Lancaster, PA asked in Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania

Q: I had left my drivers license at a store and they called me and told me I could come and get it, by the time I went to

Get it they had shredded it, should they have to pay for it?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In your situation, where a store shredded your driver's license after notifying you to retrieve it, there are a few considerations. First, it's important to understand that while businesses often have policies for handling lost property, there is generally no legal requirement for them to retain items like a driver's license for an extended period.

However, since they contacted you and indicated that you could retrieve your license, it could be argued that they assumed a responsibility to keep it safe for a reasonable amount of time. Shredding it before you had a reasonable chance to pick it up could be seen as negligent, especially after they informed you it was available for collection.

Whether the store should pay for the replacement depends on these circumstances and their policies. It may be worthwhile to speak directly with the store management and explain the situation. They might be willing to cover the cost of replacing your license as a gesture of goodwill. Remember, while there may not be a clear legal obligation for them to compensate you, a reasonable approach and discussion might lead to a satisfactory resolution.

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