What legal concept holds a person accountable for damages caused by their actions or products, regardless of fault?

The concept that holds a person accountable for damages caused by their actions or products, regardless of fault, is known as strict liability. This legal doctrine applies particularly in cases involving defective products or hazardous activities, where an individual or entity can be held responsible for any harm caused, even if they did not intend to cause harm or were not negligent.

In strict liability cases, the focus is on the nature of the act or product rather than the intent or care taken by the individual responsible. For instance, a manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by a defective product, despite demonstrating that they followed all safety protocols during production. This principle aims to protect consumers and ensure they have recourse for injuries that arise from inherently dangerous activities or defective items, promoting accountability in production and service delivery.

Understanding strict liability is crucial for public adjusters as they often deal with insurance claims related to property damage or liability issues, where the principles of liability can significantly influence claim handling and outcomes.