What legal term describes an act that causes personal injury or property damage?

The legal term that describes an act causing personal injury or property damage is "tort." A tort refers to a civil wrong that leads to harm or injury to another person, or their property, and allows the injured party to seek compensation through legal action. Torts can encompass a wide range of acts, including negligence, intentional harm, and strict liability offenses.

In the context of tort law, the actions can result from various situations—ranging from accidents to deliberate acts—and serve as a foundation for claims made in civil court. For instance, if someone is harmed by another’s negligent actions, such as a car accident caused by careless driving, the injured party can file a tort claim for damages.

Liability refers to the legal responsibility one has for their actions or omissions that cause harm, but it does not specifically define the act itself. Negligence is a type of tort that specifically involves failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or losses to another person. Assault, on the other hand, typically refers to an intentional act that causes another to fear imminent bodily harm, which is more specific than the broad concept of a tort.

Thus, identifying a tort as the correct term encapsulates the various acts that can lead to personal injury