Sony Z3 broken and back glass damage - warranty?

Northair

I bought a new Z3 with a contract from 3 about 10 days ago. Yesterday for no reason the screen started playing up, flashing bright to dim and stopped responding to touch. I took it into 3 and they agreed it was faulty - but to replace it in store immediately i needed the box - for some reason. I went home to get the box and had some terrible luck - I dropped the phone as I left the shop and the back cover smashed. Far too easily in my opinion - but regardless - it's now smashed! I went straight back to the 3 store and the girl, who was very nice, agreed that she had seen the fault before the damage to the back, but that now I would have to send it off to Sony on my own. She said she would happily confirm my story though.

From what I can gather from others experience and from speaking to Sony it looks like Sony will try and charge me a significant sum for a repair. Do I accept this? Obviously the cracked back is my fault, but the phone was not usable before this, but my only evidence of this is the word of a 3 employee. I am really at a loss what to do... I know it's bad luck but I can't help thinking I wouldn't be in this situation if there was no initial issue - and this certainly wasn't my fault.

Unfortunately it's not insured.

I am tempted to replace the glass back panel myself and THEN send it back - is this advisable or will it void warranty anyway? Anyone got experience of Sony in this regard?

Any advice greatly appreciated...

Ben

JJ_Egan

You cannot expect Sony to pay for your damage neither can you expect the vendor to pay .
You could have sent the phone for repair got it back and then dropped it or dropped it 30 seconds before you entered the shop .
If you replace any parts you are more than likely voiding your warranty .
Send it to Sony and see what they say with a letter explaining the problem .
But under SOGA the vendor not Sony are responsible for faults/ repairs .

Northair

I'm not expecting anyone to pay for my damage - I am worried though that - even though I can prove to the contrary - they'll assume the damage to the back caused the faulty screen and charge me for that repair.... thoughts?