Vastutuseõigus

Vastutuseõigus, often translated as law of torts or delictual law, is a branch of civil law that deals with civil wrongs that cause harm to others. It provides a legal framework for individuals or entities to seek compensation for damages suffered due to the wrongful actions or omissions of another party. Unlike criminal law, which focuses on punishment for offenses against the state, vastutuseõigus aims to restore the injured party to their original position as much as possible through monetary damages.

The core principle of vastutuseõigus is that a person who causes harm to another through their fault can be held legally responsible for the resulting damage. This fault can manifest in different forms, primarily negligence (hooletus) and intent (tahtlus). Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise the reasonable care expected of them in a given situation, leading to harm. Intentional torts, on the other hand, involve deliberate acts that cause harm.

Key elements generally required to establish liability in vastutuseõigus include a wrongful act or omission, causation (the act must have directly caused the harm), and damage (the injured party must have suffered actual loss or injury). Damages can be awarded to cover various losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The specific rules and remedies available can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction.