UA damaged one of my car seats a few years ago, I pointed it out at baggage claim customer service, and they sent me a $100 voucher.
The fact that UA disclaims legal liability in the contract of carriage does not mean they won't "make it right" for you. And they certainly won't if you don't ask. But as you can see, whether the actually do depends on who you talk to, how good a day they are having, etc.