California tort law refers to the body of law that allows individuals to seek compensation for harm or injury caused by the wrongful acts of others. In California, a tort can arise from negligence, intentional misconduct, or strict liability. The most common torts in personal injury cases, such as car accidents, are based on negligence, where one party fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. Under California’s comparative fault rule, even if the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, though their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
In addition to negligence-based torts, California also has laws covering intentional torts, such as assault or battery, where a party intentionally causes harm. California tort law also allows individuals to pursue claims under strict liability, where responsibility for an injury does not depend on fault or negligence, such as in cases involving defective products. Damages in tort cases can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. These laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals and provide a legal remedy for those harmed by the actions or negligence of others.
