Every person who suffers detriment from the unlawful act or omission of another may recover from the person in fault a compensation therefor in money, which is called damages. Detriment is a loss or harm suffered in person or property.

Source: CivC 1877, §§ 1940, 1941; CL 1887, §§ 4574, 4575; RCivC 1903, §§ 2286, 2287; RC 1919, §§ 1959, 1960; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.1701.