What does "causation" refer to in negligence?

Causation in negligence refers to the concept of establishing a direct link between a defendant's actions and the resulting harm suffered by the plaintiff. To determine causation, it is essential to show that the defendant’s breach of duty directly led to the injury or damage that occurred. This unbroken chain of events outlines how the negligent act resulted in specific damages or injuries, making it crucial for establishing liability in negligence cases.

This concept typically comprises two elements: actual cause (or "cause in fact"), meaning that the injury would not have occurred "but for" the defendant's actions, and proximate cause, which addresses whether the specific injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct.

Understanding causation is fundamental because, without establishing this link, a negligence claim cannot succeed. It clarifies that mere negligence is not sufficient to hold someone responsible for damages; one must also demonstrate that negligence directly caused the injury or damage sustained.