DAMNUM FATALE

damnum  fatale  (dam-n<<schwa>>m  f<<schwa>>-tay-lee).  [Latin  “unavoidable  damage”]

Roman law. Damage caused by an unavoidable circumstance, such as a storm or a shipwreck, for

which bailees or others will not be held liable. • But an exception was made for damages resulting

from theft.

“The liability of innkeepers, carriers, and stable keepers, at Roman law, was provided for in

the  praetor’s  edict.  They  were  under  an  obligation  to  restore  all  goods  which  the  guests  or

passengers  had  with  them,  or  left  in  their  charge,  and  they  could  not  defend  themselves  by

showing the utmost degree of diligence. Unavoidable accident, which no human prudence would

avert  or  provide  against,  damnum  fatale,  or  overwhelming  force,  vis  maior,  were,  however,  an

adequate defense …. It was particularly noted that theft by a third person would not be permitted

as a defense and the reason assigned was the fact that travelers have scarcely any chance to protect

themselves  against  collusion  between  the  innkeeper  and  the  thief.”  Max  Radin,  Handbook  of

Roman Law 254 (1927). [Blacks Law 8th]