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Simple English definitions for legal terms
fortuitous event
Read a random definition: in nullius bonis
A quick definition of fortuitous event:
A fortuitous event is something that happens by chance or accident, and the people involved could not have predicted it. It is an event that depends on luck, and the parties involved did not know it would happen. In Louisiana law, it refers to an event that could not have been foreseen when a contract was made. It is also known as cas fortuit and is related to the force majeure and unavoidable-accident doctrine.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A fortuitous event is an occurrence that happens by chance or accident, which the parties involved could not have reasonably predicted or foreseen. It is an event that depends on chance and is not within the control of the contracting parties.
For example, if a company signs a contract to deliver goods to a customer, but a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake occurs, preventing the company from fulfilling the contract, this would be considered a fortuitous event. The company could not have predicted or prevented the natural disaster, and therefore, they are not liable for breach of contract.
In Louisiana law, a fortuitous event is an event that could not have been reasonably foreseen at the time the contract was made. This means that if an unforeseeable event occurs that prevents a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations, they may be excused from liability.
Overall, a fortuitous event is an unexpected occurrence that is beyond the control of the parties involved and could not have been reasonably predicted or prevented.