Absolute liability (another term for strict liability) is imposed on the party who causes harm, regardless of intent or the need to prove negligence; simply the fact that injury or damage occurred makes the party liable. Strict liability's reach is essentially limited to:
• Products liability: Defective product design or manufacture which results in an injury makes the manufacturer strictly liable. The injured party need not prove negligence in the design or manufacture, only that the product's design or method of manufacture was defective, making it unreasonably dangerous and the ultimate cause of injury;
• Ultra hazardous operations: Blasting, drilling and like activities may be considered ultra hazardous. This concept will be more thoroughly detailed in tomorrow's Word of the Day;
• Care and keeping of animals: Animals, especially those with a propensity towards viciousness, make the owner strictly liable for any injury the animal causes. This extends to include farm animals that escape and cause injury or damage (a cow in the middle of the road can cause amazing amounts of damage to any car that hits it); and
• Strict liability by statute: Some jurisdictions modify laws such that specific actions resulting in injury automatically make the offending party liable just because of the action.

Strict liability is supported by the philosophy that the benefits derived from holding the individual or entity responsible for the damage, regardless of intent or negligence, are greater than the burden placed on the liable party. Improved product safety and design result from the application of strict liability.