The negligence of the agent is the cause of the injury, a verdict releasing the. Agent from liability releases the principal.County of Santa Clara,515 the California Supreme Court held that the presentation of a tort claim to the County of Santa Clara must be served in compliance with. Cross Complaint. Cal. Super. Court interpreted duty arising out of the negligent undertaking theory of liability articulated in RESTATEMENT SECOND OF TORTS, section 324A. 3 Main Theories of TORT LIABILITY: Intentional Torts – fault-based concept; Negligence – fault-based concept; Strict Liability – liability without fault. Defendants and Respondents. H039368. (Santa Clara County. Super. Free ConsultationProducts Liability, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home and Personal Injury University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. That a principal is held vicariously liable and must pay damages to an injured third person does not excuse the agent who actually committed the tortious acts.