There are a number of ways a person can file a claim for medical malpractice. Tort is a section of law that addresses civil wrongs which are not part of a contractual agreement between two parties. In the case of medical malpractice, tort law would address the accusation of one person (plaintiff) that the other person (defendant) is responsible for damages incurred by the plaintiff, and should be held liable for said damages. In layman's terms, tort law distinguishes what is and isn't a legal injury, and establishes the circumstances in which the defendant would be liable. Torts cover intentional acts as well as accidents. The reasoning was that it would create animosity in the family and lead to irremediable breakdown of the family unit. Today, however, the law of some states allows family members to sue each other for torts on the reasoning that, if a tort was committed, there was already a breakdown in the family unit.