Can my employer be held responsible for stolen items from the building I work in?
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Can my employer be held responsible for stolen items from the building I work in?
I have worked at the same department for 6years. Just like everyone else, I leave my personal items needed for work (ie. snowpants, ski boots, etc.) in the building. I have my own cubby and my stuff is there. One day, I showed up for work and my snowpants were gone. During the hours of operation, my pants were there. It was after I left work and showed up the next morning that they were gone. My employer says they are not responsible for items left alone. Since no person had access to the building because we were closed, is it possible to make the employer responsible?
Asked on February 2, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New Hampshire
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, your employer is not responsible for your personal items left at work unless they undertake to be responsible for them. Otherwise, without their assuming responsibility, they are not liable for the loss or theft of your items. Your employer does not insurer your belongings, and a person or business is not automaticaly responsible for thefts or losses occuring on its property, simply because it is on their property. Personal items are left at an employer's at the employee's own risk.
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