Can I sue someone for the loss of my items, if theywere placed in their care?

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Can I sue someone for the loss of my items, if theywere placed in their care?

All of my items where placed in the storage under the name of a close friend of mine. He purposely did not pay and had all the stuff auctioned off. If I sue him, will I be able to get money for my lost items?

Asked on February 13, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Maryland

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

You can sue your friend for conversion.  Conversion is the unauthorized assumption and exercise of the right of ownership over the personal property of another to the exclusion of the owner's rights.

Depending on the value of the items you lost, you may be able to sue your friend in Small Claims Court.  Your damages (the amount you are seeking to recover in your lawsuit) should include the value of the items you lost and court costs.  Court costs would include the court filing fee and process server fee.


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