Liviu-Lee Roth Nov 23, 2013:

fortuitous event fortuitous event17:27 Nov 22 Click here to delete your post Click here to edit your post

In civil law. That which happens by a cause which cannot be resisted. Code La. art. 2522, No. 7. That which neither of the parties has occasioned or could prevent. Lois des Bat. pt. 2, c. 2. An unforeseen event which cannot be prevented. Diet, de Jur. “Cas Fortuit.” There is a difference between a fortuitous event, or inevitable accident, and irresistible force. By the former, commonly called the “act of God,” is meant any accident produced by physical causes which are irresistible; such as a loss by lightning or storms, by the perils of the seas, by inundations and earthquakes, or by sudden death or illness. By the latter is meant such an interposition of human agency as is, from its nature and power, absolutely uncontrollable.