last-cause test
A common law rule that has been traditionally used by courts to determine
whether a property policy covers a loss caused by a combination of covered and
uncovered or excluded causes of losses. This test applies in sequential-cause
situations, where the first event sets in motion a chain of events that causes
the second event that causes the loss. The last-cause test states that the loss
will be covered if the last cause in the chain of events is covered. This test
does not apply in concurrent-cause situations, where two or more causes of loss
happen simultaneously to produce the same injury or damage. The last-cause test
was developed in the context of ocean marine insurance and does not apply to
claims under nonmarine policies.
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