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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island operates under a fault-based system for personal injury claims, meaning that the party responsible for causing the injury is typically required to pay for the damages. Additionally, Rhode Island follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which allows a damaged party to recover even if they are partially at fault, as long as their fault is not more than the defendant's. In some cases, injunctive relief may also be available to prevent the tortfeasor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important for individuals involved in tort claims to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the specific nuances of Rhode Island tort law.