Years and years ago, I had Delta run over (and completely destroy) a number of school books and in-progress assignments, while I was headed out of town on a family vacation. I was *supposed* to be doing my homework while I was away...that was a fun one to explain to my teacher, and not the typical, "my dog ate it" story, lol.
Oh! And I if I remember correctly, they did pay to replace the books and the other small items I had in that bag. I thought it was great, not having to do homework while I was away...my parents and teachers were obviously not as thrilled.