Intentional Wrongdoings
Intentional Torts – Civil Accountability for Deliberate Harm
Unlike negligence, where harm results from carelessness, an intentional tort arises when someone deliberately commits an act that causes harm to another. Whether the result is physical injury, emotional trauma, or damage to property or reputation, McGahren Law helps victims hold wrongdoers accountable under civil law.
🧷 What Is an Intentional Tort?
An intentional tort occurs when a person purposefully engages in conduct they know is likely to cause harm. The key legal distinction is intent: the defendant meant to perform the act, even if they did not intend the exact result or injury.
🔍 Common Types of Intentional Torts
1. Assault
Definition: An act that causes another person to reasonably fear imminent harmful or offensive contact.
Example: Raising a fist as if to punch someone — even if contact is never made.
2. Battery
Definition: Intentional and unauthorized physical contact that is harmful or offensive.
Example: Hitting someone, or even spitting on them without consent.
🔁 Note: Assault is the threat — Battery is the physical act.
3. False Imprisonment
Definition: Unlawfully detaining or restricting someone’s movement without consent or lawful justification.
Example: Locking a person in a room or preventing a shopper from leaving a store without cause.
4. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)
Definition: Outrageous, extreme conduct done with intent or recklessness that causes severe emotional distress.
Example: Harassing an employee with abusive language and threats over an extended period.
5. Trespass to Land
Definition: Entering another person’s property without permission.
Example: Walking through private land or remaining after being told to leave.
6. Trespass to Chattels
Definition: Interfering with someone’s personal property or belongings.
Example: Taking someone’s phone and damaging it.
7. Conversion
Definition: Taking or using someone’s property in a way that seriously deprives them of it.
Example: Stealing and selling someone’s vehicle or electronics.
8. Defamation (Slander & Libel)
Definition: Making false statements that damage someone’s reputation.
- Slander: Spoken defamation
- Libel: Written or published defamation
Example: Publishing a false claim that someone committed a crime.
9. Invasion of Privacy
Recognized in some states as four distinct types:
- Appropriation of likeness – Using someone’s name or image without consent for commercial gain
- Intrusion upon seclusion – Invading private affairs (e.g., unauthorized surveillance)
- Public disclosure of private facts – Releasing embarrassing private details
- False light – Portraying someone misleadingly in the public eye
⚖️ Remedies Available for Intentional Torts
- Compensatory Damages: For medical expenses, emotional distress, and property damage
- Punitive Damages: To punish malicious or egregious conduct
- Injunctive Relief: Court orders to stop harmful or harassing behavior
McGahren Law helps clients seek justice and financial recovery when another’s intentional actions cause harm. If you’ve experienced assault, defamation, harassment, or any other willful act, our legal team is here to help.