damnum fatale

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

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.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.