What is Tort Law?

Originally borrowed from England, America adopted tort laws over 200 years ago. Tort law is a branch of law designed to resolve civil wrongdoings that do not stem from contractual obligations. There are many different types of tort that range from intentional harm to negligence.

Whether intentional or not, tort law holds individuals accountable for their actions. If someone causes injury to another person, they may be held legally liable for damages. Injury, in this context, does not necessarily mean physical harm. Injury in tort law had a much broader definition, which can include:

• Emotional distress
• Invasion of privacy
• Defamation
• Property violations, such as nuisance and trespassing
• Physical harm

The various categories of Tort law make it an extremely common branch of civil law. Because Tort laws do not recognize the term “accidents,” which imply that there is no fault, virtually anyone can be held liable for damages. The only exceptions to Tort law are young children and mentally impaired adults who are not always capable of making the best decisions.

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If you or someone you know has been injured by another party and you are considering filing a lawsuit, it is important that your case is represented by an experienced attorney. The expert team of Cincinnati personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Shawn M. Stepleton can provide you with the information you need. Contact us today at 513-321-7733 to discuss the details of your case and determine your legal options.