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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Law & Legal |
If you break an item at work, do you have to pay to replace it? |
I am a photgrapher at a studio, and during a session I dropped the camera and the lense broke. It was a second hand lense that cost a little under 200 dollars. Its not fixable so my owners want to buy a brand new lens, and want me to pay for half of the new lens price. It was never specified when we were hired that we would be accountable for anything we accidentally broke or damaged. I don't have a lot of money and I was wondering am I legally responsible for the lense. Yes, you would be responsible. Look at it this way, you are driving a company car and get into a car accident, smashing the fender (and it's your fault for the accident because you rear ended someone). The employer could require you (or your insurance) to cover the damages to the car. Try to compromise. Failing that, it would be wise to pay, even if you are not legally responsible. Unless a contract or law says otherwise, they can fire you for breaking stuff. No, you aren't responsible for it (if you aren't some sort of independent contractor). However, they may fire you saying your clumsiness is costing them too much money. If you negligently damage someone's property, they are legally entitled to restitution. You committed a negligent tort. The fact that they're willing to go halfies with you is goodwill. Show goodwill in turn by paying your half without complaint. Well, if ya broke it... I would presume that damage to items that your employer owns would fall under the heading of the cost of doing business, or depreciation. Presumably they also have insurance. I've never heard of a place that would expect an employee to pay for something that was damaged or destroyed unless it was intentional. Your bosses sound pretty cheap to me. Try helping out. It will look good on your record, buddy. |
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