DocketXTort
A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to someone, for which the law allows the injured person to sue for compensation.
What it actually is
In legal terms, a tort is a breach of a duty imposed by law (not by contract) that results in injury to another person or their property. It appears in a case as the legal basis for the plaintiff's claim, alleging that the defendant's conduct—whether intentional, negligent, or strictly liable—caused the harm. The court will then determine whether the defendant's actions meet the legal definition of the specific tort alleged, such as negligence or defamation.
Why it matters in your case
If you are being sued in a tort case, the plaintiff is claiming you caused them harm and must pay damages. Understanding that the case is about a civil wrong, not a crime, matters because the outcome is usually monetary compensation rather than jail time, and the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial.
The common misunderstanding
Many people confuse a tort with a crime, but a tort is a civil matter between private parties, while a crime is a public offense prosecuted by the state. Also, some think every injury automatically creates a tort, but the law requires proof that the defendant had a duty and breached it in a way that directly caused the harm.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.