What is an independent action that disrupts the chain of causation known as?

An independent action that disrupts the chain of causation is referred to as an intervening cause. This term is used in legal contexts to describe an event that occurs after the original act that contributes to the harm or damage caused, breaking the direct link between the initial cause and the final outcome.

For example, if a driver runs a red light and causes an accident but, during that accident, a falling object from a nearby construction site further injures a person, the falling object represents an intervening cause. This new factor can potentially absolve the original party of liability for the subsequent injuries because it was not foreseeable and occurred independently of their actions. Thus, understanding intervening causes is crucial for determining liability in various legal scenarios, as it helps clarify the points at which causation may have been altered by external factors.