Define: Tortfeasor

Tortfeasor
Tortfeasor
Quick Summary of Tortfeasor

A tortfeasor is an individual who commits a wrongful act resulting in harm to another person. The tortfeasor bears responsibility for the harm caused and may be required to compensate for any resulting damages or injuries.

Full Definition Of Tortfeasor

A tortfeasor is an individual who carries out a tort, which is an unlawful action that results in harm or injury to another person. The tortfeasor is the one who is responsible for committing this wrongful act. For instance, if a person runs a red light and causes a car accident, they are considered a tortfeasor for committing the tort of negligence. Similarly, a doctor who performs surgery on the wrong body part is a tortfeasor for committing the tort of medical malpractice. Another example is a business owner who neglects to clean up a spill in their store, causing a customer to slip and fall. The business owner is the tortfeasor for committing the tort of premises liability.

Tortfeasor FAQ'S

A tortfeasor is a person or entity that commits a tort, which is a civil wrong that causes harm or injury to another person or their property.

A tortfeasor can be someone who engages in negligent behavior, intentionally causes harm, or fails to fulfill a legal duty, resulting in harm to another person.

Yes, a business can be held liable as a tortfeasor if it engages in actions that cause harm or injury to others, such as selling defective products or failing to maintain a safe environment for customers.

A tortfeasor is the person or entity responsible for committing a tort, while a defendant is the party being sued in a civil lawsuit for the alleged tortious conduct.

Yes, in some cases, a tortfeasor’s actions may also constitute a criminal offense. In such situations, they can face both civil liability in a lawsuit and criminal charges in a court of law.

The consequences for a tortfeasor can vary depending on the severity of the harm caused. They may be required to compensate the injured party for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the tortfeasor for their conduct.

Yes, a tortfeasor can still be held liable for their actions even if they did not have the intention to cause harm. Negligence, which is the failure to exercise reasonable care, can also make someone a tortfeasor.

Yes, a tortfeasor can be held liable for causing emotional distress if their actions were extreme and outrageous, and resulted in severe emotional distress to the victim.

In some jurisdictions, the concept of comparative negligence applies, which means that if the victim contributed to their own injury, their damages may be reduced proportionally. However, this does not absolve the tortfeasor from their liability entirely.

Yes, if the tortfeasor’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, a court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the tortfeasor and deter similar behavior in the future.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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