The 'but for' causation requirement in negligence. Plaintiff must prove that but for the defendant's breach of duty, the harm would not have occurred. Also called cause-in-fact.
Related terms
Proximate Cause — A limitation on liability requiring that the harm suffered must be within the scope of risk created by…
Breach of Duty — The second element of negligence, requiring plaintiff to prove defendant's conduct fell below the applicable standard of care.…
But-For Test — Primary test for actual causation: but for the defendant's conduct, would plaintiff's harm have occurred? If answer is…
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