What must be proved to establish proximate cause in a negligence case?

To establish proximate cause in a negligence case, it is essential to demonstrate a direct linkage between the defendant's breach of duty and the injury sustained by the plaintiff. Proximate cause is concerned with whether the injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions or the breach of duty. It essentially connects the negligent act to the harm that occurred, making it a central element in establishing liability.

In this context, showing that the breach directly led to the injury allows the court to hold the defendant legally responsible. If a plaintiff cannot demonstrate this direct connection, the claim for negligence may fail because the defendant may not be held liable for any injuries that were not a foreseeable consequence of their actions.

Establishing this linkage involves evaluating whether the harm was a natural and probable result of the breach and whether it lies within the scope of the risk created by the negligent act. This is key to understanding the relationship between duty, breach, and injury in negligence cases.