What role does the element of causation play in a negligence claim?

In a negligence claim, causation is a fundamental element that directly connects the defendant's breach of duty to the damages suffered by the plaintiff. This means that for a plaintiff to succeed in demonstrating negligence, they must prove that the defendant's actions (or inactions) were a significant factor in causing the harm or injury experienced.

Causation is usually divided into two parts: "factual causation" and "proximate causation." Factual causation involves demonstrating that, but for the defendant's breach, the plaintiff would not have suffered the injury. Proximate causation looks at whether the injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant's actions.

Understanding causation is crucial because it establishes a clear link between the wrongful act and the resultant injury, which is necessary for holding the defendant legally accountable in a negligence lawsuit. Without proving this link, even if a breach of duty and damages are present, there would be no legal basis for the claim.