In a significant ruling, the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals has decided that a key witness can testify in a negligence case involving Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Telephone Company (Claro). This decision, made on May 20, 2026, affects the ongoing litigation between Juan Gabriel Rodríguez Ramos and Raquel Escribano Robello against the two companies. The court's ruling allows the couple to present crucial evidence related to their claims of damages caused by an accident involving a vehicle and cables owned by the companies.

The case began when Rodríguez Ramos and Escribano Robello filed a lawsuit against Liberty and Claro on November 25, 2020. The couple alleged that Rodríguez Ramos's vehicle collided with telephone or internet cables belonging to the companies while driving on PR-156 in Aguas Buenas. This incident caused the vehicle to overturn, resulting in physical injuries. They claimed that the companies were aware of the dangerous condition of the cables and failed to correct it, seeking compensation for their damages.

As the case progressed, the couple amended their complaint to include the Municipality of Aguas Buenas and MAPFRE PRAICO Insurance Company as co-defendants. However, they later voluntarily dismissed their claims against these parties and Liberty. On May 1, 2023, Claro requested a partial summary judgment, arguing that the couple lacked evidence to prove negligence and that the accident was attributable to Rodríguez Ramos. Claro claimed that a key witness, Jorge Huertas Reyes, who worked for Liberty, had previously observed the area and found no cables obstructing the road.

On June 16, 2023, the trial court denied Claro's request for summary judgment, concluding that there were factual disputes that needed to be resolved at trial. The court identified key issues, such as whether the cables were on the ground before the accident and whether they were properly maintained. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for December 16, 2025, during which the couple announced Huertas Reyes as a witness who would testify about the incident.

However, Claro objected to Huertas Reyes's testimony, arguing that he had not been announced as an expert witness during the discovery phase and that his testimony would not be relevant. The trial court agreed and issued an order excluding Huertas Reyes from testifying. This prompted Rodríguez Ramos and Escribano Robello to file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that Huertas Reyes had been announced as a witness early in the case and that his testimony was crucial.

On April 8, 2026, the trial court denied their request for reconsideration. Unhappy with this decision, the couple sought a certiorari review from the Court of Appeals. They contended that the trial court erred in excluding Huertas Reyes's testimony, asserting that it would not cause undue prejudice to Claro since the company had been aware of the witness's identity and had participated in his deposition.

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Marrero Guerrero, reviewed the case and found merit in the couple's arguments. The court noted that Huertas Reyes had been announced as a witness in the case management report and had provided a notification of the incident, which included relevant observations about the cables involved in the accident. The court stated, "The proposed testimony is not surprising, particularly since it stems from the deposition." The court further emphasized that Claro had not demonstrated that allowing Huertas Reyes to testify would cause undue prejudice.

As a result, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Rodríguez Ramos and Escribano Robello, allowing Huertas Reyes to testify. The court stated, "The appropriate remedy was not to exclude the proposed testimony outright but to allow it, subject to determinations of admissibility, credibility, and probative value." The case was sent back to the trial court for further proceedings.

This ruling is significant as it allows the couple to present crucial evidence that could impact the outcome of their negligence claims against Liberty and Claro. The decision underscores the importance of witness testimony in personal injury cases and highlights the court's commitment to ensuring that relevant evidence is heard in court.

Moving forward, the couple can now prepare for trial with Huertas Reyes's testimony as part of their case. This ruling may also influence similar cases where witness testimony is contested. The court's decision reinforces the notion that parties must adequately disclose witnesses and evidence during the discovery phase to avoid surprises at trial.

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether the ruling can be appealed further. The Court of Appeals has made its decision, and the case will now proceed in the trial court.