Skip to main content

In Puerto Rico, the law requires that all citizens refrain from causing personal or property damages to others through negligent acts of omissions. Accordingly, you may have the right to claim monetary compensation if you or a loved one have been harmed by the negligent actions or omissions of a third party. Some of the instances in which the right to claim compensation may arise include the following:

  • Medical or hospital malpractice
  • Accidents caused by defective products
  • Car accidents, boating accidents or any other accident involving a motor vehicle
  • Slips and falls
  • Burns
  • Electric shocks
  • Illegal detentions or arrests
  • Difamation

Three requirements must concur to assert a meritorious tort claim:

  • the existence of personal or property damages
  • Negligence by a third party
  • A casual nexus between the damages and the third party negligence

The first requirement —the existence of damages— may generally be proven when the claimant has suffered injuries, lacerations, bleedings, fractures, surgeries and/or burns as well as upon the wrongful death of a family member or a loved one. The same holds true for economic damages, lost income and/or property damages.

The second requirement —negligence— may be present when the third party who caused the damage knew or should have known that the underlying actions or omissions could have that effect.

Lastly, the third requirement —casual nexus— calls for evidence showing that the alleged damage was indeed caused by the third party’s negligence.

If you or a loved one have been injured and you suspect that the negligence of a third party may have been the cause, we encourage you to seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in tort litigation. Be proactive and act with all delivery speed. To claim monetary compensation in a tort suit, Puerto Rico law generally provides one year, counted from the moment the damage and its cause are known or should have been known.

Our office is available to provide a preliminary evaluation of your tort claim, free of all costs and with no commitment on your part.