Legal Definitions - novus actus interveniens

Definition: Novus actus interveniens refers to an intervening cause that comes between the initial event and the end result, thereby altering the natural course of events that might have connected a wrongful act to an injury. It is an event that produces an effect or result that was not directly caused by the original act or omission.

Example: A person is driving recklessly and hits another car, causing injuries to the driver. However, while the injured driver is being transported to the hospital, the ambulance driver gets into an accident, causing further injuries. The accident caused by the ambulance driver is a novus actus interveniens because it was an intervening cause that altered the natural course of events that might have connected the reckless driving to the injuries.

This example illustrates how an intervening cause can affect the outcome of a situation and potentially change who is held responsible for the resulting harm.