Emergency Telecommunicator Certification Practice Exam

In legal negligence, causation is proven when:

1. A witness provides testimony

2. A direct link between the breach of duty and injury is established

3. The injury occurs at the scene

4. The injured party files a complaint

The correct answer is: A direct link between the breach of duty and injury is established

Causation in legal negligence is proven when there is a direct link established between the breach of duty and the injury sustained by the plaintiff. This means that it must be shown that the actions (or inactions) of the defendant directly led to the harm experienced by the injured party. Without this essential cause-and-effect relationship, the case for negligence cannot stand, as it is the connection between the breach and the injury that forms the basis of accountability. Witness testimony, while potentially valuable, does not itself establish causation; rather, it can support the findings of causation when it confirms the breach of duty and the harm that resulted. The mere occurrence of injury at the scene does not automatically indicate causation; the facts must demonstrate how the breach contributed to that injury. Additionally, filing a complaint is part of initiating legal proceedings but does not prove causation on its own. Thus, establishing a direct connection is crucial for proving negligence.