tort

A private or civil wrong or injury for which the court provides a remedy through an action for damages.

A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.

A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person. The "victim" of a tort may be entitled to sue for the harm suffered. Victims of crimes may also sue in tort for the wrongs done to them. Most tort cases are handled in state court, except when the tort occurs on federal property (e.g., a military base), when the government is the defendant, or when there is diversity of citizenship between the parties.