Understanding Force Majeure: What Does It Mean?

Explore the concept of force majeure and its role in contract law. Learn about the events it covers and legal protections.

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The term 'force majeure' literally means 'superior force' in French. It is used in contracts to refer to unforeseeable events that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract. These events can include natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, or human actions such as strikes and wars. Including a force majeure clause in contracts helps protect parties from liability in the face of extraordinary and uncontrollable events.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are common examples of force majeure? Common examples include natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, as well as human actions like strikes and wars.
  2. How does a force majeure clause protect parties? A force majeure clause protects parties from liability if they're unable to fulfill contract obligations due to extraordinary and uncontrollable events.
  3. Can pandemics be considered force majeure? Yes, some contracts include pandemics as a force majeure event, depending on the specific language used in the contract.
  4. What should be included in a force majeure clause? A force majeure clause should outline specific events that qualify and the responsibilities of parties if such events occur.