Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

I went to fed Ex kinkos the other morning at 10am. I parked in there gated parking lot and walked into the store to make copies and send a fed ex. I was in the store for about 10 minuets. When I walked out my car window had been smashed and everything in my car had been stolen. Including very expensive camera, and camera equipment totaling more then $6000 dollars. I was on my way to a photography class. The store has no cameras facing into the parking lot. My car was only 15 feet from the front door. I manager said that this is the 3rd case like this in the past 2 years but it is too "complicated and expensive" to install security cameras on the outside of the building. I also found out that there is a half way house located directly next to the kinkos and there is also an apparent squatter living in the bushes of the parking lot.
I would also like to mention that this is in a very decent nabber hood or West Hollywood california.
There is no sign in the parking lot warning of the dangers of theft or declaring kinkos to be not libel for theft. There is only a sign that stakes the parking lot is for costumers only.
My question is: Do i have a case against Kinkos?
Thank you

Asked on 7/02/10, 1:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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No. You will probably not be succesful in having a court hold Kinko responsible for car break-ins in its parking lots, although the manager's statement is interesting. While you used poor judgment in leaving your expensive camera equipment on the seats of your car in an urban area, you have nothing to lose by suing Kinko in small claims court, and by also filing a claim with your homeowners', renters', or business insurance carrier.

Answered on 7/02/10, 4:40 pm

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