What is the "but for" test in the context of liability claims in motor vehicle accidents?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from MacKenzie v. Rogalasky, 2011 BCSC 54 (CanLII):

The "but for" test recognizes that compensation for negligent conduct should only be made "where a substantial connection between the injury and defendant's conduct" is present. It ensures that a defendant will not be held liable for the plaintiff's injuries where they "may very well be due to factors unconnected to the defendant and not the fault of anyone": Snell v. Farrell, [ 1990 CanLII 70 (SCC), [1990] 2 S.C.R. 311] at p. 327, per Sopinka J.

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