But For Rule Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of But For Rule, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is But For Rule?

(n) But For Rule is mode of determining whether a defendant is responsible for any particular event, by determining whether such event would have happened but for the cause where defendant was involved.

History and Meaning of But For Rule

The But For Rule is a legal term that has its origins in the common law system. The rule is used to determine whether the actions of the defendant were the actual cause of a particular event. In other words, it is used to establish whether the defendant is liable for damages or losses suffered by the plaintiff. The But For Rule states that if the event would not have occurred "but for" the actions of the defendant, then the defendant is responsible for the damages suffered by the plaintiff.

Examples of But For Rule

  • A plaintiff sues a doctor for medical malpractice, claiming that the doctor's negligence resulted in the plaintiff's injury. The court applies the But For Rule to determine whether the doctor's actions were the cause of the injury. If the court finds that the injury would not have occurred but for the doctor's negligence, the doctor will be held liable for the damages suffered by the plaintiff.
  • In a personal injury case, the plaintiff claims that the defendant's actions caused their injury, while the defendant claims that the injury was caused by a pre-existing condition. The court will apply the But For Rule to determine whether the defendant's actions were the cause of the injury.
  • A car owner sues a car manufacturer for a faulty airbag that failed to deploy in an accident, causing the driver to suffer serious injuries. The court will use the But For Rule to determine whether the manufacturer's defective airbag was the cause of the driver's injuries.

Legal Terms Similar to But For Rule

  • Proximate Cause: This refers to the cause that is legally responsible for an injury. Proximate cause may be established through the application of the But For Rule.
  • Contributory Negligence: This is a defense to liability in which the defendant argues that the plaintiff's actions contributed to their own injuries.
  • Intervening Cause: This refers to a cause that occurs after the defendant's actions that contributes to the plaintiff's injuries. The But For Rule may be used to determine whether the defendant's actions were the primary cause of the injury.