Eth 321 - Business Torts and Ethics

Business Ethics and Torts

Cory Etibek

ETH321

November 30th, 2016

Lisa Richard

Business Torts and Ethics

        In order to be a successful business owner, it is vital that a specific set of guidelines be followed. Not only are regular working routines important, but arguably more significant to a business owner are that both legal and ethical responsibilities to customers are upheld and maintained. Owners should be knowledgeable of these rules pertaining otherwise their business could be affected negatively or even legally. In one example, a University Heights Apartment saw a break in and injury to one of the tenants. Comprehension of business torts and ethics is essential in order to make a proper determination as to who could potentially be held responsible.

Intrusion

        As an owner of University Heights Apartments, a student tenant named Sharon falls victim to a break in via an intruder. The intruder is able to force open the lock on a sliding glass door of a ground-floor apartment. Due to Sharon’s screams, your resident manager, Darryl is able to rush to her aid. Although they are able to drive the intruder off, both the tenant and the resident manager are left severely injured by the invader.

Who is Liable?

        All liability for damages as well as injury is solely the responsibility of the intruder for both actions of illegal breaking and entering as well as for assault with a deadly weapon. The intruder acted on their own incentive with the intention of illegal entry and burglary. The intruder also assaulted two people who sought to defend themselves thereby making the burglar fully liable for damages incurred to property and persons.

        As a property owner, you hold no legal responsibility to the tenant for neither crime provided specific guidelines were followed explicitly dependent also on the state laws and regulations regarding. For example, dependent on the surrounding environments criminal history, specific safety guidelines should be followed to ensure tenants safety. As long as guidelines are followed, the property owner cannot be held legally responsible

Ethical Responsibility

        Due to the unfortunate situation that occurred. A full revamp of the apartment safety and security guidelines should be conducted. A promise of a safe secure location to the tenant has been compromised, and as a property owner, you owe it to Sharon as well as the rest of the tenants that additional steps will be taken in order to protect that integrity.