[Legal Dictionary] Definition of Tort

You may have seen or heard the phrase, “tort law” used, often in relation to personal injury law or other civil matters. “Tort” is from the French for “wrong”. In legal terms, it refers to a wrongful act, whether accidental or intentional, that causes injury or harm to another.

Personal injury cases fall under the heading of tort law.

Unintentional Torts

Most personal injury cases involve negligence on the part of the defendant. Negligence is an unintentional tort. The negligent party has committed a wrongful act that caused harm, though he or she did not intend to injure anyone.

Intentional Torts

Most intentional torts involve a crime. Assault, battery, theft, wrongful death and other intentional acts committed by one person and causing harm to another are intentional torts. The injured party may file a civil case for damages in addition to pressing criminal charges for an intentional tort.