Superheroes & Property Damage

[jacon]

do superheroes worry about the property damage they cause when fighting baddies in populated areas?

i was watching some clips on youtube of JLA or JLU and superman's punching dudes through buildings and cars. he even threw someone down on top of an office building which then collapsed and was obviously full of people because all the lights were still on in the windows. some other cartoon (maybe ben10) i was watching had the hero knock down a bridge that led to a hospital so the baddies couldn't get there and wreck up the place... to me it also meant new patients couldn't get there either.

i dunno, i know it makes for more exciting actions to see the hero throw a baddie through a building and all that. but it just gets to me how everything turns out okay.

i only mentioned a few clips from a couple cartoons that i don't normally watch on a regular basis. does anything like this happen in the comics you read or in any other kinds of shows you watch?

[Ugga Bugga]

If the superhero is inflicting intentional damage, they would clearly be liable for the damage personally.

If they are not inflicting the damage intentionally, their personal liability would need to be framed in negligence. If the damage were to occur in the province of Ontario, the standard would be that the hero has a duty to take "reasonable" steps to prevent "foreseeable harm"

I imagine the standard would be the same in most, if not all common law jurisdictions.

Then, if the heroes fall under the purview of law enforcement, there may be specific legislation and regulations governing their conduct, and the specific responsibilities of the hero, and the standard which they must uphold.

I would think that hero insurance would be massively expensive, because of all of the potential claims that could be brought against them, but it would be a necessity. If they could not get insurance, there would need to be some sort of fund to pay out legitimate claims.

The liability may also extend to organizations that are funding the heroes, if they are legal entities, such as corporations.

[lakcoo2u]

I think superheroes are suppose to be aware of their surrounding when fighting to prevent as little damage as possible. Or at least have it in consideration. But as far as Marvel goes, I think the government has a task force for that type of stuff...Damage Control. I think supposedly they fix things very fast, just like nothing ever happened to damged buildings n such.

[jacon]

ugga's comment reminded me about the incredibles. can't believe i forgot about that.

[acosby]

I highly recommend reading damage control.
They are pretty damn funny. I particularly like when punisher comes in and shoots up the offices after getting a bill for damages.

I think I got all mine out of 25 cent bins. well worth the investment.

[Wild&Uncouth]

They have bigger things to worry about.
Like clones...