'But For' Test: Breach Of Duty

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The 'but for' test is a test used determining the liability for a 'breach of duty' it also assesses whether the loss the claimant has suffered was initially caused by the defendant.I.e 'but for' the defendant's actions, would the claimant have suffered the loss? 1
The 'but for' test observes the settlement for negligent behaviour when there is a considerable link between the sufferance/injury and the conduct of the defendant is substantial.It assures the defendant will not be responsible for the plaintiffs sufferance/injuries when in actuality are due to factors which has no connection to the defendant or anyone in that case. In the case of suing for negligence, it is essential that a plaintiff show that the defendant caused the sufferance/injury the plaintiff has suffered. Each case has a practical response as to …show more content…

An Example of the failure of the 'But For test is the Williams v Mc Williams case (1962) where the claimant widow of late husband had been killed from a steel tower building, the widow had claimed negligence against the employee for failure to provide a safety belt/harness as it was believed if the harness had been worn the accident could have been avoidable, however it was decided that regardless if the safety bely/harness would have been worn it was not the initially cause of the widows late husbands death, also it was drawn that even if a safety belt/harness was provided, it would not have been

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