The Kelderluik Case
The Kelderluik case is a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1968 that addresses liability for defects in buildings. A passerby fell through an open cellar hatch and suffered serious injuries. The Supreme Court held the owner liable under strict liability, without requiring proof of fault. This ruling is essential for personal injury claims in Delft, such as tripping on historic sidewalks or stairs in old buildings.
What is the Kelderluik Case?
The Kelderluik case, Supreme Court 5 November 1968 (NJ 1969/10), involved a 14-year-old boy in Amsterdam who fell through an open cellar hatch. The shopkeeper had opened the hatch for deliveries without barriers or warnings. The boy claimed personal injury damages; the Supreme Court ruled that the hatch constituted a defect in the building's setup, creating an abnormal risk to passersby.
This case established strict liability for defective buildings. The focus is on objective risk rather than fault, simplifying claims for victims in Delft from slips or falls. Consider uneven sidewalks in the city center or loose grates near the Markt. It ties into broader topics like slipping and falling.
Core principle: a building is defective if it fails to meet expected standards, leading to damage. This includes stairs, railings, and sidewalks in Delft's historic monuments.
Legal Basis
The ruling is codified in the Civil Code, Book 6, Title 3, Section 5: Article 6:174 BW. "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 is required.
Article 6:175 BW defines a defect as a deviation from reasonable expectations during normal use. Examples: open hatches without signs, slippery floors, or unstable railings. The possessor (owner/tenant) is responsible, except in cases of force majeure or victim's own fault (art. 6:101 BW).
Often combined with Article 6:162 BW (tort) in negligence cases. Rulings like the Schilder case (Supreme Court 1994) expanded on it, but the Kelderluik case remains leading for real estate in Delft.
Practical Examples
This case is relevant in Delft personal injury matters. Suppose you trip over a broken manhole cover on the Oude Delft. The Municipality of Delft, as possessor, is liable under Article 6:174 BW. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering without proving negligence.
In an apartment building on Rotterdamseweg, a resident slips on a wet stair without anti-slip measures. The owners' association (VvE) failed in maintenance; courts assess against NEN standards (NEN 3215). In a 2023 District Court of The Hague ruling, a victim received €28,000 after a fall due to a defective railing at Bagijnhof.
Delft business owners: secure cellar hatches during deliveries with barriers and signs, or face liability as in the case.
Rights and Obligations
Victims in Delft are entitled to full compensation:
- Medical costs: hospital and therapy.
- Lost income: missed wages.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000–€50,000 for distress.
- Other: assistance or travel expenses.
Possessors must maintain and repair (art. 6:174(2) BW). Limitation period: 5 years (art. 3:310 BW). Report to police, take photos. Consult the Delft Legal Aid Office for free advice.
Comparison with Other Liability Grounds
| Type of Liability | Basis | Proof Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability (Kelderluik) | Art. 6:174 BW | Defect in building | Fall through open hatch in Delft |
| Tort | Art. 6:162 BW | Fault/negligence | No warning on stairs |
| Road Traffic Liability | Art. 185 WVW | Vehicle defect | Bike fall due to sidewalk hole |
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.