Laptop Travel Damage - Who's at Fault?

Denagoth asks: "Due to increased security measures, airport personnel are now directly handling everyone's laptop, PDA, and other electronic gizmos. Who is at fault when (not if - but I've been lucky) an airport employee drops, damages, (or even worse) loses one of these devices? Has anyone had any experience in this area and are there any legal precedents to fall back on?"