Nancy P. Quinn for plaintiff-appellants. We disagree and affirm. The purpose of a motion for a directed verdict is to test the legal sufficiency of the evidence. 99 N.C. App. When evidence raises a mere conjecture, surmise, and speculation as to causation, it is insufficient to present a question of causation to the jury.
Causation is the common element at issue in each claim asserted here by the plaintiffs.
In order to establish an actionable claim for negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant's breach of duty proximately caused the plaintiff's injury. To sustain an action for nuisance, the plaintiff must show that the defendant's actions caused him substantial damage. Furthermore, an action for trespass to real property requires plaintiff show that defendant's unauthorized entry onto plaintiff's property caused damage to plaintiff's property. 110 N.C. App. 118 N.C. App.