Tortfeasor Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Tortfeasor?

History and Meaning of Tortfeasor

The term "tortfeasor" comes from the word "tort," which is derived from the Latin word "tortus," meaning twisted or crooked. In the legal context, a tort refers to a civil wrong that causes harm or injury to someone, either intentionally or through negligence. A tortfeasor is a person who commits a tort, and is thus responsible for any damages that result from their actions.

Examples of Tortfeasor

Here are a few examples of how the term "tortfeasor" might be used in different contexts:

• If a driver is texting on their phone while behind the wheel and causes an accident, they can be considered a tortfeasor for any injuries or damage caused.
• If a doctor performs a procedure negligently and causes injury to a patient, they can be considered a tortfeasor for any resulting harm.
• If a business owner fails to warn customers about a known danger on their property and someone gets injured, they can be considered a tortfeasor for their negligence.
• If a person intentionally hits someone else, they can be considered a tortfeasor for the intentional tort of battery.

Legal Terms Similar to Tortfeasor

Other legal terms related to torts and liability include:

• Negligence: A failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person.
• Intentional tort: A deliberate and harmful action taken against another person.
• Strict liability: Liability without fault, typically used in cases involving dangerous or defective products.