What is a tort?

A tort refers to a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to another party, thereby allowing the injured party to seek legal remedies through a civil lawsuit. This concept is foundational in the realm of civil law, distinguishing it from criminal law. Torts can encompass a variety of wrongful acts, such as negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others.

Understanding a tort as a civil wrong highlights its purpose: to address damages suffered by individuals or entities, rather than to punish the wrongdoer as in criminal law. This means that the focus in tort law is on compensating the injured party for their losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Having knowledge of tort law is essential for various professions, particularly in the insurance industry, where understanding the implications of these civil wrongs can impact risk assessment, liability coverage, and claims processing. This context helps to grasp why option A is the correct definition of a tort.