Legal Definitions - fortuitous event

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.