- The Torrevieja City Council denies a €9,000 damage claim for injuries allegedly sustained after a man jumped the fence of Doña Sinforosa Park.
- The incident occurred on June 10, 2024, with the claimant stating he was locked inside the park.
- Municipal officials rejected the claim citing clear park opening hours, lack of evidence the man was inside, and his state of intoxication.
- Police found the man outside the park fence and no prior call was made requesting assistance unlocking the park.
- Doña sinforosa is one of the few parks in Torrevieja with fixed opening hours and a perimeter fence.
Torrevieja Denies €9,000 Compensation Claim Over Injury at Doña Sinforosa Park
The Torrevieja City Council has rejected a compensation claim for €9,000 filed by a man who alleged he suffered injuries after jumping the perimeter fence of Doña Sinforosa Park. According to local council spokesperson Federico Alarcón, the incident reportedly occurred on June 10, 2024.
Background of the Incident
The claimant stated he became trapped inside Doña sinforosa Park and tried to escape by jumping over the park’s surrounding wall and fence, which is over 2.5 meters tall and topped with pointed iron bars. He alleged that during this attempt he sustained injuries and sought damages from the city.
City Council’s Grounds for Rejection
Federico alarcón explained that the local government denied the claim due to several reasons:
- Clear Park Hours: The park’s opening and closing times (9:00 AM to 9:30 PM) are well posted at the entrance and on the municipal website, making it the claimant’s duty to exit before closing.
- Lack of Evidence: Police reports indicate the man was found outside the fence, lying on the ground, and officials coudl not confirm that he had jumped from inside the park.
- State of Intoxication: The man was reportedly intoxicated at the time of police arrival, adding complexity to his claim.
- no Prior Contact: Normally, people locked in the park call the local police to open the gates. This individual did not do so, according to municipal records.
About Doña Sinforosa park
Located next to Acequión Beach, Doña Sinforosa holds the distinction of being Torrevieja’s most wooded and romantic-style park, covering nearly 8,800 square meters.It features century-old eucalyptus and pine trees, and a historic manor house on its grounds.unlike most parks in Torrevieja, it has a perimeter fence and set opening hours, similar to a few others like Parque de la estación, Parque de las Naciones, Lo Albentosa, and Parque de La Siesta.
| Park Name | Located In | Has Perimeter Fence? | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doña Sinforosa | Torrevieja (Near Acequión Beach) | Yes | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Parque de la Estación | Torrevieja | Yes | Variable |
| Parque de las Naciones | Torrevieja | Yes | Variable |
| Lo Albentosa | La Mata | Yes | Variable |
| parque de La Siesta | Torrevieja | Yes | Variable |
Understanding Claims for Municipal Liability
According to municipal procedures, citizens can request indemnities when they believe a public service has failed, causing them damage. These claims are common in Torrevieja, with many related to public road incidents such as slips, trips, or vehicle damage caused by poor pavement conditions.
Nevertheless, a considerable share of these claims are dismissed administratively due to insufficient grounds, with affected individuals able to pursue further legal action if desired – as is the case here where the claim was refused.
Final Thoughts
The rejection of this claim highlights the importance of respecting public park regulations and the procedures to follow in case of unexpected situations, such as being locked inside. Calling local authorities remains the safest and most recommended course of action.
Torrevieja’s municipal authorities continue to enforce rules to preserve public spaces and ensure safety while balancing the responsibilities of the city and its residents.
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