California Codes, Civil Code - CIV, Division 4 — General Provisions, Part 1 — Relief, Title 2 — Compensatory Relief, Chapter 2 — Measure of Damages, Article 2 — Damages for Wrongs, Section 3336

The detriment caused by the wrongful conversion of personal property is presumed to be:

First—The value of the property at the time of the conversion, with the interest from that time, or, an amount sufficient to indemnify the party injured for the loss which is the natural, reasonable and proximate result of the wrongful act complained of and which a proper degree of prudence on his part would not have averted; and

Second—A fair compensation for the time and money properly expended in pursuit of the property.

Notes

Sets presumed damages for wrongful conversion of personal property as either the property’s value at conversion plus interest or the amount needed to compensate natural, reasonable, proximate loss not avoidable through proper prudence, together with fair compensation for time and money properly spent pursuing the property. The measure combines property-loss compensation with reasonable pursuit costs.

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