Intentional Torts

Most personal injury cases stem from an accident of some sort -- a car crash where someone wasn't paying attention, or a slip and fall where ice accumulated on a stairwell, for example. But a small category of personal injury claims are characterized as "intentional torts," meaning that they involve situations in which one person intended to cause harm to another person. The same action that gives rise to an intentional tort claim (filed by the victim in civil court) may also spark a criminal case (filed by the government). In this section, we'll take a look at personal injury claims for intentional tort.  

When someone else’s purposeful misconduct causes you harm, you might have a personal injury claim.

You might be able to file a lawsuit against the person who assaulted you, but collecting any money you're awarded could be a challenge.

The same conduct can give rise to both civil and criminal liability. Here's how.

At what point does use of force by a police officer, jailer, or prison guard turn from reasonable to excessive? Learn what standards judges and juries must look to in civil lawsuits claiming excessive use of force.

If you've been injured in an assault incident, use this letter as a guide when making your own written demand for compensation to the financially responsible party.

Learn about the elements of a false arrest case, the damages you can collect, and how to bring a false arrest case to court.

This type of intentional tort (which is also a crime) occurs when you're detained against your will.

Transmitting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can give rise to civil and criminal liability. Improperly disclosing information about another person’s STDs can also have legal consequences.

It makes no legal (or practical) sense to sue someone you think gave you a cold or the flu, but other kinds of claims over illness are legitimate.

Learn when a security guard or bouncer—and their employer—might be liable for causing injury to customers.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Handle any kind of injury claim yourself and get a fair (and fast!) settlement with this plain-English guide. How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim walks you through the insurance claim process step-by-step
This worksheet will help you keep track of the all-important details of your accident.

Online Form

Demand Letter

This easy-to-use letter is the first step in the formal process of resolving disputes over property or money.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Take The Next Step
Find Out Your Injury Claim's Worth
Join 285 others who chose us to connect with an attorney today — for free.

Are you seeking compensation for an injury?

How It Works
  1. Describe your case — it takes 60 seconds
  2. Get matched with local, personal injury attorneys for free
  3. Receive a comprehensive case evaluation