Engendered reliance refers to a legal obligation due to what circumstance?

Engendered reliance refers to a situation where an individual or entity creates a circumstance in which another party reasonably depends on their services or representations. This reliance can lead to a legal obligation because once trust is established, the provider may have a duty to ensure that the information or services offered are accurate and safe. When a provider actively encourages or fosters reliance on their services, this sets up an expectation that the services will be performed competently and reliably.

In this context, the emphasis is on the relationship formed between the service provider and the client. The provider may not have directly coerced the client, but their actions, representations, or the nature of the service can lead the client to believe that they can rely on them. Therefore, the legal obligation arises from the established expectation of reliability and trust that the service provider has created. This principle can apply in various scenarios, such as professional advice, financial services, or medical care.