What legal doctrine holds a manufacturer liable for injuries to a customer regardless of product defect?

The legal doctrine that holds a manufacturer liable for injuries to a customer regardless of whether there is a defect in the product is known as strict liability. This principle is designed to ensure that manufacturers and sellers are held accountable for placing products into the marketplace that cause harm to consumers, focusing on the nature of the product and the risks it poses, rather than the actions or faults of the manufacturer. Under strict liability, the injured party does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent or that the product was defective in the traditional sense; rather, just that the product caused harm. This encourages manufacturers to maintain high safety standards and allows for greater protection of consumers.

In the context of other options provided, vicarious liability is a doctrine where an employer may be held responsible for the actions of its employees performed in the course of their employment, which doesn't directly apply to product liability. Absolute liability refers to liability without fault, typically in cases involving inherently dangerous activities, which is different from the product liability context. Comparative liability involves apportioning fault among parties in a lawsuit, which also does not pertain to the fundamental attributes of strict liability in product cases.