Legal Definitions - unexpected

Unexpected refers to an event or circumstance that occurs without prior warning or anticipation, meaning it could not have been reasonably foreseen or predicted by those involved.

• Example 1 (Insurance Context): A homeowner's well-maintained water heater suddenly bursts, flooding their basement and causing significant damage to walls and flooring. The homeowner had no prior indication of a problem, such as leaks or unusual noises.

  Explanation: The bursting of the water heater was unexpected because it happened without any warning signs that would have allowed the homeowner to anticipate or prevent it. This unforeseen and sudden event would typically be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy, as it constitutes an accidental and unanticipated occurrence.

• Example 2 (Contract Law Context): A construction company is contracted to complete a new building by a specific date. However, an unprecedented and severe regional labor strike, which no one could have predicted, halts all construction work for several months.

  Explanation: The widespread labor strike was an unexpected event because it was an unforeseen and unavoidable circumstance that directly prevented the construction company from fulfilling its contractual obligations on time. Such an event might be considered a "force majeure" (an act of God or an unforeseeable event) under the contract, potentially excusing the company from penalties for the delay.

• Example 3 (Personal Injury/Premises Liability Context): A customer is walking through a grocery store when a display of canned goods, which appeared stable and properly stacked, unexpectedly collapses, causing items to fall and injure the customer.

  Explanation: The collapse of the display was unexpected from the customer's perspective, as there was no visible instability or warning that it was about to fall. For the store, if the collapse was due to a latent defect in the display or an unforeseeable external factor, it might also be considered unexpected, impacting the store's liability if they could not have reasonably prevented it.