Q&A: Damage
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Damage
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I was walking down the street holding a cup of coffee, collided with a woman, and the coffee spilled on her. According to her, since the stains cannot be removed, I have to pay the price she paid for the coat (20,000 NIS; the price was verified).
Am I obligated to pay her?
Thank you,
Yisrael
Answer
It depends on who was at fault in the collision. If neither of you did anything unusual and you simply did not see each other, you are exempt. See Choshen Mishpat, section 379, paragraphs 1–3.