Intentional tort

Intentional torts require proof that the defendant meant to do the act that caused the harm: though not necessarily that they meant to cause the harm itself. If you intentionally swing a bat at someone's head, it's still battery even if you didn't actually mean to break their nose.

Intentional torts often qualify for punitive damages because the conduct is more blameworthy than ordinary negligence. They can also coincide with criminal charges: a punch can be both criminal assault (state vs. defendant) and civil battery (victim vs. defendant).