Under tort law, the offender of a tort is liable for the damages and losses incurred as a result of their actions. For the injured party to claim these damages, however, he will have to file a lawsuit, in which he will become the plaintiff and the offender the defendant. In a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff has the burden of proof, meaning that it is their primary responsibility to prove beyond a preponderance of evidence that their assertions are true. First, the plaintiff must prove that there was either negligence or intent. In proving negligence, there must be a duty of care involved, and the defendant must have breached that duty according to the reasonable person standard. Also, the plaintiff must show that injuries were actually suffered, whether they were emotional, physical, or psychological. Finally, there must be evidence that the alleged injuries were caused by the defendant's actions. Granted that all of these can be proved sufficiently, the plaintiff will be able to recover compensatory damages, and possibly punitive damages in addition — tort lawyers can be helpful in assisting the plaintiff while pursuing these damages.