Legal Definitions - liable

To be liable means to be legally responsible or accountable for something. This responsibility can involve an obligation to pay money, perform an action, or face a penalty under the law.

• Example 1: Contractual Obligation
  Imagine a small business owner, Mark, signs a lease agreement for office space. If Mark fails to pay the monthly rent as stipulated in the contract, he becomes liable for the unpaid rent and any associated late fees. This means the landlord has a legal right to pursue payment from him.

• Example 2: Personal Injury or Damage
  Consider a situation where a homeowner, Emily, neglects to repair a broken step on her porch, despite knowing it's a hazard. If a delivery person trips on the step, falls, and breaks their arm, Emily could be found liable for the delivery person's medical expenses and lost wages. Her negligence made her legally responsible for the injury.

• Example 3: Product Responsibility
  A company manufactures a batch of children's toys, and due to a manufacturing defect, some of these toys contain small parts that can easily detach and pose a choking hazard. If a child chokes on one of these parts, the manufacturing company would likely be held liable for any harm caused. They are legally responsible for ensuring their products are safe for their intended use.