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Simple English definitions for legal terms
accidental harm
Read a random definition: inverse condemnation
A quick definition of accidental harm:
Accidental harm is when someone gets hurt or something gets damaged by accident, without anyone meaning to do it on purpose. This is different from when someone intentionally hurts someone or something, which is called a tortious act. Accidental harm can be physical, like getting a cut or breaking a toy, or it can be social, like causing a problem that is protected by the law.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Accidental harm refers to any injury, loss, or damage that is not caused by a deliberate or intentional act. It can be physical, material, or social in nature.
- Bodily harm: This refers to any physical pain, illness, or impairment of the body that is not caused intentionally. For example, if someone accidentally bumps into you and you fall and hurt your arm, that would be considered accidental bodily harm.
- Physical harm: This refers to any physical impairment of land, chattels, or the human body. For example, if a tree falls on your car during a storm and damages it, that would be considered accidental physical harm.
- Social harm: This refers to any adverse effect on any social interest that is protected by the criminal law. For example, if someone accidentally starts a fire that damages a public park, that would be considered accidental social harm.
These examples illustrate how accidental harm can occur without any intention or malice on the part of the person causing the harm. It is important to distinguish accidental harm from intentional harm, as intentional harm may be subject to legal consequences.