For Matanos L’evyonim donations Click Here

Damaged Coin Machine

I put a coin into a gumball machine (which I assume was owned by a Jew since it was in a kosher restaurant) to buy a gumball, and the machine got jammed. Am I required to find out who owns the machine and pay him for the damage and/or the losses he incurred while it was broken?

Answer:

You are not obligated to pay for damages. The machine is there to be used (the owner gives his “permission” for anybody to “use” it), and as far as I understand you did nothing beyond the normal “use” of the machine, namely putting a coin though the appropriate slot. Because your use of the machine was normal and with permission, you are exempt from liability for any damage caused.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *