Independent Cause
/ɪnˈdɪpəndənt kɔːz/
Definitions
- (n.) A cause that independently produces a certain injury or damage without any concurrence from another cause.
The court found the defendant's actions to be an independent cause of the plaintiff's injury.
- (n.) A cause that breaks the chain of causation, relieving a party from liability by intervening between the original act and the harm.
The unforeseen natural disaster was held to be an independent cause excusing liability.
Forms
- independent causes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
An independent cause is significant in causation analysis because it can either establish sole liability or break the causal connection, impacting legal responsibility.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.