Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Handling of ex-employee's property

I need help in a situation with my recently former boss. He is a bully and I finally quit since I could not take the stress anymore. I also have an old neck and back injury that has flared up. My doctor said I should not be doing this anymore. My ex boss got very angry and threatening. My ex boss told me he was going to throw my stuff outside, my stuff being 2 carts and around $30,000.00 worth of tool boxes and tools. It takes time to arrange something like that to be moved and I need someplace to put that monster. I am in touch with some friends but they all work, it may be the weekend until we can get the equipment and people to move it. What can I do? What happens if someone steals it? Is he liable?


Asked on 2/19/08, 1:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Susan Beecher Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law

Re: Handling of ex-employee's property

You might be able to hold him liable if you can prove that the stuff was yours and if you can prove that you left it in his care...maybe. However, even if you prevail, you will have to go through the hassle and expense of making your case.

There are truckers who will show up on short notice, and there are self storage units. If you have $30,000 in tools, plus additional equipment, I would say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, pardon the cliche. Hire a trucker to go over and get that stuff today and put it in a storage unit short term until you can work out the details.

Not a very "legal" answer, but sometimes you save yourself both money and grief with the unlawyered approach. Good luck!

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Answered on 2/19/08, 4:43 pm
Merry Kogut Key Peninsula Law

Re: Handling of ex-employee's property

I agree with Ms. Beecher and have one additional comment/suggestion.

You need to insure your stuff against theft, fire, and damage - not just now, but all the time. Contact an insurance agent.

For example, I work out of my home and my homeowner's insurance covers most of my personal property. But I pay for additional policies for my computers. If my laptop computer is stolen - or if I drop it and it breaks - I'm covered. You need to do this, too.

Good luck!

Merry Kogut

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Answered on 2/19/08, 6:33 pm


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