Casualty Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Casualty, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Casualty?

History and Meaning of Casualty

Casualty is a legal term used to describe an event that is unexpected and results in an accident or loss of life. According to common law, "casualty" refers to any mishap, accident, or unexpected event that causes injury or damage to property, regardless of whether it was caused by negligence, intentional actions, or an act of nature. The term has a long history, dating back to ancient times when it was used to describe events that were deemed to be beyond human control.

In the legal context, the term "casualty" often appears in insurance contracts and policies, where it is used to define the types of events that are covered by the policy. For example, a casualty insurance policy may protect against losses caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters.

Examples of Casualty

1. A person injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver may be considered a casualty.
2. A building destroyed by a tornado or earthquake is a casualty of the natural disaster.
3. A soldier killed in combat is a casualty of war.
4. A homeowner who suffers a loss due to a burglary is a casualty of the crime.
5. A business that experiences a financial loss due to a sudden downturn in the market can be considered a casualty.

Legal Terms Similar to Casualty

1. Negligence - refers to the failure to exercise a reasonable degree of care that results in harm or injury to another person or property.
2. Damages - refers to compensation paid to someone who has suffered harm or injury due to a legal wrong committed by another person or entity.
3. Liability - refers to the legal responsibility that a person or entity has for their actions or failure to act, which results in harm or injury to another person or property.