Superseding Cause Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Superseding Cause.

Superseding Cause (noun)

A superseding cause refers to an unforeseen event that occurs following an original incident, which ultimately causes damage or harm. For example, if a person gets hospitalized after an accident and later dies due to an allergic reaction to a medicine not initially tested, the allergic reaction is the superseding cause. This term is usually used in law to assign responsibility for an accident or injury.