Intellectual Property Law

Who is responsible for stolen property at a place of business?

I was at a tattoo parlor getting a tattoo. Some one walked in and while everyone was distracted, stole my coat with my car keys, cellular phone and wallet. Is this something the business's insurance should cover?

Public Comments

1. No. You are responsible for your personal items.
2. No. You should not have left your items unattended. I'm sure the tattoo shop has a sign posted somewhere that they are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Sorry, take it as a lesson learned
3. The business is not responsible for your property. However it depends on circumstances. For example if you are asked to undress in one room and are then led to another room and are told that your property is safe if you leave it, you may have a cause for legal action. At best they may agree to pay for your phone, make new car keys, and replace your coat and a new wallet, but you would have a hard time claiming that you had a lot of money that was taken. They may be willing to file an insurance claim in order to keep a good client.
4. The thief, of course. Or the owner of the property - you. No, the business owner is not responsible - they are NOT in the business of guarding or storing your property. Their insurance won't pay this AT ALL. Assuming they even have any.
5. The business is not responsible for your loss unless you can prove they were negligent. What duty did the breach? Since they are a tattoo parlor where security is probably not needed, I doubt that you can. Sorry. If you have homeowners coverage file a claim with your insurance carrier.
6. I see alot of answers, but no question. Did you ask the owners of the business to pay? I have items stolen while at a business location and have no trouble on getting payed by them. Since you had to remove your coat they are responsible for the safe keeping of such. I do not care what "mickey mouse" little signs they may have hanging on the walls or painted on windows. They need to pay. Do they expect you to come "naked" into their business?