What does the term tort refer to?

The term tort refers to a wrongful act committed against a person or their property that leads to legal liability. In the legal context, a tort is a breach of a duty that the law imposes on individuals, resulting in harm or injury to another person. This could encompass a wide range of wrongful actions, including negligence, assault, defamation, and trespass. When someone suffers damages due to another's tortious conduct, they may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.

Understanding torts is crucial in the medical administrative field since healthcare providers must be aware of their legal responsibilities and the implications of tort law in medical practice. For instance, malpractice cases arise when a healthcare professional's negligent actions cause harm to a patient, highlighting the intersections between healthcare and tort law. Conversely, while promises, contracts, and contract violations are related to obligations between parties, they do not specifically address the idea of wrongful acts that result in legal claims for damages to individuals or their properties, which is the essence of a tort.