What aspect does proximate cause focus on in relation to negligence?

Proximate cause is a key concept in negligence law that refers specifically to the immediate cause of an injury that is closely linked to the negligent act. It emphasizes the relationship between the negligent behavior and the resulting harm, meaning that for a defendant to be liable, the injury must be a foreseeable result of their actions. This concept helps to establish a direct connection between the negligence and the injury that occurred, indicating that the harm was a reasonable consequence of the negligent act.

In legal terms, if the injury is not closely related to the negligent behavior (whether in time, space, or causation), it may not meet the threshold necessary to hold the negligent party accountable. This ensures that liability is fairly assigned only where there is a substantial connection between the actions and the outcome, thereby reinforcing the idea that not all consequences of an action can be attributed to negligence—only those that are closely linked.