Tort

A tort is a civil wrong — other than a breach of contract — that causes harm or loss to another person and gives rise to a legal claim for damages. Tort law is the legal framework that governs personal injury claims, providing individuals with a mechanism to seek compensation from those whose wrongful conduct caused them harm. Unlike criminal law, which punishes wrongdoers on behalf of society, tort law focuses on compensating the injured party for their individual losses.

Torts are divided into three broad categories: intentional torts, negligent torts, and strict liability torts. Intentional torts involve deliberate harmful actions — such as assault, battery, and fraud. Negligent torts, which form the basis of most personal injury claims, involve careless or reckless conduct that falls below the required standard of care. Strict liability torts impose responsibility on a defendant regardless of intent or negligence — commonly applied in product liability and abnormally dangerous activity cases.

The American tort system has its roots in English common law and has evolved significantly over centuries of judicial decisions, statutory reforms, and social change. Critics of the tort system argue that it encourages frivolous lawsuits, drives up insurance costs, and promotes excessive jury awards. Proponents argue that tort law is essential for holding wrongdoers accountable, deterring dangerous conduct, and providing a safety net for injury victims who might otherwise bear the full cost of someone else's negligence.

Tort reform is an ongoing political and legal debate in the United States, with various states enacting limitations on damages, tighter pleading standards, and other restrictions on civil litigation. Common tort reform measures include caps on non-economic and punitive damages, modifications to joint and several liability, and shortened statutes of limitations. Despite these reforms, the tort system remains the primary avenue through which injured individuals seek accountability and financial recovery from those responsible for their harm.