The Kelderluik Case
The Kelderluik case is a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1968 that establishes liability for defective buildings. Imagine: a Westland resident trips over an open cellar hatch outside a local store in Naaldwijk and sustains serious injuries. This ruling holds the owner liable under strict liability, without proof of fault. It forms the cornerstone for personal injury claims in Westland involving trips or falls, ideal for victims seeking compensation from the Municipality of Westland or shopkeepers.
What is the Kelderluik Case?
The Kelderluik case, formally the Supreme Court judgment of 5 November 1968 (NJ 1969/10), concerns an accident where a teenager fell through an open cellar hatch. In a Westland scenario, this could occur at a shop in 's-Gravenzande where the owner opens the hatch for deliveries without barriers or warnings. The boy suffered a broken leg and claimed compensation. The Supreme Court ruled that the owner bears liability due to a defect in the building's setup, creating abnormal danger for passersby.
This ruling established strict liability for defective structures. The focus is on the risk posed by the defect, not fault as in tort claims. Victims in Westland can thus more easily claim compensation for accidents involving slippery paths or poor layouts. It fits perfectly with local issues like slipping and falling in Westland, where pedestrians are vulnerable due to heavy use of sidewalks and greenhouse paths.
Essence: a building has a defect if it fails to meet expected standards, resulting in harm. This includes cellar hatches, but also stairs, railings, or sidewalks in Westland neighborhoods.
Legal Basis
The Kelderluik case is codified in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 6, Title 3, Section 5: Article 6:174 DCC. "The possessor of a building or structure is liable for damage to third parties caused by a defect therein." This is pure strict liability: no negligence required, the defect suffices.
Article 6:175 DCC defines a defect as a deviation from reasonable expectations, suited to its purpose. Think of open hatches without signs, slippery entrances, or unstable fences. The possessor (owner or tenant) bears responsibility, except in cases of force majeure or the victim's own fault (art. 6:101 DCC). In Westland, victims turn to the Westland District Court for assessment.
Often linked to Article 6:162 DCC (tort) in negligence cases, but the Kelderluik case provides stricter objective protection. Rulings like the Schilder case (Supreme Court 1994) expanded it, yet it remains core for real estate in areas like Westland.
Practical Examples
In Westland, the Kelderluik case frequently applies in injury claims. Example: you step over a curb in Poeldijk and fall due to a faulty manhole cover. The Municipality of Westland is liable under Article 6:174 DCC. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering without proving fault.
Or: a resident in a Monster apartment slips on a wet stair without grip. If the homeowners' association fails to act, the ruling applies. Courts check NEN standards (NEN 3215 for stairs). At the Westland District Court (2023), a victim received €28,000 after a fall due to a defective balcony railing.
For Westland entrepreneurs: secure a cellar hatch during deliveries with barriers and signs, or face liability as in the ruling.
Rights and Obligations
As a victim in Westland, you can claim full compensation, including:
- Medical costs: hospital and therapy.
- Lost income: salary loss.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000–€50,000 for distress.
- Other: assistance or travel expenses.
The possessor must maintain and repair (art. 6:174(2) DCC); proof of compliance absolves them. Limitation period: 5 years (art. 3:310 DCC). Report to police, take photos, and contact the Westland Legal Aid Office for free advice.
Comparison with Other Liability Grounds
| Type of Liability | Basis | Proof Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability (Kelderluik) | Art. 6:174 DCC | Defect in setup | Fall through open hatch in Westland |
| Tort | Art. 6:162 DCC | Fault/negligence | Fall on unmopped floor |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.