damnum fatale

damnum fatale

see ACT OF GOD.

DAMNUM FATALE, civil law. Damages caused by a fortuitous event, or inevitable accident; damages arising from the act of God. Among these were included losses by shipwreck, lightning, or other casualty; also losses by pirates or by vis major, by fire, robbery, and burglary; but theft was not numbered among these casualties.
     2. In general, bailees are not liable for such damages. Story, Bailm. p. 471.