Tort

In one sentence

A wrongful act or breach of duty (other than contract) that causes harm and creates civil liability.

Plain English

A tort is a civil wrong—something someone does (or fails to do) that injures another person and creates legal liability. Unlike criminal law, tort cases are about compensating the injured person with money, not punishing the wrongdoer. Torts include negligence (careless driving), intentional harm (assault), and strict liability (keeping dangerous animals). The injured person sues in civil court to recover damages.

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Example

A restaurant patron slips on spilled soup and breaks their leg. The patron sues the restaurant for negligence, a type of tort, seeking compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Used in a sentence

“The lawsuit alleged that the defendant committed a tort by negligently maintaining the property.”

Related terms

Negligent Misrepresentation

A false statement made without reasonable care for its truth, causing harm to the other party.

Dram Shop Liability

Legal responsibility of bars or stores for harm caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated people.

Contributory Negligence

A plaintiff's own carelessness that partially caused their injury, reducing their recovery.

Joint and Several Liability

Multiple defendants can each be held fully responsible for the entire judgment, not just their share.

Damages Calculation

The process of determining how much money a harmed party should receive for a breach.

Negligence

Failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.

Comparative Negligence

A rule that reduces damages based on the victim's own percentage of fault.

Defamation

A false statement that damages someone's reputation and causes real harm.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.