Question

The Acme Blasting Company has the worst safety record in the blasting business. It takes no steps to clear the blasting area, in direct violation of state laws and industry practice. As a result, Brennan, who is walking down the street near an Acme blast site, is seriously injured. The jurisdiction in which the accident took place imposes strict liability for personal injuries occurring through blasting. What is the consequence of the jurisdiction's strict liability policy?

1) The Acme Blasting Company will be held responsible for Brennan's injuries.
2) The jurisdiction will not hold anyone responsible for Brennan's injuries.
3) Brennan will be held responsible for his own injuries.
4) The jurisdiction will impose fines on the Acme Blasting Company.

Answer 1

Under strict liability, Acme Blasting Company will be held responsible for Brennan's injuries because strict liability mandates that those engaged in inherently dangerous activities are liable for any resultant injuries, irrespective of negligence.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a jurisdiction that imposes strict liability for personal injuries occurring through blasting, the consequence of the strict liability policy is that the Acme Blasting Company will be held responsible for Brennan's injuries. This is because strict liability does not require the injured party to prove negligence; instead, the company engaged in the inherently dangerous activity of blasting is held liable for any resultant injuries, regardless of the precautions taken. Given Acme Blasting Company's failure to clear the blast area and its violation of state laws and industry practice, it would almost certainly be held responsible for Brennan's injuries under the strict liability principles.