Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 05:06:33 pm

Title: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 05:06:33 pm
Broke a pane of glass today, trying to push an upstairs opener closed.

Customer reckons he's spent 5 hours in A & E as a result, so a lost days wage - he can't envisage himself working tomorrow apparently as well , as his back went in to spasm.

All this after he came out of the property in a highly agitated, verbally aggressive and actively mobile manner

Wants to put in a claim against me.

Seems to think its my fault!
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Crystal-clear on July 24, 2018, 05:22:20 pm
Broke a pane of glass today, trying to push an upstairs opener closed.

Customer reckons he's spent 5 hours in A & E as a result, so a lost days wage - he can't envisage himself working tomorrow apparently as well , as his back went in to spasm.

All this after he came out of the property in a highly agitated, verbally aggressive and actively mobile manner

Wants to put in a claim against me.

Seems to think its my fault!
lucky you've got insurance
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Stoots on July 24, 2018, 05:32:16 pm
For having that attitude i would be tempted to do a shaggy on this one.

Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 24, 2018, 06:02:08 pm
Broke a pane of glass today, trying to push an upstairs opener closed.

Customer reckons he's spent 5 hours in A & E as a result, so a lost days wage - he can't envisage himself working tomorrow apparently as well , as his back went in to spasm.

All this after he came out of the property in a highly agitated, verbally aggressive and actively mobile manner

Wants to put in a claim against me.

Seems to think its my fault!

really? ::)roll

threaten him with extreme violence if he tries to pursue it anymore.....so hes not cut or anything?a back spasm?and he s blaming you?

what a scumbag.......this blame culture is going too far now...time to nip this one in the bud matt...... >:(
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 06:14:38 pm
Spoke to my insurance company they said the same.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: John Mart on July 24, 2018, 06:22:29 pm
I don't get it. How was he injured? Did the glass cut him?
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Nick Day on July 24, 2018, 06:23:51 pm
Did he know you were cleaning the windows that day, and did he know that the windows should have all been closed?
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: paul alan on July 24, 2018, 06:30:07 pm
Maybe you did break some glass on a small pane high up in the room, how he dealt with that by way of cleaning it up or whatever is up to him. he should have taken more care!

Seems to me like an "incident" after an "incident" and the two shouldn't be connected.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 06:30:59 pm
I don't get it. How was he injured? Did the glass cut him?

I don’t know how he was injured. But he wasn’t cut.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 06:31:43 pm
Did he know you were cleaning the windows that day, and did he know that the windows should have all been closed?

They knew I was cleaning the windows that day. They knew I was there. It was a first clean, I hadn’t asked them to close any windows.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 24, 2018, 06:34:46 pm
A FIRST CLEAN TOO!! :o

i just wouldnt go back again and get on with my life! ;D

did you finish the windows?get paid or anything matt?
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 06:42:42 pm
No. The guy was ranting like someone possessed. I did think he was about to lump me one.

I made a business decision that the parrot was in all likelihood dead. And packed up.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: tlwcs on July 24, 2018, 06:43:53 pm
Go back and chin the to55a. Give him something to sue you for.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 24, 2018, 06:49:16 pm
No. The guy was ranting like someone possessed. I did think he was about to lump me one.

I made a business decision that the parrot was in all likelihood dead. And packed up.

the straw that broke the camels back(you putting the window in).he  sounds like hes got a lot going on in his personal life......or he could just be a  C***T!
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Rob.Hall on July 24, 2018, 07:26:15 pm
I'm going to put a claim in against you to Matt.

When I spoke to you on the phone the other day your reply was so loud it broke a pain of glass, I fell off the chair hurting my back and my ears still hurt.....

The parrot is definitely dead like his claim if he ever gets that far..
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Soupy on July 24, 2018, 07:28:41 pm
I'm claiming against nathankaye. I do so much ROFL at his posts that my hips have packed in.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: nathankaye on July 24, 2018, 07:37:37 pm
I'm claiming against nathankaye. I do so much ROFL at his posts that my hips have packed in.

