Vicarious Liability in California Personal Injury Law

Vicarious Liability in California explained — learn when employers, parents, or businesses can be held financially responsible for someone else’s negligence. Understand your rights and how Starpoint Law helps maximize compensation.

Personal Injury

5 min read

Vicarious Liability California

Anyone who causes you harm is legally responsible for their actions, but are they the only ones responsible for paying for your damages?

Under the laws of vicarious liability in California, multiple individuals can be liable to compensate you for injuries caused by one bad actor.

This vicarious liability law can increase the likelihood that someone will have the means to cover your losses.

If you have been injured by the misconduct of someone else, speak to our experienced personal injury attorneys at Starpoint Law.

We can make sure the appropriate parties are held responsible for your pain, and we can maximize your damages. Contact us today.

What Is Vicarious Liability?

In California, when it comes to vicarious liability in a legal complaint, it means that the plaintiff has the right to seek compensation from multiple parties for the injuries they’ve sustained. This can significantly impact the outcome of settlements.

As explained in the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instruction 3700 and California law, the following parties are legally responsible for the tortious or criminal actions of another:

  • A business or person is responsible for the harms caused by their agent;
  • An employer is responsible for the misconduct an employee commits within the scope of their employment (this is also called respondeat superior in California);
  • A parent or guardian is responsible for the willful misconduct of their minor child; and
  • An individual is responsible for any crime they encourage another person to commit.

While these rules give you multiple sources from which you can recoup your damages, identifying all parties who are vicariously liable for your injuries can be a difficult task.

You might have to battle with potential defendants to prove that the party who hurt you was their employee or agent or that their harmful behavior was within the scope of their duties.

Once you prove that a party is vicariously liable, you must also prove that the person who harmed you was negligent or committed a wrongful act against you.

Analyzing these matters is a complex undertaking and best left to the judgment of a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney.

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You Recover What You Deserve

Navigating the complexities of vicarious liability in California personal injury law can be challenging. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to help.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—contact us today to take the first step towards justice and recovery.

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Adam S
3 years ago

Aidin at Starpoint helped guide me through initial consultations and boost my morale. Although I managed to settle the disagreement quickly on my own behalf, thank God, Aidin was my first choice of defense. Aidin was knowledgeable and confident about several laws and methods to respond to the specific complaints that could turn the situation around and work in our favour!

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

I’d like to take this moment to thank Aidin, Eva, Marisol, and all the others that worked hard at this law firm while working on my case.

They are excellent! It is a difficult thing to experience once you get to a point in any matter that attorneys have to get involved. They made this process comfortable. Aidin had been thorough from day one. He made everything make sense to me and there were no surprises when my case was closed. Eva was professional and friendly. Highly recommend them!

Thank you Starpoint for making me feel confident in your team from the very beginning.

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5 years ago

Aidin is an amazing lawyer! I highly recommend Star point to anyone looking for a law firm that will help you get the best you deserve

Farzad Arani Badee
5 years ago

I was involved in a car accident last May 2019. I reached out to Starpoint law firm and my attorney John Vafa Handled my case very strongly. In less than a year My case settled for 750,000 dollars. Thank you so much Starpoint law for being so kind, caring and strong.
I recommend Starrpoint law firm and attorney John Vafa to everyone if they want to get a good result and get what they deserve after any kind of accident.

martha hidalgo
5 years ago

I am absolutely astonished by the service. Meeting the lawyer Aidan, it was the best that had happened in my life. He was the only lawyer te hat had faith in my case and thanks to him and John, I can feel better about myself after the accident. They are very professional, but apart from that they are such great human beings. I would definitely recommend them!

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Very quick to answer any questions, took care of our case very quickly. Highly recommend.

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Paymon John Vafa is in my opinion a great lawyer. He’s done a pretty amazing job on my case. I’m very grateful and wish him well.

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18 November 2025

I had such a great experience with their team. Very pleasant, trustable, clear, and communicative. I was not sure about the whole process but they explained everything along the way. Thank you so much!

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My legal representatives Aidin Ghavimi and Diana have been very supportive and understanding of my legal needs with their professionalism and excellent communication. I really appreciate and highly recommend Starpoint Attorneys at Law!10/28/25 update: Now that the opposing counsel has come to a most favorable settlement, I can’t thank you enough for your diligence and support during this difficult time for me. Aidin and the Starpoint family have been absolutely amazing!

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Everyone at this office is great! Communication, professional, very helpful and they look out for you not their pockets. I had a great team i highly recommend them!

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