Which case set a precedent for a liability defense based on unforeseeable natural events in Rylands v Fletcher claims?

The case that set a precedent for a liability defense based on unforeseeable natural events in Rylands v Fletcher claims is Dunn v Birmingham Canal. In this case, the court recognized that certain natural occurrences could absolve defendants from liability under the principles established in Rylands v Fletcher. The key idea is that if a defendant can demonstrate that the damage was caused by an unforeseen natural event, rather than by their own actions or failure to act reasonably, they may not be held liable. This principle emphasizes the distinction between liability for man-made activities and the role of uncontrollable natural forces in contributing to damages.

Understanding this precedent is essential for grasping how courts apply the Rylands v Fletcher rule, particularly in contexts where an event could not have been anticipated or managed by the defendant. Other options do not share this specific focus on unforeseeable natural events in relation to the case's principles and are less relevant for establishing that defense.