What are my rights if my vehicle was damaged while parked in my employer’s parking lot?
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What are my rights if my vehicle was damaged while parked in my employer’s parking lot?
My truck was damaged when a loaded laundry cart rolled down a slight hill and hit the side of my truck doing fairly significant damage. My employer advises me that they are not liable for damages to my personal property while on the premises, even if the damage is due to their neglect. Is this the case?
Asked on September 28, 2016 under Accident Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
As a general rule, an employer is not liable for damage done to employee cars in the company parking lot. That having been said, if the damage was done by other employees or contractors, etc. of the employer in the normal course of business, then if the employer had a sufficient degree of control over them it may be liable for their actions. If the employer did not have sufficient control over the at fault party, then the employee whose vehicle was damaged may be able to sue the owners or driver of the laundry truck as they would be liable for the negligence that the caused damage. Finally, check with your auto insurer as to your coverage.
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