Employer Liability for Employee's Criminal Action

[oliver_ep]

Hello and I hope someone can maybe answer this question, or point me to the correct forum?
A close friend was assulted with a deadly weapon (baseball bat) without provocation what so ever, by a liquor store employee. A police report was taken and charges were pressed against the employee.
What is the extent of civil liability the store owner potentially faces if and when my friend files a civil case? And what civil catagory would be used to file the case?

The store and its insurer can be liable if the person was acting as an employee at the time.