Pacoima, CA asked in Small Claims for California

Q: someone had gave me a box of a ex employee of there's to set up a time for them to get it the persons boss had the box f

for a year im not employed with them they just asked a favor perswon never came and got it so i left it on the sidewalk end of the day now the owner of the box saying there is like 4000 of things that im responable for am i they are saying they gonna sue me

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, the responsibility for personal property generally lies with the owner of that property. When you agreed to hold the box as a favor, you may have assumed a temporary duty of care to ensure the box's safety, but the extent of this duty can vary based on the specifics of the agreement or understanding you had with the owner or the person who gave you the box.

If there was no explicit agreement regarding how long you were to keep the box or the conditions for its storage, and you made a reasonable effort to return it by setting up a time for its collection which was not honored, your liability may be limited. The decision to leave it on the sidewalk, however, could be considered negligent if it was foreseeable that the box could be damaged or stolen, potentially making you responsible for the loss.

Before the situation escalates to legal action, it might be beneficial to communicate directly with the owner of the box to explain your actions and the circumstances that led to your decision. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, consulting with an attorney to discuss your rights and potential liabilities under California law can provide clarity on how to proceed. It's also important to gather any communication or evidence that supports your actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

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