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 Vermont, as in other states, tort law governs situations where an individual or entity commits a wrongful act that results in harm to another, excluding breaches of contract. This harm can lead to civil legal liability, where the injured party may seek monetary damages from the party responsible for the harm, known as the tortfeasor. In certain cases, the injured party may also be entitled to injunctive relief, which is a court order requiring the tortfeasor to cease the harmful behavior. Personal injury claims are a common type of tort claim in Vermont, where individuals seek compensation for injuries caused by the tortfeasor's actions. Vermont's tort law is designed to provide remedies for those who have suffered harm due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of others.