Torts

“Torts” are personal injuries caused by civil wrongs. Among other accidents, torts can cover the following:

• Slip and fall injuries
• Assault and battery
• Defamation, libel, and slander
• Emotional distress
• Privacy issues
• Dignitary torts
• Nursing home abuse
• Dog bites and other animal attacks
• Wrongful death
• Travel and aviation accidents

There are generally two types of torts:

Incidental Torts

Some tort cases can involve behavior where one party carelessly causes an accident. Generally, lawsuits attempting to prove fault for an accident are also referred to as negligence claims where one party owes a duty of care to another, fails to meet that level of care, and that failure causes a tangible harm to someone else. Most accidental tort cases hinge on being able to prove fault.

Intentional Torts

While many intentional torts are also criminal acts, civil law allows for tort lawsuits to help victims recover the full amount of their damages. The simplest form of intentional tort is a physical harm like battery or assault. Tougher tort cases include defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Other intentional torts include fraud, trespassing, and “conversion,” which resemble theft.

Changes may occur in this area of law. The information provided is brought to you as a public service, and is intended to help you better understand the law in general. It is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem or substitute for the advice of a lawyer.