What is the term for legal wrongs committed against a person, including a wrongful act or failure to act?

• A. Liability
• B. Assumption of risk
• C. HIPAA
• D. Tort

Answer: (D)

A tort is a civil wrong recognized by law, where harming someone or failing to act when there was a duty can lead to a lawsuit for damages. It covers both intentional actions (like assault or battery) and negligent ones (such as medical negligence). The important idea is that torts revolve around private disputes and remedies in money, not criminal punishment. In healthcare, this means if a provider breaches the duty of care and that breach causes harm, the patient may seek compensation through tort law. Liability means being legally responsible for those damages, and assumption of risk is a defense that can limit or bar recovery. HIPAA, by contrast, is about protecting patient information and isn’t the term for civil wrongs.