Personal Injury Attorney | Intentional Torts

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The word "intentional" does not necessarily imply an intention to hurt anyone. For example, if you slap someone on the back, thinking he is an old friend, and he turns out to be a stranger with a heart condition, you are liable for any damage. If it's you gets injured however, you should know that you can opt for a personal injury attorney to handle your case.

Intention to harm (malice) is necessary to recover punitive damage. Punitive damages, over and above any actual damages, may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter him (and others) from repeating wrongful act.It would be best to classify the distinction between punitive over actual damages to avoid misinterpretation.

Assault and battery. Assault is a threat of violence that puts someone in fear of bodily harm. Battery is the actual physical contact. Either (or both) is grounds for a lawsuit. Battered wives for example have the right to sue their unscrupulous husbands for inflicting pain and injury to them.

Self-defense is the only legal excuse. Insults or provocative language do not excuse assault and battery; but the jury may consider them in awarding damages.

Illegal confinement. This term includes any interference with personal liberty, including false arrest, false imprisonment, or any detention by physical barriers, force, or the threat of force. Normally, no one may be detained against his will. But most states permit shop-keepers and others to detain persons suspected of theft, provided they have reasonable grounds for suspicion and do not use excessive force or make unnecessary false public accusations.

Private citizens who make citizen's arrest do so at their own risk. If the arrested person is released or acquitted, he may sue. Under such circumstances, it would be best to hire an experienced personal injury lawyerto handle your case.