QUESTION
Can I sue a bus company for not checking the bus thoroughly for lost item?
Asked on Apr 24th, 2014 on Litigation - North Carolina
More details to this question:
Sorry, I didn't know what category this goes in. I made a mistake and left my $2000 laptop on the bus in a huge duffel with other items, it slid under the seat while I was riding. I realized it immediately and called the sheriff. The sheriff identified the bus and called them to stop the bus and check for my item before allowing anyone to exit the bus. There is surveillance video of the bus driver walking the aisle but not identifying my reported item. Shortly after, the bus reached the terminal and a young man can be seen grabbing my item and running off the bus with it. I realize I made an error by leaving the item, but do I have any grounds to sue the bus company for the value of my lost item? I feel like the instruction to search the bus was not taken seriously after I took immediate action.
9 ANSWERS
Edwin K. Niles
The bus driver may not have had a duty to inspect, but once he undertook to do so, he should have done it properly. Yes, you may have a claim. Please note: If this is a City bus, you must comply with the claim-filing statute, generally 6 months.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Divorce & Separation Attorney serving Jacksonville, NC
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The Houser Law Firm, P.C.
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No. You are responsible for your stuff. You screwed up and now some thieving jerk has a free laptop - welcome to the real world of life sucking really bad at times. People who think other people are responsible for their screw ups are why we have to endure stupid signs everywhere that say things like 'we aren't responsible for your lost crap', 'don't stick your hand in the blender' and my personal favorite 'coffee is served hot'. If the thieving jerk is ever identified or caught you do likely have a criminal and civil case against him.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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I don't think so. It was your negligence that caused the loss.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
You were the negligent party. If at best, the parties have contributory negligence and the party with the highest negligence will be the paying party. That likely would be you.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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I don't see a cause of action here. Your mistake was an unfortunate (and very expensive) one, but it was your mistake, not theirs.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
James Edward Smith
Not really. Your negligent here more than anyone else.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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In my estimation, the bus company acted reasonably. But, find out what the jurisdictional limit of small claims is in your locality. If it is more than $2,000 you can file a claim and see what happens.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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No case here. why should the bus co search THEIR BUS FOR SOME MISTAKE YOU MADE?what makes you think you can force people to do your bidding? A lot of folks seem to think this way now. if things don't go their way they want to sue, they want to force people to do their bidding. Funny attitudes.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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No... you have no cause of action against the bus company or the driver. There is no duty of care owed to you by either company or driver. They are not responsible for the lost computer.
Answered on Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:39 PM