Civil Servant Liability for Falling Object Reversed Due to Inadequate Causation Inquiry

A civil servant appealed a decision that found them liable for damages caused by an object falling from their balcony onto a pedestrian below, arguing that the lower court failed to adequately investigate the cause, particularly whether the object fell due to external force or an inherent defect. The highest court quashed the ruling, reasoning that to properly apply the legal presumption of fault for things one keeps, the lower court was obligated to examine all evidence, including the possibility of an external cause or a defect, to determine the true origin of the fall, which it failed to do before holding the appellant liable.