Which of the following best defines an unintentional tort?

An unintentional tort is best defined as an act committed without knowledge of its wrongfulness. This type of tort typically arises from negligence, where a person fails to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances, leading to harm or injury to another individual. The key element here is the absence of intent; the defendant did not aim to cause harm and was not aware that their actions could result in a wrongful outcome.

For instance, if a driver accidentally causes an accident because they were distracted, they may not have intended to harm anyone, nor were they aware that their distraction posed a significant risk. This aligns with the definition and nature of unintentional torts, distinguishing them from intentional acts where harm is deliberate or a result of clear negligence. Therefore, understanding unintentional torts involves recognizing that liability can arise even without malicious intent, highlighting the importance of care and foresight in one’s actions.