What legal concept holds a person liable for injuries resulting from entrusting an object to another?

Negligent entrustment is the legal concept that establishes liability when an individual permits another person to use an object, such as a vehicle or firearm, in a careless manner that could foreseeably result in harm. This liability arises when the person entrusting the object knew or should have known that the person they were entrusting it to was likely to use it irresponsibly or to cause harm.

For example, if someone lends their car to a friend who they know does not have a valid driver’s license and that friend then causes an accident, the lender could be found liable under the principle of negligent entrustment. This concept emphasizes the responsibility of the lender to ensure that the person they are entrusting the item to has the ability and willingness to use it safely.

The other concepts, such as vicarious liability, strict liability, and contributory negligence, address different legal contexts. Vicarious liability refers to the responsibility of one party for the actions of another, often in an employer-employee relationship. Strict liability deals with holding a party legally responsible regardless of fault, typically in cases involving inherently dangerous activities. Contributory negligence involves the idea that a plaintiff's own negligence contributed to their injuries, which can limit or eliminate their ability