What can happen if a subordinate injures another party while acting within the scope of employment?

When a subordinate injures another party while acting within the scope of their employment, the legal doctrine known as "vicarious liability" comes into play. This doctrine holds that an employer—or superior—can be held liable for the actions of their employees if those actions occur during the course of their employment.

This means that if a subordinate's actions lead to harm while they are performing job duties, the superior can face civil liability for damages resulting from that injury. This accountability exists to ensure that employers maintain oversight and responsibility over their employees' conduct, especially in situations of negligence or wrongful actions.

The other options do not align with the principles of vicarious liability or are too limited in scope regarding the implications of workplace actions. For instance, administrative actions alone do not address the potential civil liabilities that can arise if harmed parties seek compensation through lawsuits. Thus, the correct recognition of vicarious liability reinforces the accountability of a superior in employment-related incidents.