Torts are legal wrongs that result in civil liability. Understanding tort law involves grasping the principles of liability, negligence, and compensation. Liability pertains to being legally responsible for one’s actions or failure to act. For instance, if a driver hits a pedestrian due to negligence, they may be liable for the pedestrian’s injuries under a tort claim.
Negligence is a key concept in tort law, referring to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. To establish negligence, one must prove that there was a duty of care, a breach of that duty, causation, and damages. Compensation in tort law aims to provide monetary relief to the injured party for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Tort law plays a crucial role in holding individuals and entities accountable for their actions, ensuring that victims receive proper compensation for their injuries or losses. Historically, tort law has evolved to reflect societal changes and challenges, adapting to new technologies and circumstances.