What is the term used to describe legal harm in a civil action?

The term used to describe legal harm in a civil action is "tort." A tort refers to a wrongful act, other than a breach of contract, that results in harm or injury to another person, which can be addressed in civil court. Torts can encompass a wide range of wrongful actions, including negligence, intentional infliction of harm, and strict liability offenses.

In the context of civil law, when someone files a lawsuit for a tort, they are seeking compensation for damages caused by the wrongful act. The concept is fundamental to personal injury law and encompasses various situations where one party's conduct causes injury or loss to another.

Understanding tort law is crucial for comprehending how legal systems provide remedies for individuals who have suffered harm due to the actions of others. The other terms in the question each relate to specific aspects or consequences of torts, but they do not encapsulate the overall idea of legal harm as broadly as "tort" does.