Yes I believe you can. Though not for something like the common cold which was suggested in the original question. I have heard of court cases where someone was charged for knowingly infecting someone with AIDS through unprotected sex. If you could bring them up on charges there then you could certainly sue them for damages also in civil court. But if you're looking to get revenge on the person who coughed on you at work, and make some extra cash on the side, I think you're out of luck. You never know though. Some of the lawyers in the U.S. take on crazier cases than that.

I wonder if I could sue the next door neighbor's kids for playing their music and causing me mental anguish. Where is that card Jim the Hammer gave me the other day. Maybe I'll give him a call.

Yours in a state of mental anguish(God I hate Eminem)...

Darth Steen, Sith Lord.