Administrative Liability in Granollers: Legal Keys and Real Cases
The Granollers Town Hall, like any public administration, can be held liable for damages suffered by individuals as a result of the operation of municipal public services. In Granollers, the most common cases include falls due to poorly maintained sidewalks, potholes in the streets, damage caused by public works, or administrative errors such as faulty notifications or unjustified denial of municipal licenses.
Competent bodies in Granollers
Claims for administrative liability against the Granollers Town Hall must be filed before the local authority itself. If the resolution is unsatisfactory or there is no response, the matter can be brought before the Administrative Courts of the province of Barcelona, located in Granollers at Carrer de Josep Umbert, 124 (CP 08400-08402). Ultimately, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJCat) hears appeals against first-instance judgments.
Typical cases in Granollers: frequent damages
In practice, Granollers residents often claim for injuries after falls in public spaces due to raised paving stones or potholes in streets such as Passeig de la Muntanya or Plaça de la Corona. Claims are also common for vehicle damage caused by poor road conditions, or for administrative errors that result in economic loss – for example, unjustified denial of municipal aid or expropriation without proper compensation.
Legal grounds: requirements and compensation figures
Legal requirements
For a claim for administrative liability to succeed in Granollers, the following requirements must be met, according to Article 32 of Law 40/2015 and Article 67.1 of Law 39/2015:
- Effective, economically assessable, and individualized damage. Potential or hypothetical damage is not sufficient; it must be proven and quantified.
- Causal link between the damage and the normal or abnormal functioning of the municipal public service.
- The damage must not be due to force majeure or caused by the injured party.
The statute of limitations for filing a claim is one year from when the damage occurs or its harmful effect becomes apparent, as per Article 67.1 of Law 39/2015.
Objective and subjective liability
In most cases, the Administration's liability is objective: it is sufficient to prove the damage and the causal link, without needing to demonstrate fault or negligence. However, in certain cases – such as damages arising from discretionary acts or essential public services – it may be necessary to prove negligent conduct (subjective liability).
Indicative compensation amounts
Court-awarded compensation for falls in public spaces in Granollers typically ranges from €3,000 to €30,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and aftereffects. For administrative errors causing significant economic loss (e.g., wrongful fines or loss of subsidies), compensation may range from €5,000 to €50,000.
Claim procedure in Granollers
1. Mandatory prior administrative claim
The first step is to file a claim before the Granollers Town Hall, attaching all supporting documentation: medical reports, invoices, photographs, expert reports, etc. The Town Hall has six months to issue a decision. If this period elapses without response, the claim is considered rejected due to administrative silence (Art. 24 Law 39/2015).
2. Administrative court proceedings
If the claim is denied (expressly or by silence), a judicial appeal can be filed before the Administrative Courts of Barcelona, located in Granollers (Carrer de Josep Umbert, 124). The time limit is two months from notification of the decision or from the silent dismissal.
3. Expert evidence and consultative opinion
In court proceedings, expert evidence is crucial to prove the existence and amount of damage. We work with independent medical experts to provide technical support. For cases where the compensation sought exceeds €50,000, the Consultative Council of the Generalitat de Catalunya must issue a mandatory opinion (Art. 81 Law 40/2015).
Why choose our law firm in Granollers
We have extensive experience handling administrative liability claims against the Granollers Town Hall and other local public bodies. Our team has in-depth knowledge of the practice of the Administrative Courts located at Josep Umbert, 124, as well as relevant case law from the High Court of Justice of Catalonia. We offer in-person and online services in Granollers and a no-obligation initial consultation, analyzing the viability and documentation of your case. We defend your rights to obtain fair compensation according to legal standards, guiding you through each stage of the process with rigor and transparency.
