed or supervised the person who caused the damage. For example, if an employee of a doctor’s office negligently causes harm to a patient, the doctor would be vicariously liable for any resulting damages. In summary, direct liability holds professionals accountable for their own negligence, while vicarious liability holds professionals liable for the negligence of someone they hired or supervised.

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What is the difference between direct and vicarious liability in professional liability law?

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