Superseding Cause

What is Superseding Cause?

This is an intervening negligent cause which occurs after the original tortfeasor's negligence, and which intercedes to cut off that original negligence as the legal cause of the plaintiff's injuries. A superseding cause brings about an unexpected result than would not have resulted from the original tortfeasor's negligence, thus absolving the original tortfeasor from liability.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Torts terms:

• Breach of Duty
• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Waiver as a Defense
• Intervening Cause
• Respondeat Superior