Sunnymilhi said:
I checked my expensive leather coat at a coat check inside a club. There was a sign posted NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS. My coat was given to another patron by the coat check person. I want them to reimburse me for my loss. How do I do this?
My response:
By suing the club and it's owner (and the coat check person, if possible) in Small Claims court. They cannot waive their own "active negligence" by relying upon a sign. Look at it this way - - what would be the purpose of handing out "claim check receipts" if they could just hand out coats, etc., indiscriminately ?
This is the way the judge will look at the situation.
Now, you need the "Claim Check", a photograph of you with the coat, and a receipt for the coat to show the judge. Remember also, you are not entitled to the replacement value or the current value of such a coat. You are only entitled to the "reasonable, fair market value" of the coat as of the date it came up missing; e.g., if the coat cost you $430.00, and it was 3 years old, it may only have a "fair market value" of $250.00.
So, get your evidence together, then go file your lawsuit against the club and owner, and subpoena the witness (the coat check person).
Good luck to you.
IAAL
