Is A liable for battery after lightly kicking B, which exacerbates B's pre-existing condition?

In tort law, battery is defined as an intentional infliction of harmful or offensive physical contact with another person. For liability in battery, the key element is the intent to make contact, not necessarily the intent to cause harm.

In this scenario, even though A lightly kicked B, which may seem minor, the act of touching or striking B qualifies as offensive contact. Moreover, the law recognizes that a defendant may be liable for any harm that results from their actions—even if the contact itself was not severe. This principle applies particularly when a pre-existing condition is involved. The "take your victim as you find him" rule states that a defendant is liable for the full extent of a plaintiff's injuries, even if those injuries are greater than what would typically result from the act, provided that the act was intentional.

Thus, A is liable for battery because the action of kicking, regardless of its slightness, resulted in harm by exacerbating B's condition. A's awareness of B's pre-existing condition, while relevant in terms of foreseeability, is not necessary for establishing liability for battery in this case. The focus remains on the nature of the contact and the resulting harm, thereby affirming A's liability.