An event that prevents a loss being attributable to another event by breaking the chain of causation. Compare proximate cause.
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A possible defense against negligence. Negligence may be avoided or reduced if it can be shown that an intervening cause broke the uninterrupted chain of events required to establish a proximate cause.
Insurance Encyclopedia
Intervening cause (Legal Terminology)
Used as a defense against charges of negligence. An intervening cause interrupts the chain of events that must be established to have a proximate cause.
Intervening cause (novus actus interveniens)
New cause that intervenes into a sequence of events that is not the reasonable, natural or probable consequence of the preceding cause. It breaks the chain of causation. Even if the chain started with an insured peril there will be no liability for losses occurring after the occurrence of the intervening cause which changes the outcome and destroys the cause and effect relationship between the insured peril and the loss. See PROXIMATE CAUSE.
intervention strategy
Policy created to prevent harming of a patient or to improve the mental, emotional, or physical function of a patient. For example, a physiological process may be monitored or enhanced or a pathological process may be arrested or controlled.
Intestate
Leaving no will at death.
Intimidation
The use of undue pressure or force to obtain what may appear to be consent. A contract procured by intimidation or force is void.
Intoxicants and narcotics provision (Health Insurance)
A provision that states the policy is not liable for losses that occur as a result of the policyholder being intoxicated or taking a narcotic without a physician’s supervision and recommendation.
Intoxication
Diagnostic coding term that relates to an adverse effect rather than a poisoning when drugs such as digitalis, steroid agents, and so on are involved.
Intraagency agreement
Written contract in which a federal agency agrees to provide to, purchase from, or exchange with another federal agency, services (including data), supplies, or equipment. Intraagency agreements are between at least two or more agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Intragovernmental assets, liabilities
Assets or liabilities that arise from transactions among federal entities.