The master is liable for injury done by his servant.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, a master is liable for injuries caused by his servant acting within the scope of employment — cite this to hold an employer accountable for the torts of his employee.

Where this applies

• A delivery driver causes an accident while making deliveries for his employer; the injured party sues the employer under respondeat superior because the master is liable for the servant's wrongs.
• A hotel guest is injured when a bellhop negligently drops heavy luggage on her foot; the hotel is held liable because the employee was acting within the scope of his employment.
• A landscaping company's worker damages a client's fence while mowing the lawn; the client sues the company rather than the individual worker, invoking the principle that the master answers for the servant's torts.