What is the "but for" test in determining liability for negligent conduct?

Alberta, Canada


The following excerpt is from Horizon Resource Management Ltd. v. Blaze Energy Ltd., 2011 ABQB 658 (CanLII):

The “but for” test recognizes that compensation for negligent conduct should only be made “where a substantial connection between the injury and the defendant’s conduct” is present. It ensures that a defendant will not be held liable for the plaintiff’s injuries where they “may very well be due to factors unconnected to the defendant and not the fault of anyone”: Snell v. Farrell, at p. 327, per Sopinka J. D. Analysis 1. Failure or refusal to employ or to ensure properly qualified individuals at the Wellsite resulting in shut-down

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