Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.
Q:
I have a colleague, who is a federal employee, that was on a business trip and had personal items stolen out of the car including a laptop, cell phone, ipod and other items. Our agency’s general counsel said she would be reimbursed for her items. It she entitled to any compensation for the loss of priceless family photos, purchased music or software?
A:
No. The government has limited its liability and will not pay for intangible damages. Your colleague may be able to receive some additional compensation from her personal insurance.
Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw, Bransford & Roth, PC.
Disclaimer: Ask a Lawyer publishes information on this website for informational purposes only. Information on this website is intended – but not promised, guaranteed, or warranted – to reflect correct, complete and current developments. In addition, the contents of the website do not constitute legal advice and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the attorney. Information from this website is not intended to be used as a substitute for specific legal advice, nor should you consider it as such. You should not act, or refrain from acting, based on information on this website without seeking specific legal advice about your particular circumstances. No attorney-client relationship between you and Ask a Lawyer’s author is created by the transmission of information to or from this site.