Define: Chain Of Causation

Chain of causation refers to the sequence of events or actions that directly lead to a particular outcome or result. In legal contexts, particularly in tort law, establishing a chain of causation is essential in determining liability. It involves demonstrating a clear link between the defendant’s actions or negligence and the harm suffered by the plaintiff. To prove a chain of causation, it must be shown that the defendant’s actions were both the factual cause (but for the defendant’s actions, the harm would not have occurred) and the proximate cause (the harm was a foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s actions). Establishing a chain of causation is crucial for determining legal responsibility and assessing damages in cases involving personal injury, property damage, or other harm.

In many claims in tort, or prosecutions in criminal law, the causal relationship between the defendant’s wrongdoing and the victim’s loss or injury is perfectly clear. If A hits B over the head, and B sustains a concussion, there is no real issue of causation. Problems arise in this area when the causal relationship is not direct. If A hits B over the head lightly, causing B to slip on a banana skin, and B then bangs his head on the pavement, is A liable? What if the banana skin had been carelessly discarded in an area where dropping banana skins was itself a criminal offence — could it be that liability should be attributed to the banana-skin-dropper instead? Problems like this have taxed the courts for decades. For a discussion of the issues in criminal law, see causation in criminal liability; in tort see Causation In Tort.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.