Thought the Scott's were tougher built than that.
😂
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Richard Groves on July 24, 2018, 09:37:09 pm
Are we missing the point here ?
On a first clean you broke his window.
He was in, knew you were there and you didnt ask him to close it ?
Why didn't you ?
What were you doing ? slamming the stock of the brush against the frame trying to push it shut ?
I don't think you should lose sight of the fact you are in the wrong and damaged his property.
Accidents happen though and its unfortunate.
Sounds like he is going over the top and milking the cash cow but I'm sure the insurance company will see right through him.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Stoots on July 24, 2018, 10:09:19 pm
There's never any need to get aggressive at someone over an accident as trivial as a broken pane of glass. He could have just been right with you and got you to replace it asap.

As soon as someone takes that attitude with me they can forget it.

Would just totally ignore it. Not.much you can do about him making a claim mind, some people area just kuntz but not a lot u can do about that.

Forget about it and see what happens.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 10:11:20 pm
Are we missing the point here ?
On a first clean you broke his window.
He was in, knew you were there and you didnt ask him to close it ?
Why didn't you ?
What were you doing ? slamming the stock of the brush against the frame trying to push it shut ?
I don't think you should lose sight of the fact you are in the wrong and damaged his property.
Accidents happen though and its unfortunate.
Sounds like he is going over the top and milking the cash cow but I'm sure the insurance company will see right through him.

I’ve acknowledged the fact I broke a pane of glass and have suggested I pay for it without the use of my insurance company. He’s milking it.

I’m not missing a point. And I haven’t lost sight of anything.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Richard Groves on July 24, 2018, 10:39:06 pm
Are we missing the point here ?
On a first clean you broke his window.
He was in, knew you were there and you didnt ask him to close it ?
Why didn't you ?
What were you doing ? slamming the stock of the brush against the frame trying to push it shut ?
I don't think you should lose sight of the fact you are in the wrong and damaged his property.
Accidents happen though and its unfortunate.
Sounds like he is going over the top and milking the cash cow but I'm sure the insurance company will see right through him.

I’ve acknowledged the fact I broke a pane of glass and have suggested I pay for it without the use of my insurance company. He’s milking it.

I’m not missing a point. And I haven’t lost sight of anything.
Fair enough, sounds like you've been as reasonable as you can be and he hasn't.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Missing Link on July 24, 2018, 11:08:15 pm
He was in, knew you were there and you didnt ask him to close it ?

Unless it's a sash window that I can't push up, I just close the windows with my brush.  Have done for years and never had an incident.

It's quicker than waiting for a customer to do it.

And I'll just keep on doing what I've been doing.  Slacky's incident is a freak of nature and isn't something that routinely happens.

Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 11:22:10 pm
Exactly.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 24, 2018, 11:31:05 pm
I got a call from ‘er indoors later.  She started having a rant at me, questioning me about what would’ve happened if her sprog had been under the window when it happened.

Which is a bit like saying what would’ve happened if you were driving a 32 tonne lorry when we had a shunt at the traffic lights instead of your Fiat 500?

It’s a pointless conversation, they’re just trying to over-egg it.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: G Griffin on July 24, 2018, 11:50:55 pm
Wasn't it double glazed or did you do both?
 
