ALIENATION OF A SPOUSE'S AFFECTIONS

Under the common law, there existed a tort for the alienation of a spouse's affections. Although most states have enacted statutes that have abolished the tort, there are approximately nine states that permit such a tort action to be brought against a third party. More...

Torts in Baseball

Injuries at baseball stadiums occur to both spectators and participants. They may be able to recover for their injuries in certain circumstances based on the negligence of the owner of the stadium. However, the owner may successfully defend against a lawsuit in certain circumstances.More...

TAX CONSIDERATIONS IN TORT LITIGATION

The income tax consequences of damages that are awarded in a tort action may have a significant impact on the parties to the litigation. In most cases, the tax effect of the damages will depend upon how the damages are characterized by the parties. Whether the damages are taxable or not may often affect the amount that a plaintiff is willing to accept from a defendant and that the defendant is willing to pay the plaintiff under a settlement agreement.More...

ACTION BY A SPOUSE FOR A TORT AGAINST THE OTHER SPOUSE

When one spouse is injured as a result of a defendant's negligent or tortious conduct, the other spouse is entitled to file an action against the defendant for his or her damages as a result of the defendant's conduct. The spouse who is injured is referred to as the impaired spouse.More...

TORT LIABILITY OF MUNCIPALITIES

When a municipality is acting within its governmental capacity or is performing a governmental function, such as providing water or utility services, it is generally not liable for negligence with regard to the governmental function. However, if the municipality is acting is a proprietary manner, that is, when it owns or maintains real or personal property, the municipality may be liable for the negligence of its representatives, agents, and employees.More...