The proximate cause of a loss will always be the

The proximate cause of a loss refers to the primary cause that sets in motion a chain of events leading to that loss. In insurance, the concept of proximate cause is crucial because it helps determine liability and the extent to which an insurer is responsible for a claim.

When considering proximate cause, the dominant cause is the one that most significantly contributes to the loss, even if there are other contributing factors. The dominant cause is not simply the first event that sets everything in motion or the last event in a sequence; rather, it is the critical cause that has the most substantial impact on the occurrence of the loss. This means that, in the context of insurance claims, identifying the dominant cause helps clarify the insurer’s obligation to indemnify the insured based on the terms of the policy and the nature of the loss.

In contrast, the first cause does not necessarily dictate liability, as earlier events may not directly lead to the loss. Similarly, identifying the last cause fails to account for the broader context and other influences that could have preceded it, meaning it may overlook the significant influences on the loss. Lastly, stating that it's the only cause ignores situations where multiple factors collectively contribute to a loss, thus misrepresenting the complexities involved in assessing claims.