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Proximate Cause
Proximate cause is the legal principle that limits a person's responsibility for harm to only those consequences that were reasonably foreseeable and directly connected to their action.
What it actually is
In a court case, proximate cause is a two-part test: first, the defendant's action must be a cause-in-fact (the harm would not have occurred 'but for' that action), and second, the harm must be a reasonably foreseeable result of that action. It appears primarily in negligence and other tort cases to determine whether the defendant should be held legally responsible for the plaintiff's injuries.
Why it matters in your case
Proximate cause matters because even if a defendant's action was a factual cause of harm, the court may still dismiss the case if the harm was too remote or unforeseeable. It acts as a legal cutoff to prevent defendants from being liable for every consequence that flows from their conduct, no matter how far-fetched.
The common misunderstanding
The most common misunderstanding is that proximate cause means the same as 'cause-in-fact' or 'but-for' causation. In reality, it adds a requirement of foreseeability and directness, so a defendant can be a factual cause but still not be the proximate cause.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.