Absolute liability is when a person is automatically held fully liable, and cannot attempt to claim innocence due to certain circumstances.
Often, a party is assigned absolute liability because they hold a certain position or status that automatically makes them liable for certain things, no matter what special circumstances may arise.
Sometimes, when injuries or losses occur, it is difficult to tell who was at fault, or who was liable for the event occurring. For example, if four cars get in an accident on the highway, it may be hard to say who caused it. Lawsuits may ensue to try to get to the bottom of it, and to figure out which driver must pay damages to the others. However, with absolute liability, there is no need to go to such lengths. The party who had absolute liability is automatically liable and must pay damages.