Opinion ID: 1998264
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Liability Based on the Tortious Conduct of an Agent

Text: [¶ 16] In an action for the tortious conduct of an agent, both the agent and the principal can be held liable. RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF AGENCY § 217B(1) (1958); County Forest Prods., Inc. v. Green Mountain Agency, Inc., 2000 ME 161, ¶¶ 43-44, 758 A.2d 59, 69-70. Actions pursuant to the UTPA and actions for unlawful and deceptive conduct sound in tort. Drinkwater v. Patten Realty Corp., 563 A.2d 772, 774 (Me.1989). The president of a corporation is an agent of the corporation. See RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF AGENCY § 14C cmt. b. [¶ 17] A finding that an agency relationship exists is reviewed for clear error. County Forest Prods., 2000 ME 161, ¶ 21, 758 A.2d at 65. There was evidence that Spence, as its sole shareholder and president, was an agent of Advanced. For the same reasons that it was not error for Spence to be held personally liable for his individual participation in wrongful acts while a corporate officer, it was not error for Spence to be held personally liable for his individual acts while a corporate agent. Either theory supplies a sufficient basis for Spence's personal liability.