How is causation determined in a professional negligence claim?

Causation is an important concept in a professional negligence claim in Pennsylvania. It is used to determine whether a professional was responsible for the harm caused to a person or property. Causation is determined by looking at the facts of a particular case and analyzing the relationship between the professional’s actions and the harm that has been done. Generally, it must be shown that the professional’s breach of their duty of care was the direct cause of the harm. This means that the harm would not have occurred but for the professional’s negligence. In some cases, the causal link between the professional’s actions and the harm may be direct and easy to identify. However, in other cases, the link may be more difficult to identify. In these cases, the court may use a “substantial factor” test to determine causation. Here, the court will consider whether the professional’s negligence was a substantial factor in bringing about the harm. If so, the professional may be held liable for the harm. It is important to note that even if the professional’s negligence was substantially related to the harm, the court must also consider whether other factors played a role in the harm. If other factors such as third-party acts or the plaintiff’s own actions contributed to the harm, the court will not find the professional liable.

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How is causation determined in a professional negligence claim?

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