What is Tort?
A civil wrong that causes harm to another person, for which the law provides a remedy. Torts can be intentional, negligent, or based on strict liability.
Understanding Tort
Tort law is distinct from criminal law (which involves prosecution by the state) and contract law (which involves breach of agreements). Common torts include negligence, assault, battery, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Examples
- 1Negligent driving causing a car accident
- 2Assault and battery
- 3Product liability for defective products
Related Terms
Negligence
The failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person or their property.
Personal Injury
A legal term for an injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to damage to property. Personal injury claims are typically brought in civil court to recover compensation for harm caused by another party's negligence or intentional misconduct.
Damages
Monetary compensation awarded to a person injured through the wrongful conduct of another party. Damages are intended to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the injury occurred.
Liability
Legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions. When a person or entity is found liable, they are legally obligated to compensate the injured party for their losses.
Comparative Negligence
A legal doctrine that allows damages to be apportioned based on each party's degree of fault. The plaintiff's recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
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