What is a tort in legal terms?

A tort in legal terms refers to an action that causes injury or harm to another person, which may result in a civil legal liability. Torts are a critical element of personal injury law and encompass a wide range of wrongful acts, including negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. When someone commits a tort, the injured party may seek compensation for damages through a civil lawsuit. This concept is significant because it allows individuals to seek redress for harm done by others outside of criminal charges, focusing instead on civil remedies and the obligation of one party to compensate another for harm incurred. Understanding torts is essential for those in the medical assisting field as it relates to patient care, liability, and the legal responsibilities healthcare professionals hold in providing safe and effective medical assistance.