Civil Liability: Commentary on the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Section III, Order No. 11060 of 2024

Judgment No. 11060 of 2024 by the Court of Cassation addresses a crucial issue in civil liability law: the custody of things and the consequences arising from road accidents. In particular, it discusses the liability of the Metropolitan City of Messina for an incident that occurred in 2012, caused by an unmarked stormwater collection grate. This case raises fundamental questions regarding the burden of proof and the responsibility of public entities.

The Judicial Case and Its Implications

The appellant, A.A., was involved in an accident while riding his motorcycle on provincial road No. 93, claiming that the stormwater collection grate was positioned dangerously and inadequately marked. The judgment of the Court of Appeal of Messina condemned the Metropolitan City to compensate him, confirming the entity's liability under Article 2051 of the Civil Code, which provides for liability for damages caused by things in custody.

In matters of liability for things in custody, the injured party must prove the causal link between the thing and the damage, while the custodian must demonstrate that they took all necessary measures to avoid the danger.

The Legal Principles Underlying the Decision

The Court of Cassation reiterated some fundamental principles regarding liability for things in custody, in particular:

  • Liability applies to public property as well, such as public roads.
  • The injured party must demonstrate the causal link between the thing and the damage suffered.
  • The custodian has the burden of proving that they took all necessary measures to prevent the damage.

In this case, the Court emphasized that the entity did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that it had ensured the safety of the road, nor that it had positioned the grate in accordance with prevailing regulations. Therefore, the compensation order was upheld.

Final Considerations

Judgment No. 11060 of 2024 represents an important reminder of the responsibility of public entities in managing road safety. It highlights the importance of ensuring that infrastructures comply with safety standards, particularly to avoid harm to third parties. The decision provides further confirmation of the necessity for careful oversight by public entities, which are required to demonstrate their diligence in preventing dangerous situations.

Bianucci Law Firm