For purposes of imputed liability, and in terms of legal consequence, why is it important to distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor?

’m trying to learn for my Business Law class and I’m stuck. Can you help?

 

Chapters 35 and 36, which cover the topic of agency law, explore the differences between employees and independent contractors. Note that the textbook sometimes uses the term “nonemployee agents” interchangeably with the term “independent contractors.”

Please address the following two questions:

(1) For purposes of imputed liability, and in terms of legal consequence, why is it important to distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor?

(2) For purposes of vicarious liability, is it fair to treat a principal who hires an employee differently from how we treat a principal who hires an independent contractor?

You may, but do not need to, post a reply to classmates’ posts for this final discussion board.