What does the term “employer liability” involve?

The term "employer liability" primarily refers to the legal responsibility that an employer holds for unlawful acts committed by employees while they are performing their job duties. This concept is rooted in the principle of "respondeat superior," which translates to "let the master answer." Under this principle, an employer can be held accountable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment, thus linking the employer’s responsibilities to the behaviors and conduct of their workforce.

In practical terms, this means that if an employee commits an unlawful act, such as harassment or causing harm to a third party during the course of their work, the employer may face legal consequences, including lawsuits or claims for damages. This liability serves the overarching public policy goal of promoting accountability and encouraging employers to enforce rules and training that prevent employee misconduct.

The other options address important aspects of employment law, such as health insurance obligations, wage theft penalties, and retirement plan requirements, but they do not define employer liability as it specifically relates to the responsibilities toward acts committed by employees in the context of their employment.