Removal Firm Takes a Financial Hit After Unclaimed Cash Discovery
Public dismantling operation winds down following hefty 600,000 euro expense
In a surprise turn of events, a removal company found itself out of luck when the Cologne Regional Court dismissed its claims for payment and a finder's fee. The company had stumbled upon a whopping €600,000 in cash during a house clearing job, but the court ruled against them.
The removal firm, based in Bavaria, was hired to clear out an apartment in the same region. Unbeknownst to them, their employees discovered a veritable treasure trove, with a significant portion of the wealth stashed away unexpectedly in diaper packages and other parts of the apartment. In addition to the massive cash haul, around €30,000 worth of jewelry and coins were discovered.
The removal company believed they had a claim to the find due to a contract clause that stated valuable items should be removed in advance, with the remaining items becoming the property of the removal company at the start of the work. However, the Cologne Regional Court deemed this clause invalid, stating that it unfairly disadvantaged the client. The court reasoned that the client could not be assumed to intend to hand over substantial cash and valuable items worth several hundred thousand euros automatically.
Furthermore, the court rejected the claim for a finder's fee, as the removal company did not discover a lost item. This judgement, issued in May, is not yet final.
- Legal Disputes
- Cologne
- Money Finds
Further Reading
- Attic or Basement Find? How to Sell Old Treasures in Five Steps - If you've made a significant discovery like this removal company, follow these steps to turn your find into cash.
In the judicial proceedings in Cologne, the removal firm's claim for the unclaimed cash find and a finder's fee was dismissed, highlighting the importance of understanding and adhering to the community policy regarding the finding of valuable items. Given the financial value of the discovery, this case underscores the potential impact of employment policy decisions on a business's financial standings.
