Proximate Cause
/ˈprɒksɪmət kɔːz/
Definitions
- (n.) An event sufficiently related to an injury that the law deems it the cause of that injury, establishing liability in tort law.
The court held that the defendant's negligence was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury.
Forms
- proximate causes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Proximate cause limits liability to harms with a direct and foreseeable connection to the defendant's actions, distinguishing it from actual cause.
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.