BW : BC man sues deceased man’s son for unclaimed item

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Funeral dispute lawsuit
2. Legal action funeral possession

Vintage cars hold a special place in the hearts of many motor enthusiasts, with their unique accessories often considered prized possessions. Douglas George Smith found himself in a legal battle over a car grille from a 1954 Chevrolet, claiming it was rightfully his. However, after the grille was sold for $100 by the deceased owner’s son, Smith decided to sue for its return or a $2,000 payout. Despite Smith’s arguments about the grille’s history, the court ruled in favor of the son, stating that Smith had abandoned any claim to the item by not taking steps to confirm his ownership. Ultimately, the court dismissed Smith’s claim.

The Story of the Vintage Car Grille

Classic cars hold a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts, with their unique accessories often being valued just as much as the vehicles themselves. One such accessory, a car grille from a 1954 Chevrolet, became the center of a dispute that played out in a rather unexpected setting.

The Unusual Occurrence at a Celebration of Life

It all began at the celebration of life for a man known only as BW, where Douglas George Smith made a surprising appearance. Smith was on a mission to reclaim what he believed to be rightfully his – the car grille in question. However, the timing and location of his attempt could not have been more unconventional.

A Disputed Ownership and Legal Battle

After being informed by BW’s son, Levi Woods, that the grille had been sold for a mere $100, Smith took matters to court. He demanded the return of the item or a significant payout of $2,000. Woods, on the other hand, explained that the grille had been a part of his father’s collection for over two decades and was sold as part of the estate after BW’s passing.

Smith argued his case by tracing the history of the grille back to a gift from his sister in the late 1980s. He claimed to have entrusted BW with the item due to space constraints, with the understanding that it would be displayed at the car club meetings. However, the lack of concrete evidence or agreements supporting Smith’s ownership ultimately led to the dismissal of his claim.

The Court’s Verdict and Final Outcome

Despite Smith’s efforts to establish his ownership of the vintage car grille, the court ruled in favor of Woods. The absence of any formal agreements or actions taken by Smith to reclaim the item during the years it was in BW’s possession indicated a lack of intent to retain ownership. As a result, the court deemed that Smith had effectively abandoned his claim to the grille.

In the end, the vintage car grille found a new home, leaving behind a legal battle that highlighted the importance of clear ownership documentation and communication in such matters.