Los Angeles Claims Adjuster Property and Causality Practice Exam

What term describes an independent action that breaks the chain of causation and sets in motion a new chain of events?

1. Comparative Negligence

2. Intervening Cause

3. Contributory Negligence

4. Assumption of Risk

The correct answer is: Intervening Cause

The accurate term for an independent action that disrupts the original chain of causation and initiates a new series of events is indeed referred to as an intervening cause. This concept is critical in liability assessments, particularly in determining the extent to which different parties may be responsible for an outcome. An intervening cause occurs when an unexpected, external event intervenes and leads to a change in the outcome that would not have occurred without that new action. By breaking the chain of causation, the intervening cause can absolve the original party of liability for subsequent damages, as the new events are seen as either unforeseeable or independent of the initial circumstances. This is vital knowledge for claims adjusters and legal professionals in property and casualty insurance, as it helps in evaluating claims and assigning fault correctly based on the circumstances of the case. Understanding this term is essential for analyzing situations where multiple factors contribute to an event, as it enables adjusters to differentiate between actions that are a direct result of negligence versus those that are independent and significantly alter the outcome.