Liability is a legal determination or finding of fault or financial responsibility that is enforceable by law (generally the courts and legal processes)—such as when a person is found liable or is found to have liability for certain claims made or losses suffered by another person or entity.

In the personal injury context, liability usually results from a person or entity (the defendant) owing another person or entity (the plaintiff) a certain duty or standard of care, and the person or entity who owes the duty or standard of care (the defendant) breaching the duty or standard of care, resulting in damages to the other person or entity (the plaintiff).

The term liability may be used to describe:

• insurance (liability insurance) that insures the insured against certain kinds legal liability defined in the insurance policy;

• a certain kind of request made by an insured to its insurer, asking the insurer to defend and indemnify the insured against a claim by another person or entity (a third party)—often referred to as a liability claim or a third-party liability claim;

• a debt or financial responsibility of a company or business that appears on its balance sheet.

In Iowa, liability in the context of personal injury refers to the legal responsibility one party (the defendant) has for causing harm to another party (the plaintiff). This typically arises when the defendant breaches a duty of care owed to the plaintiff, resulting in injury or damages. For instance, in a car accident where one driver negligently causes a collision, that driver may be found liable for the injuries and damages sustained by the other party. Liability insurance is a common way for individuals and businesses to protect themselves financially from claims of liability. This insurance covers legal costs and damages up to the policy limits if the insured is found legally responsible for someone else's losses. When an insured party faces a claim, they can file a liability claim with their insurer, requesting defense and indemnification against the third-party claim. Additionally, in a business context, liability refers to financial obligations or debts of a company, which are recorded on its balance sheet and can include obligations arising from legal claims.