Which principle relates to the connection between an act and the injury in a negligence case?

The principle that relates to the connection between an act and the injury in a negligence case is proximate cause. This concept establishes that there must be a direct link between the negligent act and the injury that resulted from it. In legal terms, proximate cause helps to determine whether the harm suffered by the plaintiff was a foreseeable result of the defendant's actions.

For instance, if a driver runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, causing injuries, proximate cause would be established if the injuries were a direct and foreseeable outcome of that negligent act of running the red light. The concept of proximate cause goes beyond merely showing that an act occurred; it also requires an examination of whether the specific injuries were a direct consequence of that action, thereby ensuring that liability is appropriately assigned to the party responsible for the negligence. This principle is crucial for establishing that the defendant can be held accountable for the consequences of their actions in a negligence claim.