A tort is a wrongful act (other than a breach of a contract) that creates civil legal liability for money damages—and in some situations entitles the injured party to injunctive relief—an injunction or court order for the person or entity committing the wrongful act to stop a certain behavior or action. A person who commits a tort is known as a tortfeasor.
Torts are often associated with personal injury claims, as many torts can cause personal injuries. These claims and the related law are sometimes broadly referred to as tort law.
In California, tort law governs situations where an individual or entity commits a wrongful act that results in harm to another, excluding breaches of contract. This area of law allows the injured party to seek monetary damages and, in certain cases, injunctive relief, which is a court order requiring the tortfeasor (the person who commits the tort) to stop the harmful behavior. Common examples of torts include negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation. Personal injury claims, such as those arising from car accidents, slip and fall incidents, or medical malpractice, are a significant subset of tort law. California's tort system is designed to compensate victims for their losses, deter harmful conduct, and provide a framework for resolving disputes outside of the criminal justice system.