Damage to third party vehicle on our property - liable?

scotgirl

I posted this in the vehicles section but someone suggested posting here:

Can anyone help urgently?

We are getting a floor fitted and my husband had stacked the kickboards from the units against the house. The wind blew them over and there is some damage to the workmans van.

He is saying we are liable for the damage - can anyone advise urgently if this is correct and if there is anywhere we can get information from?

Wasnt sure where to post, thanks for your help.

gregd_3

I would say that you would be liable however, do not admit liability and notify your household insurers and they will deal with the matter on your behalf as the policy will likely incorporate liability cover for loss or damage to other parties.

How much is the damage to repair??

Quentin

You are only liable if you can be proved to have been negligent.

As already advised deny liability, and if you get any claim then pass it on to your house insurer (if you have one), otherwise continue to deny liability and leave it up to the third party to aqttempt to prove it!

gregd_3

I would say that the householder has a duty to ensure that the kickboards did not blow over and cause damage so IMO they would be liable however best left to insurers liability claims dept to make a decision.

scotgirl

Thanks for the replies, do you think it makes any difference that my husband was not in the house at the time?

Quentin

Were the boards there when the workman parked his van next to them?

gregd_3

Makes no difference.

Quentin

Yes it does.

scotgirl

I think they were there (would need to 100% check this), does that make a difference?

gregd_3

It makes no difference at all. All it comes down to is whether or not the owner has been negligent in leaving kickboards outside not secured and if they have fallen over then there is negligence!

scotgirl

Quentin wrote: »

Were the boards there when the workman parked his van next to them?

Checked with hubby, they were definitely there before the van was parked.

Hubby is going to call the house insurance and find out if we are covered.

So annoying, the only reason we are having the floor replaced is because John Lewis damaged our perfectly good floor when fitting a washing machine!