... working the clients young child (4 years old) was left un-supervised in he garden and he turned the outside tap off, stopping the water supply to my pressure washer, causing damage to the pump on my equipment. The damage is around £400 for a new pump and the customer is refusing to pay. I've even offered to pay 50% (£200) and they pay the other half, but the customer is still refusing. I need my pressure washer to do my work, so not only will I be losing earnings, I have a broken machine. Where do I stand and what can I do? Cheers guys
Answers (1)
You have a clear case, the child is the responsibility of the person present who is supposed to be watching them. You can sue this person in the small claims court for the full amount and any lost earnings.
Make no mistake, they are responsible fully.
The best option as these things take time is to get another pressure washer as soon as possible and get back to work, the court system as I am sure you are aware is slow.
Take nothing from these people now (the £200 sounds good) but once you have taken a payment from them legally you will find it impossible to sue them for more later.
Good luck!