Tort /tôrt/

Adam Ramirez, J.D.'s profile picture

Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

Editor

Read in 2 mins
Dictionary "Tort" definition

Tort Definition

A tort is a civil wrong recognized by the law as grounds for a lawsuit. It involves actions or omissions that cause injury or harm to another person, leading to legal liability.

Tort Law

Tort law governs the rights and remedies available to individuals who have suffered harm due to the wrongful acts of others. It aims to provide relief to the injured party and deter others from committing similar harmful acts.

Types of Torts

There are three primary types of torts:

  • Intentional Torts: Deliberate actions causing harm, such as assault or defamation.
  • Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in unintended harm, like car accidents.
  • Strict Liability Torts: Liability regardless of intent or fault, typically applied in cases involving hazardous activities.

Tort Examples

Common examples of torts include:

  • Medical Malpractice: Negligent medical care causing patient injury.
  • Product Liability: Defective products causing consumer harm.
  • Nuisance: Interference with the use and enjoyment of property.

Elements of a Tort

To establish a tort claim, the following elements must be proven:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff.
  2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.
  3. Causation: The breach directly caused harm to the plaintiff.
  4. Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual loss or injury as a result.

At ConsumerShield, our legal advisors specialize in tort law, providing expert guidance and representation to help you navigate complex legal challenges. ConsumerShield is here to protect your interests with professional and knowledgeable support.

Note: This content was generated with AI and edited and fact-checked by ConsumerShield editors.

Stay up to date

Get updates on all of our legal news on lawsuits, research and legal updates.