The Kelderluik Ruling
The Kelderluik ruling is a landmark Supreme Court decision from 1968 that sets rules for liability in cases of defectively designed buildings. A passerby tripped through an open cellar hatch and suffered serious injuries. The Supreme Court held the owner liable under strict liability for defective buildings, without proof of fault. This forms the basis for personal injury claims in Rijswijk involving trips or falls, and is essential for local victims seeking to recover damages from owners or the Municipality of Rijswijk.
What is the Kelderluik Ruling?
The Kelderluik ruling, formally the Supreme Court judgment of November 5, 1968 (NJ 1969/10), concerns an accident in Amsterdam where a 14-year-old boy fell through an open cellar hatch. The shopkeeper had opened the hatch for deliveries without properly securing or marking it. The boy suffered a broken leg and claimed compensation. The Supreme Court ruled that the owner was liable due to a defect in the building setup that created an unnecessary risk for passersby.
This ruling established strict liability for defective buildings. It focuses not on fault (as in tort liability), but on the danger posed by the defect itself. Victims in Rijswijk can thus more easily claim compensation for accidents involving trips and falls. It fits perfectly with local issues such as slips and falls on poorly maintained paths in neighborhoods like Innen or Steenvoorde.
Essence: a building or part thereof is defective if it lacks expected qualities, resulting in damage. This covers not only hatches, but also stairs, railings, or sidewalks in Rijswijk apartments and streets.
Legal Basis
The Kelderluik ruling is codified in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 6, Title 3, Section 5, particularly Article 6:174 DCC: "The keeper of a building or other structure is liable for damage to third parties caused by a defect therein." This stems directly from the ruling and constitutes strict liability for defective buildings: 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 markings, slippery entrances, or loose railings. The keeper (owner or tenant) bears responsibility, except in cases of force majeure or the victim's own fault (art. 6:101 DCC). In Rijswijk, such cases can be brought before the Rijswijk District Court.
Often linked to Article 6:162 DCC (tort) in negligence cases, but the Kelderluik ruling applies a more objective test. Rulings like the Schilder ruling (Supreme Court 1994) expanded it, though it primarily applies to real property.
Practical Examples
The Kelderluik ruling features daily in Rijswijk personal injury cases. Suppose you trip on a broken manhole cover on the Prinses Beatrixlaan sidewalk. The Municipality of Rijswijk, as keeper, is liable under art. 6:174 DCC due to the defect. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, without proving negligence.
Or: a resident in a Rijswijk apartment slips on a wet stair without grip. If the owners' association fails to act, the ruling applies. Courts assess against NEN standards (e.g., NEN 3215). In a 2023 case at the Rijswijk District Court, a victim received €28,000 after falling over a faulty balcony railing.
For Rijswijk business owners: secure a cellar hatch during deliveries with barriers and signs, or face liability as in the ruling.
Rights and Obligations
As a victim in Rijswijk of a defect-related fall, you are entitled to full compensation, such as:
- Medical costs: bills and therapy.
- Lost income: wages during absence.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000-€50,000 for non-material damage.
- Other costs: household help or travel expenses.
The keeper must maintain and repair. Under art. 6:174(2) DCC, they can prove innocence, e.g., due to others' fault. Limitation period: 5 years (art. 3:310 DCC) from knowledge of defect and damage. Report to police, take photos, and consult the Rijswijk 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 Rijswijk |
| Tort | Art. 6:162 DCC | Fault/negligence | Fall due to unmowed sidewalk |
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.