Tort is defined loosely in law as injury to a person's reputation or feelings or their property. Tort liability is the phrase used to describe the obligation that someone has to pay for their victim's losses. People who are hurt
in accidents can suffer a huge economic impact, and the tort system promises them just compensation for their financial and emotional losses.
The U.S. tort system exists so that both businesses and individuals have an incentive to exercise proper care, and so to ensure that they pay a person who is a victim of their wrongdoing or negligence. It is thought that the system itself will cause people to self-govern in order to avoid lawsuits; they'll install more safety measures and act in a more responsible way than if left to their own devices.
Tort claims are not always strictly liability. Some cases are decided under the concept of comparative negligence; that is, whether the victim actually contributed to his or her own accident. If he has, he may not be allowed the full amount
of compensation for damages.
At the Peterson Law Offices, we would be happy to sit down and talk with you about tort claims or any other legal issue concerning personal injury. We can come to you and meet with you in Washington or at our office in Portland. For more information please call Peterson Law Offices by calling (503) 280-0888.
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