Damage by skip company

Ergates

VLANotts1000 said:

Also the skip is covered in marks hard to tell which might be due to hitting my wall 😕

Look for scrapes that haren't rusted and/or still have brick/stone dust on them.

Though it's equally likely (possibly more likely tbh) that the post was knocked down by the lorry (or the lowering "arm") as that would be wider than the skip - and you obviously can't check that.

Aylesbury_Duck

A few practical options here:

1. Get an estimate to fix it and send a letter before action to the skip company asking for that sum.  Pursue through small claims if needs be.  I suspect you'd win but it's going to take a long time to resolve if the company fights it all the way.
2. Speak to your insurer and see if they'll help claim from the skip company.  Again, could take time to resolve this way if it is resolved.
3. Put the bricks aside, put what looks like the capping stone on top of the small stack and leave it until you can afford to get it fixed.
4. Same as 3, then knock down the other pillar and match it.  That's what I'd do.  Would make the entrance a little wider/safer for any vehicles and means you haven't got to worry about either pillar being hit or blown down in a gale.

VLANotts1000

Here is a pic of the flat stone that was on top of the pillar that I’ve just now pulled up- where you can see very fresh leaves underneath. I’m not sure if there’s a suggestion that I’m trying to make this up- I certainly wouldn’t be seeking advice on here and lieing about it. 

Finding it all a little stressful when I’ve just moved into a house and trying to seek helpful advice after something a company has just washed its hands of.
Hugely appreciate all the consideration from all others though.
just fyi I’ve spoken to a couple of neighbors and no one has cctv.
one reported that another neighbor (unavailable today) had seen them delivering it and that they were ‘really struggling’.
The road/tarmac outside has also been badly damaged too/ lots of circular marks in the road.

VLANotts1000

Leaves still fresh below where stone had laid- see previous images

DE_612183

 The skip looks fairly new - I'm surprised there is no yellow paint on the pillar

VLANotts1000

The skip has definitely seen better days

diystarter7

OP
Ask anyone if they heard a thud as what fell down must weigh a ton at least.
I'm still of the view you won't get far without hard-core evidence.
Good luck.

Aylesbury_Duck

Looks like normal wear and tear you'd expect on a skip.  I wouldn't worry about gathering evidence - what you have is probably sufficient to convince a small claims court that the skip delivery caused the damage, if it gets that far.  It's down to how much effort and time you want to put into a resolution.

How about a different approach, whereby you say to the skip company, "Look, it's pretty clear the pillar was knocked over when you delivered the skip.  These things happen.  To save me and you going through the pain of letters, insurance, potential court action, etc., can we come to an agreement on a reduced price for the skip hire?"

When I last hired a skip it was £250.  I suspect it's a little more now.  £300?  Maybe suggest £150 and you can put the difference towards clearing or rebuilding the pillar?

DE_612183

The way the pillar has fallen I would have expected the front of the skip to show any damage.

sheramber

I turned our car into our drive with too tight a turn and knocked down a similar pillar.  It was replaced by lifting it up in one piece and cementing it  back in place. no need to rebuild it from scratch. 

The car had  some scratches where it had  come into contact woth the pillar.