La responsabilidad civil por daños en la propiedad es probablemente una frase que ya has escuchado; ¡si eres dueño o inquilino de una casa, lugar de negocio u otra propiedad, te aplica! La responsabilidad civil por daños en la propiedad tiene que ver con quién es “responsable” de las lesiones sufridas en una “propiedad” determinada. Típicamente, el dueño de la propiedad es principalmente responsable de cualquier lesión que ocurra en su propiedad, pero los inquilinos y ocupantes, por ejemplo, también pueden ser nombrados en una demanda o pleito. Entonces, por ejemplo, si alguien está visitando a un amigo en su apartamento, y tropieza con una tubería que sobresale de la pared y se lesiona, el asunto de la responsabilidad civil por daños en la propiedad se vuelve más complicado de lo que uno podría pensar.
En el caso del ejemplo mencionado anteriormente, la persona lesionada puede presentar una demanda contra el dueño de la propiedad, la compañía arrendadora del apartamento (si es diferente del dueño de la propiedad) y el ocupante del apartamento (el amigo de la persona lesionada que alquila el apartamento). Todos hemos escuchado sobre el caso de un ladrón que entra a una casa, se cae sobre un cuchillo, y demanda al dueño de la casa por las lesiones que sufrió mientras robaba la casa. El caso frecuentemente se referencia como sustentación de la falta de ética asociada con algunos tipos dederecho de lesiones personales. However, this “case” was simply a line delivered in a Jim Carrey movie form 1997, Liar Liar, in which he plays a sleazy (and lying) lawyer (before eventually coming to his senses).
It would be absurd to think that any robber in a house can sue the homeowner for injuries they incur while performing an illegal act. It’s hard to hold something up in court when the incident took place during a conscious, illegal act. This is why evidence that is recovered without a warrant –while it may be darn good evidence – is inadmissible in a court of law because it was obtained illegally.
So, because of this, Florida law has three separate categories or “labels” of people when they enter onto another’s home, residence or place of business: The first is that of “business invitee.” This person has been invited to the property because of business. For example, a customer in a shoe store would be characterized as a “business invitee.” The second category is that of “licensee.” A licensee enters the property as a social guest, and his presence is based on the consent of the property owner. For example, when you were a dinner guest at your Aunt Joan’s home last week, you were a “licensee.” She knew you were at the house and it was for social reasons that you were there. Now, the third, and most ominous category is that of “trespasser.” A trespasser is someone who enters onto a property without the knowledge or permission of the owner of the property. A robber is a trespasser, as is someone who might inconspicuously cut through a given property to get to work (thereby taking the quickest route possible).
In all instances, the owner of the property is responsible for some level of reasonable care over their property as to not allow injury to others. As for trespassers, as a matter of civil law, the owner of the property must not intentionally harm the person. Still, a trespasser might be able to receive compensation if they’re hurt on a property if the trespasser is a child. If an adult trespasses and climbs into a tree house and falls out of it, they probably wouldn’t be able to make a claim against the homeowner. However, if a child trespasses and goes poking around a tree house and falls, they may be able to make the claim. This is because children are notoriously curious and they are poor judges of what is dangerous and what is not.
Given that you rent or own a home, and visit other homes and places of business, it is important that you familiarize yourself with this type of information. Make sure that if you are expecting guests, you clear your floor of all sharp objects. And if you own a hardware store, make sure that all of the saws are stowed away safely and that there is no slippery residue on the floor. Protect yourself – financially and physically.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to call the Law Offices of Aronberg & Aronberg at 561-266-9191 or email us at daronberg@aronberglaw.com.
