In legal terms, what is a Tort?

A tort is defined as an injury or wrong committed against an individual's rights or property, which results in legal liability for the person committing the act. In the context of healthcare, torts can involve negligence, malpractice, or intentional acts that cause harm to a patient. The essence of a tort is that it is a civil wrong distinct from criminal wrongs, primarily focused on providing relief to victims through compensation.

This legal framework allows individuals to seek damages for wrongful acts that lead to physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. In healthcare, an example of a tort could include a physician failing to meet the standard of care, thus causing harm to a patient, allowing that patient to pursue legal action for recovery of damages.

Understanding torts is crucial for healthcare administrators because they must ensure that the practices and policies of their organizations minimize the risk of such legal claims, thereby protecting both patients and the institution from potential legal actions.