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.