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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Tort Law
Course: PAR208

First Term: 2024 Fall
 Lecture   3.0 Credit(s)   3.0 Period(s)   3.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load


Description: Introduction to tort law and the responsibilities of the paralegal. Includes elements of types of various types of torts, negligence, and defenses in addition to classification of and legal issues pertaining to damages. Also covers insurance and its application to tort law as well as procedures for records evaluation and calculation of net settlements.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define terms related to tort law. (I)
2. Describe distinguishing factors of tort law. (I)
3. Demonstrate rules of professional conduct, for the paralegal, pertaining to tort law. (I-IX)
4. Analyze the elements of negligence. (II)
5. Describe types of intentional torts. (III)
6. Explain various defenses to tort claims. (IV)
7. Classify damages. (V)
8. Describe legal issues concerning damages. (V)
9. Review limitations on recovery. (V)
10. Explain types of insurance coverage and its application to tort law. (VI)
11. Explain rights and defenses of insurers. (VI)
12. Evaluate and summarize medical records. (VII)
13. Locate and review non-medical records. (VIII)
14. Review procedures for assessment of a case. (IX)
15. Calculate a net settlement. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Overview of tort law
   A. Definition
   B. Distinguishing factors
   C. Types of torts
      1. Intentional
      2. Negligent
      3. Strict liability
   D. Terminology
   E. Role of the paralegal
   F. Ethics
II. Negligence
   A. Duty
   B. Breach
   C. Causation
   D. Damages
III. Intentional torts
   A. Assault
   B. Battery
   C. Trespass
   D. Conversion
   E. Defamation (Libel and slander)
IV. Defenses
   A. Negligence
      1. Contributory
      2. Comparative
   B. Assumption of risk
   C. Last clear chance
   D. Statutes of limitation
   E. Preemption
   F. Immunity
V. Damages
   A. Classifications
      1. Nominal
      2. Compensatory
      3. Punitive
   B. Calculation
   C. Evaluation
   D. Legal issues
   E. Limitations on recovery
VI. Insurance issues
   A. Policy types
      1. Homeowner
      2. Auto
      3. Other
   B. Coverage
      1. Liability
      2. Uninsured motorist
      3. Underinsured motorist
      4. Collision
      5. Comprehensive
      6. Medical
   C. Insurer rights and defenses
      1. Subrogation
      2. Reservation of rights
      3. Arbitration
      4. Policy termination
   D. Privacy
VII. Medical records
   A. Requests
   B. Review
      1. Personal information
      2. Wording
      3. Treatments
      4. Adverse reactions
      5. Practitioner notes
   C. Summary
      1. Chronological order
      2. Narrative
      3. Provider
      4. Specialized
VIII. Non-medical records
   A. Types
      1. Investigative reports
      2. Accident/incident reports
      3. Fire department reports
      4. Ambulance reports
      5. Government agency reports
      6. Consumer protection
   B. Procedures
IX. Case value
   A. Types of expenses
      1. Medical
      2. Attorney fees
      3. Expert fees
   B. Calculations
      1. Fees
      2. Payments
      3. Settlement
   C. Professionalism
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 27, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.