He falls into a swimming pool he is squatting in Toulouse and becomes quadriplegic: the man files a complaint against the owners

Une piscine à Marseille. (illustration) MAXPPP – Gérard Houin

Un jeune homme devenu tétraplégique après une baignade illégale dans une piscine toulousaine porte plainte contre les copropriétaires pour négligence. L’affaire relève actuellement des questions sur la responsabilité des propriétaires face aux squatteurs.

In 2022, an 18-year-old took a bold step by illegally entering a Toulouse residence to enjoy the swimming pool. Unfortunately, his dive resulted in a dramatic fall, leaving him a quadriplegic. Today, he is suing the co-owners for negligence, accusing them of not having adequately secured their pool, reports BFMTV.

The co-ownership responds

The owners defend themselves by claiming to have done everything in their power to prevent intruders. Alexandra, one of the residents, says she took the lead in warning the young people and ensures that clear signs indicate the depths of the pool. According to her, despite the seriousness of the situation, the responsibility for the accident does not lie with them.

And from a legal point of view ?

This case raises a debate on the responsibility of owners towards squatters. Me Fabien Gaillard, a lawyer specializing in real estate law, explains to our colleagues that even in the event of illegal occupation, “owners must be liable for damages caused to their property”, in accordance with Article 1244 of the Civil Code.

Co-owners will therefore have to prove that they have kept their swimming pool in good condition or that the maintenance conditions were respected to avoid having to pay damages.