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 Ohio, as in other states, a tort is considered a civil wrong that can result in the tortfeasor (the person who commits the tort) being held liable for damages. Tort law in Ohio covers a wide range of wrongful acts, including but not limited to negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and product liability. When a tort causes personal injury, the injured party may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Ohio law also allows for punitive damages in certain cases where the tortfeasor's actions are found to be especially egregious. In some instances, the court may grant injunctive relief to prevent the tortfeasor from continuing the harmful behavior. Ohio's statutes and case law govern the specifics of tort claims, including the statute of limitations for filing a claim, the standards for proving liability, and the types of damages that may be awarded.