What does proximate cause refer to in a negligence case?

Proximate cause is a key concept in negligence cases, referring specifically to the direct link between a defendant's actions and the harm that results from those actions. It must establish that the injuries or damages sustained were a foreseeable result of the negligent conduct. In essence, for the defendant to be held liable, there must be an uninterrupted chain of events that leads directly from the act of negligence to the injury or damage experienced by the plaintiff. This ensures that the harm caused was a natural and probable consequence of the negligent act, which is foundational in determining liability in personal injury law.

The other options address different aspects of tort law but do not accurately define proximate cause. For example, accepting risk pertains to the concept of assumption of risk, which is different from establishing causation. Similarly, a legal doctrine regarding the injured party's liability concerns comparative negligence rather than causation. Lastly, a measure of damages awarded for public injury focuses on compensatory aspects and does not describe the causal relationship required to prove liability in negligence cases.