Background Of The Case

Rylands v Fletcher: A Landmark Tort Case in English Law

Background of the Case

Rylands v Fletcher (1868 LR 3 HL 330) is a seminal English tort law case that introduced the concept of strict liability for non-natural uses of land.

Facts of the Case

In the case, the plaintiff, Rylands, owned a coal mine. The defendant, Fletcher, employed independent contractors to build a reservoir on his land to supply water to his mill.

Unfortunately, during construction, the contractors unknowingly built the reservoir over old mine shafts. When the reservoir was filled with water, it burst through the shafts, flooding Rylands' mine and causing significant damage.

Legal Issues

The key legal issue in the case was whether Fletcher was liable for the damage caused by the flooding.

Court's Decision

The House of Lords held Fletcher strictly liable for the damage. The court established a new principle known as the "Rylands v Fletcher principle," which states that:

• Anyone who brings or keeps something onto their land that is likely to cause damage if it escapes is liable for the damage it causes, even if they were not negligent.
• This principle applies to non-natural uses of land, such as storing dangerous substances or engaging in hazardous activities.

Significance of the Case

Rylands v Fletcher is a landmark case that has had a profound impact on English tort law.

• It established the principle of strict liability for non-natural uses of land.
• It has been cited as authority in numerous subsequent cases involving environmental damage, industrial accidents, and other situations where hazardous activities have caused harm.
• It remains a fundamental principle in tort law today, helping to protect individuals and businesses from the unintended consequences of non-natural land uses.