Everyone in society has an obligation to help protect the safety of those around them. Drivers, for example, are expected to follow traffic laws, and manufacturers are required to make safe-to-use products. When an individual or organization fails to meet this obligation, anyone who suffers as a result may be entitled to seek financial compensation.

What Is A Tort?

As Roanoke, VA’s The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates explains, actions or omissions that cause injury to another person are known as “torts.” The law defines a tort very broadly, giving judges and other legal professionals the ability to decide on a case-by-case basis whether a certain action or evidence of negligence rises to the level of a tort. However, common examples include automobile accidents caused by negligence, product liability, and intentional torts, or situations in which the liable party knew that someone would probably get hurt.

Legal Remedies In Tort Law

In some cases, an injured party may sue for an injunction, requiring the liable party to take a certain change or concession, but the most common legal remedy for an injury is financial consideration. To be eligible for damages, the victim must have suffered actual harm, either physically or financially, directly related to the defendant's tort. Sometimes, courts will also include further punitive damages, but only in cases where the victim has a valid claim. For example, you likely won't be able to file a suit for emotional distress after an accident if you weren't physically hurt. Other instances that might cause financial harm, like breaches of contract, are usually not considered torts, even if they cause financial loss.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates have over a century of combined legal experience and a long-standing reputation for achieving real results for their clients. Visit their website to learn more about torts and your legal options after an accident, or call (540) 342-2000 to schedule a consultation today.