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What Does “Tort” Really Mean?
If you’ve been injured in an accident or are researching personal injury law, you may have come across the word “tort.” It’s a legal term that sounds complex, but the idea behind it is straightforward.
In everyday terms, a tort is a civil wrong. It refers to a situation where someone is harmed because another person acted carelessly, recklessly, or improperly. Tort law exists to give injured people a way to seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Tort Law vs. Criminal Law
One of the most common points of confusion is the difference between a tort case and a criminal case.
Criminal cases involve wrongdoing against society as a whole and are prosecuted by the state. The goal is punishment, such as jail time or fines.
Tort cases involve harm done to an individual. The goal is compensation for the wronged party, not punishment for the one who caused harm.
For example, a driver who causes a crash while texting may face criminal charges, but they may also be responsible in a tort case for paying damages to the injured person.
What Makes Something a Tort?
While every case is different, tort claims often involve a few basic elements:
- Someone had a responsibility to act safely or reasonably
- That responsibility was not met
- Another person was injured as a result
- The injury caused measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or emotional harm
When these elements are present, the injured person may have the right to pursue a tort claim.
Why Tort Law Matters to Injured People
Tort law gives injured individuals a way to recover financially after an accident. Medical care, time away from work, and long-term recovery can be costly. A tort claim allows someone to seek payment for those losses rather than carrying the burden alone.
It also encourages safer behavior by holding people and companies responsible when their actions cause harm.
Talk With a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney
If you have questions about whether your situation qualifies as a tort or want to understand your options after an injury, the attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. are here to help. We work with injured individuals across Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are your local representation.
You can contact our office at 570-346-2600 for a confidential conversation.
