Reviewed case brief

Barnett v. Chelsea and Kensington Hospital Management Committee

[1969] 1 QB 428

[1969] 1 QB 428 · Queen's Bench Division (England)

negligencecausationbut-for-test
Court
Queen's Bench Division (England)
Year
1969
Subjects
Law of Torts
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

The but-for test requires proof that the harm would not have occurred but for the defendant's breach; where the harm was inevitable regardless, factual causation is not established.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1969] 1 QB 428

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.