triggering event theory

One of the three theories typically used to determine the number of "occurrences" under an occurrence-based liability policy that looks to the triggering event that caused liability. Under this theory, the specific event that triggers the liability is considered the occurrence, such as an individual claimant's exposure to a hazardous substance. This test often results in multiple occurrences, as a scenario where multiple people are exposed to asbestos will lead to multiple occurrences. The other two tests typically used to determine the number of occurrences are the cause and the effect theories.