Definition of "Tort law"

Denise Dutson real estate agent

Written by

Denise Dutsonelite badge icon

Kinlin Grover Real Estate

Legislation governing wrongful acts, other than breaches of contract by one person against another or his or her property, for which civil action can be brought. Tort law and contract law define civil liability exposures. The four areas of torts are negligence, intentional interference, absolute liability, and strict liability. For example, the owner of a decrepit boat dock that collapses while people are standing on it might be liable under negligence. Assault and battery are an example of intentional interference. The owner of a poisonous snake that bit someone could be liable for injury under absolute liability, even if he or she did not intend to harm anyone. The maker of a defective product that harms the buyer might be held liable under strict liability.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

1945 federal legislation in which the Congress declared that the states may continue to regulate the insurance industry. Nevertheless, in recent years Congress has expanded the federal ...

Payment to a state or municipality by an insurance company based on premiums paid by residents. ...

Clause in a liability insurance policy under which an insurance company agrees to defend an insured even if a lawsuit is without foundation. The costs of defending the insured are covered, ...

Individuals who inherit assets as the result of being named in a will. ...

Organization of local life underwriter associations representing life and health insurance agents on practices of selling and servicing life and health insurance products. NALU sponsors ...

Insurance policy designed to provide coverage for the deductible amount and the coinsurance amount required to be paid by the medicare recipient. Some of these policies will also continue ...

Same as term Casualty Actuarial Society: accrediting body for the ACAS (Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society) designation and the FCAS (Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society) ...

Same as term Exclusions: provision in an insurance policy that indicates what is denied coverage. For example, common exclusions are: hazards deemed so catastrophic in nature that they are ...

Exposures where action has been taken to reduce the frequency and severity of loss, such as adding sprinkler systems in public buildings. These actions may result in a significant reduction ...

Popular Insurance Questions