What does proximate cause establish in a negligence case?

Proximate cause in a negligence case is crucial because it establishes the necessary link between a defendant's breach of duty and the resulting harm suffered by the plaintiff. In order for a negligence claim to be valid, it must be demonstrated that not only did the defendant breach their duty of care, but that this breach directly led to the injury or damage experienced by the plaintiff. Proximate cause involves assessing whether the harm was a foreseeable consequence of the defendant's actions or inactions.

This means that if a defendant’s conduct created a situation that ultimately led to a plaintiff’s injury, that conduct can be deemed the proximate cause of the injury. Without establishing this connection, the claim may fail as the court may find that the breach of duty did not directly result in the harm, making it difficult to hold the defendant liable.

The other options, while they relate to aspects of liability and legal principles, do not accurately capture the essence of proximate cause in a negligence case. For instance, intent to harm is not necessary to establish negligence, as negligence can occur without any intention to cause harm. Regarding damages, while they are an integral part of a negligence claim, proximate cause specifically focuses on the relationship between the breach and the harm, rather than