unforeseen delays
Definition
Unforeseen delays are holdups in completing a project or contract that nobody could have reasonably predicted when the agreement was made. Courts and contracts recognize these as legitimate reasons why a party might not finish their work on time, as long as the delay was truly outside their control. Examples include natural disasters, sudden government shutdowns, or unexpected supply chain collapses caused by a global event.
Example
A contractor building your new storefront hits an unexpected underground water main that nobody knew existed, pushing the completion date back by three weeks. Because this qualifies as an unforeseen delay, the contractor would not owe you late penalties under most standard contracts.
Watch Out
Make sure your contracts spell out exactly what counts as an unforeseen delay, because what seems obvious to you and what a judge considers truly unforeseeable can be two very different things.
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.