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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 personal injury claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Pennsylvania law also allows for punitive damages in certain cases where the tortfeasor's conduct is found to be particularly egregious. In some instances, the court may grant injunctive relief to prevent the tortfeasor from continuing the harmful action. Tort law in Pennsylvania is governed by state statutes and case law, and the specifics of a tort claim can vary depending on the nature of the wrongful act and the circumstances surrounding the case.