Squatter Sues Homeowner After Breaking His Back

A young man who broke into a French apartment complex and was left paralysed after diving into the swimming pool is now suing the property owner for damages.

The incident occurred in 2022 when the man, then 18 years old, and a group of friends were "pool squatting" at a private residential block in Toulouse. During their unauthorised swim, a tragic accident took place when the young man attempted a dive, severely injuring his back and resulting in paralysis from the neck down.

Pool squatting, which involves illegally accessing private pools, has become increasingly popular in southern France during hot summers.

One witness, known only as Anthony and cited by the local newspaper La Dépêche, recalled the young man and his friends "jumping around like idiots" before the accident occurred. "We told them they were going to get hurt, and it happened," Anthony said.

Two years after the life-altering accident, the injured squatter initiated legal action against Crédit Agricole Immobilier, the management company of the apartment complex, accusing them of negligence. Last month, he formally began the process of suing the company.

"The situation is tragic," said Alexandra, one of the property's co-owners, during an interview with BFM TV. "However, it's not our fault." Alexandra explained that the owners had repeatedly told the young trespassers to leave the property and noted that a sign at the pool entrance clearly displayed the pool depths—3.5 feet at the shallow end and 7 feet at the deep end. "We feel deeply sorry for this young man who injured himself and shattered his life at just 18 years old, but he knew the risks and had no right to be there," Alexandra told La Dépêche.

PM Law 

Sheffield Solicitors