Unlimited Liability

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Definition of 'Unlimited Liability'

Unlimited liability is a legal concept that holds a person or company responsible for the full amount of a debt or obligation, regardless of their personal assets. This means that if a company with unlimited liability goes bankrupt, its owners could be forced to sell their personal assets to pay off the company's debts.

Unlimited liability is often used by small businesses and startups, as it can help them to raise capital more easily. However, it is also a risky proposition, as it can leave the owners of an unprofitable company with a large debt that they may not be able to repay.

There are two main types of unlimited liability: personal liability and corporate liability. Personal liability occurs when a person is personally responsible for the debts of a company or other entity. This can happen if the person is a sole proprietor, a partner in a general partnership, or a guarantor on a loan.

Corporate liability occurs when a company is responsible for its own debts. This is the most common type of unlimited liability, and it applies to all corporations, regardless of their size or structure.

There are a few ways to limit your liability as a business owner. One way is to form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). These entities provide their owners with limited liability, meaning that the owners' personal assets are protected from the debts of the business.

Another way to limit your liability is to purchase liability insurance. Liability insurance can help to protect you from lawsuits and other claims that could result in a financial loss.

It is important to understand the concept of unlimited liability before you start a business. If you are not comfortable with the risks involved, you may want to consider forming a corporation or LLC to protect your personal assets.

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