Proximate Cause

Pronunciation: PROK-suh-mit KAWZ

Torts › Negligence

Definition

A limitation on liability requiring that the harm suffered must be within the scope of risk created by the defendant's negligent conduct. Also called legal cause, it asks whether the defendant should be held legally responsible for the plaintiff's injuries.

Related terms

• Actual Cause — The 'but for' causation requirement in negligence. Plaintiff must prove that but for the defendant's breach of duty,…
• Duty of Care — A legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. The duty of care is…
• Foreseeability — Central concept in both duty and proximate cause analysis, limiting liability to foreseeable consequences and foreseeable plaintiffs. Under…

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