What must a plaintiff demonstrate in addition to causation to succeed in a tort claim?

To succeed in a tort claim, a plaintiff must demonstrate proof of injury or damages in addition to establishing causation. This is a fundamental requirement because tort law is designed to provide a remedy for harm caused by one party to another.

Causation connects the defendant's actions to the plaintiff's injury, showing that the defendant's conduct was a substantial factor in bringing about the harm. However, proving that harm or injury has occurred is essential because without it, there is no basis for a claim. The law seeks to address real, tangible damages, whether they be physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.

While other options may reflect relevant aspects of a tort claim—such as the relevance of evidence or identifying the accused—these do not directly pertain to the basic elements needed to establish a tort. Intent might be relevant in certain contexts, such as intentional torts, but in general, it is not a prerequisite for establishing liability in negligence claims or many other types of torts. Thus, the key component that the plaintiff must demonstrate, along with causation, is the proof of injury or damages.