Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

So my window fell off its hinges and broke a guys windshiled who was illigally parked below my building.

 

He wants 200,000 won for the windshield and is threatening to go to the police if I don't pay.  The problem is, I didn't push the window out.  I didn't even open the window, its falling was unbenounced to me until I saw my cat sticking its head through the window.

 

I am on a V2 visa and am a foreign teacher here for EPIK.  My question is what sort of ramifications do I face (ie do they not renew my visa?) if he does go to the police, and what on earth would they charge me with?

Thank you,

 

Anthony

Re: Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

Hi,

The police here tend to take the easy way out, compromise! They like to get a peaceful agreement and put the paperwork to bed. I wouldn't worry.

Isn't the building owner partially negligent if the window was substandard?

Did you take pics of the car illegally parked?

Were there high winds at the time, making it an act of God?

The police will provide an interpreter for you free of charge, but best also to take along a Korean friend.

 

Good luck, I wouldn't worry.

Let us know how  it works out.

Re: Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

I don't know the law in this kind of situation but the obvious thing occurs to me that if you can prove you were outside the apartment and therefore couldn't possibly have pushed it then the blame lies with the upkeep of the building and the building owner. He would have a hard time proving any wrong doing especially if parking is illegal underneath your window. I think he is just trying to scare you.

 

For real advice and not just a strangers opinion I heard you can go to city hall and talk to the foreign language center. They aren't lawyers but they can help you find out your rights.

Re: Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

I wouldn't pay. Don't be afraid. I think in cases like this, many Korean's don't know what to do either.They often blame each other in hopes that the other party will fold and pay. Tell the landlord and let him/her deal with it. I think even if you can't work the "what's more likely, that I pushed the window because I wanted to possibly hurt someone I don't know OR that the window is old and shitty?" angle, try the illegal parking angle. Also, inform your director at school just in case. Again, I have no legal knowledge about this siduation, just been in hairy little siduations like this before. I seriously doubt your visa is in jeopardy as long as you keep your cool, record everything, be proactive about informing authorities, and cooperate with them. 

Re: Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

   If you are not the owner of the apartment and or  did not throw the window out , I do not see how you are responsible ,  Seems it was bad upkeep by the landlord , However its just my opinion and  you could call the a service center for non koreans    

Re: Foreigner looking for a little legal advice

Submitted by on

Parked illigally? In Korea? Is there such a thing? I see cars parked illigally all the time! But since this car was damaged when it shouldn't have been parked there, that might be your way out, if it's your problem at all. Any response to all this advise?