Civil Liability Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Civil Liability, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Civil Liability?

History and Meaning of Civil Liability

Civil liability is a term used in legal circles to describe the responsibility of a person or organization to pay for damages caused by their actions or inaction, as determined by a court of law. This legal concept dates back hundreds of years to early common law systems.

Civil liability can arise from a variety of situations, including negligence, breach of contract, and intentional harm to another person or their property. In each case, the person or organization responsible may be required to compensate the injured party for damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Examples of Civil Liability

1. A driver who causes an accident due to distracted driving may be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages suffered by others involved in the crash.
2. A company that fails to properly maintain its equipment may be held civilly liable for any injuries or damage caused by equipment failure.
3. A landlord who fails to make necessary repairs to a rental property may be held civilly liable for any injuries or damages suffered by tenants as a result.

Legal Terms Similar to Civil Liability

1. Tort - a civil wrong that causes harm to another person or their property.
2. Negligence - failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person or their property.
3. Damages - compensation awarded to the injured party in a civil lawsuit.
4. Liability insurance - insurance that covers the insured party for damages they may be found liable for in a civil lawsuit.