tortfeasor

Definition

One who commits a tort, or civil wrong. It sounds like a medieval festival performer but is actually just someone who negligently or intentionally caused harm to another person or property.

Example Usage

The court found both tortfeasors jointly liable for the plaintiff's injuries in the car accident.

Origin

From Norman French 'tort' (wrong) and 'feasor' (doer)

Fun Fact

Joint tortfeasors can be held jointly and severally liable, meaning the plaintiff can collect the entire judgment from whichever defendant has deeper pockets.

Source: Tort law and civil liability

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