In Oklahoma, when both parties are a principal and agent or employer and employee, and they are both sued, liability can arise when there is an issue as to the relationship or scope of authority or employment. Generally speaking, the principal or employer will be liable for any acts of the agent or employee that are within the scope of the relationship or employment. The types of Oklahoma principal and agent or employer and employee relationships that can lead to liability when both parties are sued include: • Agency: A relationship generally established by a contract where the principal gives an agent authority to act on their behalf. • Employment: A relationship between an employer and an employee, usually established by an employment contract, where the employer gives the employee tasks to perform and the employee is paid in return. • Partnership: A relationship between two or more people who have agreed to share profits and losses in a business venture. • Joint venture: A relationship between two or more people who have combined their resources and expertise to create a business venture. • Independent contractor: A relationship between an employer and an independent contractor, established by a contract, where the contractor is hired to perform specific tasks or jobs and is paid for their services.