What legal doctrine holds some individuals accountable for damages regardless of fault?

The legal doctrine that holds some individuals accountable for damages regardless of fault is strict liability. This principle applies primarily in specific cases, such as product liability or certain activities that are inherently dangerous, where the law imposes liability without the need for a claimant to prove negligence or intent.

In these situations, if a person is involved in a specific activity or if a product they manufactured causes harm, they can be held responsible even if they took all necessary precautions to prevent such harm. This is intended to promote accountability and safety, particularly in industries where the potential for harm is significant.

By contrast, the other legal concepts do rely on the idea of fault or intent in establishing liability. Negligence requires proof that an individual failed to exercise reasonable care, intentional torts necessitate a demonstration of deliberate wrongdoing, and vicarious liability involves holding one party responsible for the actions of another based on their relationship, typically requiring some degree of fault or negligence on the part of the individual being held accountable.