intervening cause

Definition of "intervening cause"
  1. A subsequent event that happens after an initially harmful or wrongful act and before the resulting damage, which disrupts the link of causation and potentially nullifies the original actor's liability
How to use "intervening cause" in a sentence
  1. The sudden storm was an intervening cause that absolves the builder of any structural damage.
  2. The driver, originally at fault, was not held responsible for the pedestrian's injuries due to an intervening cause.
  3. John's allergic reaction, though unfortunate, acted as an intervening cause, mitigating the restaurant's liability.

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