WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | October 14, 2025 | Personal Injury

Common Types of Intentional Torts

Intentional torts are legal actions arising when one person deliberately harms another. Intentional torts differ from negligence. Negligence is about accidental harm. For intentional torts, you must show that the defendant acted with intent or knew their actions would cause injury.

In Dundalk, Maryland, knowing these torts helps protect your rights. It also shows when you might have a civil claim. Continue reading to learn more about intentional torts and when you may have a personal injury claim.

What Is an Intentional Tort?

An intentional tort occurs when a person deliberately engages in conduct that causes harm to another individual. This harm can be physical, emotional, or financial.

Intentional torts are different from accidents. They involve a choice to act in ways that can likely cause harm. 

Intentional conduct can include:

  • Striking someone
  • Making false statements
  • Interfering with property

To win an intentional tort claim, the injured party usually needs to prove that the defendant meant to do the act that caused the injury.

Assault and Battery

While often seen in criminal law, assault and battery are two common intentional torts.

Here is the difference between the terms:

  • Assault: Assault occurs when someone intentionally creates a reasonable fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact. Physical contact is not required; the key element is the threat or apprehension of harm.
  • Battery: Battery involves intentional and harmful physical contact with another person. This includes hitting, pushing, or other forms of unwanted touching that cause injury or offense.

Victims of assault or battery can seek damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

False Imprisonment

False imprisonment happens when a person intentionally confines or restrains another against their will without legal authority. This can happen in many places. For example, it can occur when someone is held in a store, at work, or on private property without a good reason.

To prove false imprisonment, the victim must show three things: 

  • They were intentionally restrained. 
  • They knew about the confinement. 
  • The confinement was unlawful.

Compensation may cover physical, emotional, and financial harm resulting from the restraint.

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) happens when someone acts in a shocking way. This behavior causes serious emotional harm to another person. Examples include repeated harassment, threats, or public humiliation.

To succeed in an IIED claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate:

  • The defendant’s conduct was intentional or reckless
  • The conduct was extreme and outrageous
  • The actions caused severe emotional distress

Damages can include counseling costs, medical bills, and compensation for suffering.

Trespass to Land and Trespass to Chattels

Intentional torts also include property-related claims:

  • Trespass to land: Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. Property owners can seek compensation or injunctions to prevent future trespass.
  • Trespass to chattels: Interfering with another person’s personal property, such as taking, damaging, or using it without consent.

These torts safeguard property rights. They ensure that if someone intentionally interferes, legal action can be taken.

Conversion

Conversion is a more severe form of interference with personal property. It involves taking or using someone else’s property in a way that permanently or temporarily deprives the owner of its use. 

For example, taking a vehicle or selling someone else’s things without permission is conversion. Victims can recover the value of the property or its return.

Defamation: Libel and Slander

Defamation occurs when false statements are intentionally made that harm a person’s reputation. 

There are two main forms:

  • Libel: Written or published false statements
  • Slander: Spoken false statements

Many people mix up libel and slander. The main point is that both involve false and intentional statements. 

To win a defamation claim, the plaintiff must show three things: 

  • The statement was false. 
  • It was shared with a third party. 
  • It harmed their reputation.

Damages may include lost income, emotional distress, and reputational repair costs.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

Fraud involves intentionally deceiving another person to cause financial or personal harm. This includes making false statements or concealing important information to gain an advantage.

Victims must show intentional misrepresentation, reliance on the false statement, and resulting damages. Common examples are financial scams, false advertising, and misrepresenting property value in sales.

Interference With Contractual Relations

This intentional tort happens when someone knowingly interferes with a contract between two parties. This disruption can lead to financial or business harm for one party. Examples include inducing a breach of contract or interfering with business relationships.

Why Understanding Intentional Torts Matters

Being aware of common intentional torts helps individuals in Dundalk, MD, recognize when they have legal rights and remedies. Victims can protect themselves, gather evidence, and seek compensation for their suffering. Intentional tort claims can lead to money damages, injunctions, or other legal actions to stop further harm.

Contact the Dundalk Personal Injury Lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

If you think you are a victim of an intentional tort, act quickly. Document the incident and gather evidence. Then, talk to an experienced Dundalk personal injury attorney at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers. Our team can help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080