How is property damage defined in tort law?

In tort law, property damage is specifically defined as the destruction of a person's property as a result of another's actions. This definition emphasizes the tangible impact of negligent or wrongful conduct on physical assets, distinguishing it from other types of harm that can occur in tort cases.

Property damage encompasses a wide range of incidents, such as vandalism, accidental damage, or intentional destruction of property. The focus is on the nature of the harm, which must pertain specifically to physical objects or real estate that belong to an individual or entity. Understanding this definition is crucial for establishing liability and seeking compensation for damages incurred as a result of another party's actions.

The other options describe different areas of tort law: physical harm to a victim pertains more to personal injury claims; harm to personal reputation relates to defamation; and loss of income due to negligence involves economic loss claims. These concepts, while important in their own right, do not capture the essence of what constitutes property damage in the realm of tort law.