I'd be tempted to say 'insurance? What insurance? Sorry, guv; you'll have to sue me if you want any more than the glass replacing'. 
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 25, 2018, 12:02:46 am
It was double glazed. Only the outside pane was smashed.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: shammy davis jnr on July 25, 2018, 12:04:07 am
Wrong custie ,on wrong day  ...go back round and say think we got off on wrong foot yesterday I pride myself on being professional,and I understand you were upset at the broken window which never happens and I was as shocked as you .I will replace it by the way at my own expense ...and I’m sure he will be sound as feck ...then replace soon after as you know he’s a volatile one our keep him in loop every step till sorted ,,,,then you will prob have a good relationship with him..as he’s had his rant you have sorted your guilt you feel better for fixing it he feels you went the extra mile when he was calm and recommends you to whole street it’s only biz
And if he’s still a dip sht...........you can tell him where to go ....politely and you will still be the professional. and he ..the wee angry man
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: G Griffin on July 25, 2018, 12:10:39 am
It was double glazed. Only the outside pane was smashed.
So there'd have been no glass in the house and what are the chances of the kid being under the window you were about to clean?
Muppets.
Tell them your insurance had lapsed and they'd have to take you to court.
Unless your insurance are going to give them a hard time and I hope they get what they deserve. 
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 25, 2018, 07:13:25 am
I got a call from ‘er indoors later.  She started having a rant at me, questioning me about what would’ve happened if her sprog had been under the window when it happened.

Which is a bit like saying what would’ve happened if you were driving a 32 tonne lorry when we had a shunt at the traffic lights instead of your Fiat 500?

It’s a pointless conversation, they’re just trying to over-egg it.

i really hate people like that..........seriously....... they should be shot(death by firing squad).......sounds like they would be a crap customer even if you hadnt broken the window......
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 25, 2018, 07:22:23 am
Wrong custie ,on wrong day  ...go back round and say think we got off on wrong foot yesterday I pride myself on being professional,and I understand you were upset at the broken window which never happens and I was as shocked as you .I will replace it by the way at my own expense ...and I’m sure he will be sound as feck ...then replace soon after as you know he’s a volatile one our keep him in loop every step till sorted ,,,,then you will prob have a good relationship with him..as he’s had his rant you have sorted your guilt you feel better for fixing it he feels you went the extra mile when he was calm and recommends you to whole street it’s only biz
And if he’s still a dip sht...........you can tell him where to go ....politely and you will still be the professional. and he ..the wee angry man

sod that.....he s gone too far already.......basically id tell him and his snotty wife to F**k off and never go back.....i wouldnt even arrange to get the window fixed......

people like that are never satisfied whatever you do...their greedy people who want to exploit any opportunity to make some money for nothing without having to work for it who dont give a s**t about you.........
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: AuRavelling79 on July 25, 2018, 08:05:24 am
Trouble is these things play on your mind. (You the window cleaner, not him the idiot customer)

What's the exact order of events, Matt?

I'm suspicious because of the highly volatile reaction and "claim" attitude.

It was a first clean ... are you sure the window wasn't cracked already and they only had you in to clean so they could make a fraudulent claim?

Maybe you didn't notice the hairline crack which was pre-existing which is the "usual cause of this kind of event as you have never had an intact window break in this manner before, especially as you only tap the frame with the bristles"

If he carries on tell him you believe you are the subject of a fraudulent claim and that if he or his (crazy) wife further contact you in any way you will "call the police as you believe they are making an "unwarranted demand with menaces".

Write it down and resurrect the dead parrot to stay on script.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 25, 2018, 08:12:06 am
Malc, it wasn't a crack.

The glass smashed, it was me. I cant deny that.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: C & S on July 25, 2018, 08:13:00 am
Chancers

Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Missing Link on July 25, 2018, 08:22:51 am
As you've done, I'd inform the insurance company and seek advice from them.

I'd also have no further contact with the 'customers'.  I wouldn't have answered the phone to them; that's entering a situation you're not going to win, given the context that they're loonies.  (Unless of course, you act like a bigger loony, but I don't think you're like that.)

And then I'd wait for a solicitors letter and go and seek some more advice dependent on the contents of the letter.

What a massive arse-ache though.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Richard Groves on July 25, 2018, 12:59:32 pm
He was in, knew you were there and you didnt ask him to close it ?

Unless it's a sash window that I can't push up, I just close the windows with my brush.  Have done for years and never had an incident.

