Theft

[kennday]

I live at Southern California.

One of my friend visit me from China 3 months ago, when he check out at LAX, he was chosen to luggage checking. So he need open all his luggage and go through one by one with custom officer. When he left, he forget bring his notebook bag, inside have one notebook and $2100 cash in a envelope. He can not re-enter to get the bag, then he asked help from China Eastern Airline, which he taken from Shanghai to LAX. Two guy went into the checking point and bring back the bag, with all pocket opening, everything is inside except the cash and the envelope. It takes about 1 hour from he asked for help to he got the bag.

My friend called police. The customer officer who inspect luggage testified to police that he saw the envelope and some cash inside, and he told the guy about the cash. The two guys were brought to LA police station for inquiry, and released few hours later.

My friend returned to China. he have gotten a draft report for LA police, it says they can not find video proof to prove any of the two guy steal the money.

Above is the story, now comes my question:
1. By anyway, can he get back his money?
2. Can he sue China Eastern Airline in USA? He contact China Eastern Airline LAX office and Shanghai Headquarter both, but neither take responsibility for this. They just do not care their employee may steal money from their customer.
3. Lawyer is expensive, does it worthy to hire one to fight for this case?

Thank for your time. Any comment is warmly welcomed!

Ken

 

[SHORTY LONG]

Find out if he has any Insurance that covers him traveling? If so, look into that first.

 

[kennday]

No. The travel is not covered by insurance.

 

[seniorjudge]

It would cost him more than $2100 to come back and sue whoever he thinks has the money.

 

[SHORTY LONG]

I agree with you your Honor. It would cost more than $2100.00 to sue, and there is no guarantee that your friend would prevail!

Ken? Why after three months you are now seeking some type of relief for your friend?

Lastly, if your friend has not already, then at least have him file a claim with China Eastern Airline;
and include the Police Report. They might question the fact in why after three months he now seeks relief.

 

[kennday]

My friend hope police can find some proof, as you know, airport is a high security area, maybe they can find some video record. My friend contacted detectives several times, they say they are still investigating.
During this period, My friend contact China Eastern Airline several times, they take some excuse like wait for the police report, they even said the two guys is not their employee.

 

[kennday]

If file the claim by paper, does he must do it through a lawyer?

 

[SHORTY LONG]

No, he does not need a Lawyer to file a claim with the Airlines; however, if he does
not understand what he is doing, then he will need someone to help him. Not a
lawyer though, unless he finds one that will do it free of charge!

He must be persistent with the Airlines, that is, he contacts them and requests to file a claim etc.
He does not take NO for an answer; and push for filing a claim with the Airlines.