What does 'causation' refer to in negligence cases?

Causation in negligence cases refers specifically to the relationship between a breach of duty and the resulting damages suffered by the plaintiff. It establishes that the defendant's failure to meet a standard of care directly led to the injuries or losses that the plaintiff experienced. In other words, causation demonstrates that the harm incurred is not just coincidental but rather a direct consequence of the defendant's actions or inactions.

In the context of negligence claims, it’s crucial to show that the breach of duty was a substantial factor in causing the harm. This means that if the defendant had not acted as they did, the plaintiff would not have sustained the damages. Understanding this concept helps clarify how responsibility and liability are determined in legal cases involving negligence.