Which term is used to describe the direct chain of events that must be proven to establish causation?

The term that describes the direct chain of events required to establish causation is known as "proximate cause." Proximate cause refers to the primary cause in a chain of events that leads to a particular outcome. In legal terms, establishing proximate cause is essential in insurance claims and liability cases, as it determines whether the actions of a party were closely enough linked to the resulting damage or injury to hold them responsible.

Proximate cause is significant because it limits liability to those consequences that were a foreseeable result of the actions in question, making it a key concept in both insurance and legal contexts. It helps in proving that the harm suffered was not just a random occurrence but rather a direct result of someone's actions.

Other terms, while related, do not precisely capture the idea of the direct chain needed for establishing causation in the same defined manner. For instance, the "causation chain" is more of a descriptive phrase rather than a formal legal term, and "legal cause" can sometimes overlap with proximate cause but does not specify the direct nature of the relationship. Meanwhile, "substantial factor" typically relates to contributions to harm rather than establishing the direct chain necessary for causation.