Opinion ID: 545485
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: dismissal of premature claim

Text: 30 Appellants finally argue that one of the plaintiff's 3 claims should have been dismissed because it was premature. It contends that the Workmen' Accident Compensation Act mandates dismissal 4 when there is a State Insurance Fund claim awaiting final adjudication. After careful research of the applicable law, we find that the district court properly declined to dismiss the action. In Alvarado v. Calaino Romero, 104 P.R.R. 178, 186 (1975), the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico stated that 31 [w]ith regard to the workman's action, there is dicta to the effect that if it is brought prematurely it is null and void. Negron v. Industrial Comm'n, 76 P.R.R. 282 (1954). If we were to turn such construction into a final doctrine, however, we would not be fully complying with the purpose of the legislation under our consideration. The declaration of nullity would unduly protect the third party, when what is inferred from our statute is the desire to protect the Fund's right to subrogation. We consider that to decide that the complaints filed prematurely are voidable, instead of void is more consistent with the law. Only the Fund may, of course, demand its annulment through the filing in due time of its action of subrogation and the corresponding prayer for declaration of nullity. 32 Alvarado disposes of the instant situation. See also De Jesus v. Guerra Guerra, 105 P.R.R. 282 (1976). As such, we uphold the district court's decision because it is clear that the purpose of the statute at issue is to protect the State Insurance Fund's exclusive right of subrogation and not that of a third party. Appellants do not have standing to contest the action's ripeness. 33 For the reasons stated herein, the decision of the district court is 34 Affirmed. Costs are granted to appellees.