If someone has committed an intentional or negligent act—known as a tort—resulting in your personal injury, you have the right to file for compensation. However, the way you were hurt determines what type of claim you can file, and what damages are available. Learn about the different claim types, and what compensation the law allows, below.   

Intentional Claims

An intentional tort occurs when someone deliberately acts or fails to act, resulting in harm. Intentional torts can be crimes, such as assault, battery, or false imprisonment. Slander and libel are also intentional torts, as they can harm your business or call your character into question. For example, if you own a cafe and an angry customer intentionally spreads rumors that you're stealing tips from your staff, you may have a defamation claim.  

Negligence Claims

Negligence claims arise out of accidental or careless conduct. Distracted drivers who strike bike riders, and pharmacists who misread prescriptions and fill them incorrectly, are examples of negligence. To prove a tort of negligence, you must show that the person who harmed you owed you a duty of care, and their act or failure to act was a breach of that duty. Next, you must show that the breach was a direct cause of your personal injury, and you suffered harm or loss because of it.   

Differences in Damages

Personal injury from negligence allows you to collect special damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, and general damages, including pain and suffering. Intentional torts can include special and general damages. Also, because the acts are deliberate, a court might award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter future acts.

If you’re the victim of a negligent or intentional tort, Love-Sloan Law, LLC in Rock Hill, SC, will fight for the compensation you deserve. Backed by more than 20 years of experience, these personal injury attorneys protect the rights of York County area residents in auto accident injury and defamation cases. To learn more about the vigorous representation these attorneys offer, review their practice areas online and call (803) 326-0000.