In a case involving multiple defendants, what must each defendant prove to avoid liability for an injury?

The requirement that each defendant must establish which defendant caused the injury is rooted in the principles of causation in tort law. When multiple defendants are involved in a case, the plaintiff typically has the burden of proving that the defendant's actions were a proximate cause of their injuries. However, in the context of multiple tortfeasors, each defendant could argue that they did not cause the harm, meaning they must provide evidence to support their claim. By pinpointing the specific actions or negligence of each defendant, a proper allocation of liability can be made, ensuring that only those defendants who actually contributed to the injury are held responsible.

This option aligns with the doctrine of joint and several liabilities, where if multiple parties are potentially liable, establishing causation becomes crucial. Tort law often evaluates the extent to which each defendant's actions contributed to the plaintiff's injury, thereby creating a need for defendants to clarify their role in the event.

The focus on causation allows the court to differentiate between the actions of various defendants and helps ensure fairness in assigning liability based on actual involvement in the harmful event. Understanding this aspect is vital for participants in tort cases, as it ensures they recognize their responsibilities when multiple parties are implicated.