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

Direct liability in professional liability law refers to responsibility held by a professional when they are directly responsible for someone’s loss or harm. In Washington, this type of liability could arise from any action or failure to act that is in violation of the applicable professional standards. For example, if a doctor fails to make an accurate diagnosis and a patient suffers serious harm or loss as a result, the doctor could be held responsible for direct liability in a professional liability lawsuit. Vicarious liability in professional liability law refers to responsibility held by a professional for the actions of another. In Washington, this type of liability could be seen in cases where there is an employer-employee relationship. If an employee of a professional commits an act of negligence or misconduct that results in harm or loss to someone, then their employer could be held responsible for vicarious liability in a professional liability lawsuit. This is because employers are responsible for the conduct of their employees in professional settings.

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

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