Final answer:
Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations are the three major forms of business organizations in the United States. Alternative liability, joint enterprise, and market share liability are legal doctrines that can apply in specific situations to determine liability in cases of harm or damages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forms of Business Organizations
In the United States, there are three major forms of business organizations: sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Sole proprietorships are owned and operated by a single individual, while partnerships involve two or more individuals who share ownership and responsibility. Corporations have separate legal entities and shareholders, which provide limited liability protection.
Alternative Liability
Alternative liability is a legal doctrine used in cases where it's difficult to prove which party is responsible for causing harm. Under this doctrine, multiple defendants can be held responsible, even if their individual actions cannot be specifically identified. This principle helps ensure that the injured party has some recourse for compensation.
Joint enterprise
Joint enterprise, also known as joint liability or vicarious liability, occurs when two or more parties collaborate in the commission of a tortious act. In such cases, all individuals involved can be held liable for the resulting damages, regardless of their specific actions. Joint enterprise is often applied in cases of negligence or intentional misconduct.
Market Share Liability
Market share liability is a legal concept that can be applied in product liability cases. It holds manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by their products, even if the specific product that caused the harm cannot be identified. Under market share liability, each manufacturer's liability is determined based on their market share at the time the injury occurred.