The perils of vicarious liability. Why you may be responsible for the professional actions of the physician with whom you share space.

The terms “apparent agency” and “vicarious liability” sound like nebulous legal theories, but they can land you in court, or at least cost you attorney’s fees if you’re named in a lawsuit. Most physicians realize that they are responsible for the professional actions of their office staff and those who are directly employed by their practice. Many physicians are unaware, however, that they can be sued for the actions of those they don’t employ.