What does 'direct cause' refer to in the context of negligence?

In the context of negligence, 'direct cause' refers to the relationship between a breach of duty and the resulting injury. Option B correctly identifies that a legally recognizable injury occurs as a direct result of a breach of duty, establishing a cause-and-effect link necessary for a negligence claim. When determining negligence, it is essential to show that the negligent party had a duty to act in a certain way, breached that duty, and that breach directly caused the injury or harm suffered by the victim. The legal principle relies on illustrating that the harm was not an indirect result or consequence but rather a direct outcome of the negligence displayed.

The concept of 'direct cause' emphasizes the necessity of clear and straightforward causation in legal terms—it supports the idea that without the breach of duty, the injury would not have occurred. In a negligence claim, proving this direct link is crucial for establishing liability and holding the negligent party accountable for damages.