What distinguishes tort liability from contractual liability?

Tort liability is characterized by its independence from contractual obligations, meaning that it arises from violations of legal duties that are not based on a contract. Torts are civil wrongs that cause harm or loss to individuals and can occur regardless of any existing contract between the parties involved. For example, a person can be held liable for negligence or intentional harm even if there was no contract that governed the interactions between the parties.

In contrast, contractual liability comes into play when one party fails to uphold their commitments as specified in a contract, leading to harm or loss that is typically financial in nature. This distinction is essential in understanding how legal responsibilities are framed within the realm of business and personal interactions.

Recognizing that tort and contract law serve different purposes helps clarify why torts can occur independently of any contractual agreements.