proximate cause
Definition
Proximate cause is the direct, legally recognized link between someone's action and the harm that resulted from it. Courts use this concept to decide whether a person or business is responsible for damages by asking whether the harm was a natural and foreseeable result of what they did or failed to do.
Example
If a customer slips on a wet floor in your store because you forgot to put out a warning sign, your failure to warn is the proximate cause of their injury and you could be held liable.
Watch Out
Even if your actions played some role in causing harm, a court may find that an unexpected intervening event broke the chain of proximate cause and shifts responsibility away from you.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.