What does the term "cause in fact" refer to in a negligence case?

"Cause in fact" in a negligence case specifically pertains to the actual cause of an injury or harm suffered by a plaintiff. It is most commonly demonstrated through the "but for" test, which asks whether the injury would have occurred "but for" the defendant's actions. If the answer is affirmative, then the defendant's conduct is established as a cause in fact of the injury. This concept is critical in establishing liability, as it connects the defendant's behavior directly to the plaintiff's injury.

In negligence cases, it is essential to prove not just that a harmful event occurred, but that the defendant's specific actions or omissions were a direct contributing factor to that harm. This is often a foundational requirement in legal settings to establish the necessary link for liability, making it pivotal in both the factual and legal analysis of cases involving negligence.