permanently destroyed
Definition
Permanently destroyed means that something, usually a document, piece of evidence, or piece of property, has been completely and irreversibly eliminated so that no one can recover or reconstruct it. Courts and contracts use this phrase to mean the item is truly gone forever, not just misplaced or temporarily unavailable.
Example
If a fire burns down your warehouse and all your paper invoices are permanently destroyed, you may need to provide alternative proof of those transactions in a legal dispute or tax audit.
Watch Out
If you destroy business records while a lawsuit is pending or even anticipated, a court can punish you severely for what is called spoliation of evidence, even if you had no bad intentions.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.