Contractor Co. negligently installs electrical wiring in a commercial building, resulting in a fire that causes $100,000 in damages. During the ongoing fire, an independent contractor from GasCo. negligently causes a gas explosion, leading to an additional $50,000 in damages. Under the doctrine of proximate cause, is Contractor Co. liable for the $150,000 in damages?
Yes, Contractor Co. is liable for the total amount of $150,000 in damages.
No, Contractor Co. is liable for the initial $100,000 damages, and GasCo. is liable for the additional $50,000.
Contractor Co. is not liable for damages because GasCo.'s actions supersede their responsibility.
Both Contractor Co. and GasCo. are jointly liable for $150,000 in damages.
Contractor Co. is liable for the $100,000 caused by the fire resulting from their negligence. GasCo.'s independent negligent act is a superseding cause that introduces new damages of $50,000, for which GasCo. is liable. Therefore, Contractor Co.'s liability is limited to the initial $100,000.
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