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 Wisconsin, as in other states, tort law governs civil wrongs that cause harm or loss to individuals, separate from contractual disputes. When a person commits a tort, they are referred to as a tortfeasor and may be held liable for damages to the injured party. Torts can encompass a wide range of wrongful acts, including but not limited to negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and product liability. Personal injury claims are a common type of tort action in Wisconsin, where individuals seek compensation for injuries sustained due to another's wrongful act. The state's tort law allows for the recovery of various types of damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Additionally, Wisconsin law may permit injunctive relief, which is a court order requiring the tortfeasor to stop the harmful action. It's important to note that Wisconsin has its own statutes and case law that dictate the specifics of tort claims, including statutes of limitations for filing claims and caps on certain types of damages.