When you’re involved in a legal dispute, it’s essential to understand the different types of wrongful acts that can give rise to a claim. One such category is tortious conduct. If you’ve been harmed by someone else’s actions or negligence, you may have grounds to pursue compensation under tort law. This article will explain what tortious conduct is and how a Toronto paralegal can assist you in navigating these complex legal situations.

What is Tortious Conduct?

Tortious conduct refers to any wrongful act or omission that causes harm or injury to another person, leading to civil legal liability. Unlike criminal cases, which are prosecuted by the state, tort claims are brought by individuals or businesses seeking compensation for the damages caused. The goal is to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the harm occurred.

Tortious conduct generally falls into three main categories:

1. Intentional Torts – These occur when a person intentionally causes harm. Examples include assault, battery, false imprisonment, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

2. Negligence – The most common type of tort, negligence happens when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. Common examples include car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice.

3. Strict Liability Torts – In these cases, a person or company is held liable for damages without the need to prove fault or negligence. This category typically applies to cases involving defective products, dangerous animals, or abnormally dangerous activities.

How Tortious Conduct Affects You

Tortious conduct can have severe consequences, both physically and financially. Victims may suffer injuries, emotional distress, loss of income, and mounting medical expenses. It’s crucial to understand your legal rights if you’ve been harmed due to someone else’s wrongful actions or negligence.

Depending on the severity of the tort and the damages incurred, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

How a Toronto Paralegal Can Help with Tortious Conduct Claims

While lawyers typically handle complex tort claims, Toronto paralegals are well-equipped to assist with a variety of civil matters, especially in Small Claims Court, where damages are limited to $35,000. Here’s how a paralegal can help:

1. Case Evaluation and Legal Advice – A paralegal can assess your situation to determine whether you have a valid tort claim. They will review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through your options for seeking compensation.
2. Document Preparation –  Filing a tort claim involves preparing and submitting legal documents such as a Statement of Claim or Notice of Action. A Toronto paralegal will ensure all paperwork is properly drafted and submitted within the required timelines to avoid delays or dismissal of your case.
3. Representation in Small Claims Court – If your tort claim involves damages of $35,000 or less, a paralegal can represent you in Small Claims Court. They will advocate on your behalf during settlement conferences, pre-trial hearings, and, if necessary, the trial itself.
4. Negotiating Settlements – In many tort cases, parties prefer to settle the matter outside of court. A skilled paralegal can negotiate with the other party or their insurance company to secure a fair settlement, helping you avoid the time and expense of a court trial.
5. Enforcing Judgments – If the court awards you damages but the other party fails to pay, a paralegal can assist in enforcing the judgment through garnishment or other legal mechanisms.

Why Choose a Toronto Paralegal?

Toronto paralegals are licensed professionals regulated by the Law Society of Ontario. They have the knowledge and experience to handle a range of legal issues, including tort claims within Small Claims Court. Choosing a paralegal over a lawyer can also be a more affordable option, especially for smaller claims that don’t require the extensive resources of a full law firm.

Conclusion

If you’ve been the victim of tortious conduct, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve been injured due to negligence or intentional harm, a Toronto paralegal can help you navigate the legal process efficiently and
affordably. From providing sound legal advice to representing you in Small Claims Court, a paralegal offers a practical solution to resolving tort disputes.

Don’t hesitate to contact a qualified Toronto paralegal today to discuss your case and begin the process of securing the compensation you need to recover from your losses.