It's quicker than waiting for a customer to do it.

And I'll just keep on doing what I've been doing.  Slacky's incident is a freak of nature and isn't something that routinely happens.
I do too. ( well, on repeat cleans and properties I'm familiar with if nobody home )
Sometimes though the hinge's are stiff and its not simply a case of pushing closed with the brush.
If I had to tap the bottom of the frame several times with the brush to create enough force to close it , I'd probably think twice.
I'm not suggesting Slacky has btw but that is one way I could envisage a pane of glass smashing.
I have never done a first clean for someone unless they were there. Wanting a first impression to count I've always viewed all the windows first and insisted they are all closed. I'm not understanding why he didn't , thats all.

Of course, they have completely over reacted and are trying their luck at compo. But I can understand them being upset to a point.
Seems Slacky has done all he can to be reasonable and accept responsibility.

My neighbour has just had some rendering work done. Last week a guy on the scaffold dropped a chisel bit on her neighbours car windscreen and shattered it ! Cars owner laughed it off though - accidents happen. Within hours a firm was out and had replaced the windscreen with a £500 bill for the builders.

Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Smudger on July 25, 2018, 06:09:13 pm
good point - some people accept accidents happen other don't and get hyper over anything and everything,

Matt has said he broke the window ( well done for being up front and honest about that ) i think your best course is to ring them and tell them you will replace the broken window and what would be a good time for the glazier to come round, as for any personal injury claim here are my insurance details please submit any claim direct to them.

Leave to the people you pay to sort this out, none of us are experts in claims, or how to prove, disprove a claim. - the only thing you may need to bear in mind is are you a limited company ? or self employed - if the later and insurance refuse to payout the liability may fall to you personally

Please bear in mind this was a first clean so as a new customer you have to see it from the other side - a "professional" cleaner comes to your property and promptly breaks a window - not something you would expect to happen - and probably a little shocking

i have over the years broken ( well staff have ) a georgian pane on a period property and we have had 2 cases of scratching glass - all resolved to everyone satisfaction but the difference is there were long term customers where we had a working relationship - not a first visit

for what its worth - anyone suggesting walking away - ignoring replacement - telling them to F**k off is asking for more trouble and leaving yourself open for much more of a claim than actually offering to put the physical damage right

Darran
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Bungle on July 25, 2018, 08:23:38 pm
I'm claiming against nathankaye. I do so much ROFL at his posts that my hips have packed in.

 ;D
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: G Griffin on July 25, 2018, 11:52:53 pm
A few small stones on the ground during the school holidays and a small red haired lad running away from the scene must have been seen by someone, Matt.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: AuRavelling79 on July 26, 2018, 07:09:23 am
A few small stones on the ground during the school holidays while you were working on the other side of the house and a small red haired lad running away from the scene must have been seen by someone, Matt.

FTFY
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Frankybadboy on July 28, 2018, 06:37:53 pm
you should stick to your pressure washing ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D well you only burn things  :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 28, 2018, 10:23:38 pm
you should stick to your pressure washing ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D well you only burn things  :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

You should stick to your bike, least you only near paralyse yourself.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Frankybadboy on July 29, 2018, 09:52:01 pm
you should stick to your pressure washing ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D well you only burn things  :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

You should stick to your bike, least you only near paralyse yourself.
i got paid for that  ;D ;D ;D ;D you got to pay  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 30, 2018, 04:45:00 am
You’ll pay, when the bolts rust, ol’ fella.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: dazmond on July 30, 2018, 09:00:29 am
any update matt?have they calmed down now and not pursuing anything?window fixed?.....even if they have i bet you wont be adding them to your books anytime soon....... ::)roll
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on July 30, 2018, 07:59:41 pm
I called the insurance company today. No contact from the customer to them so far. I also haven't heard anything from the customer re: cost of new window.

I expect I will.
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: John Mart on July 30, 2018, 11:25:57 pm
What did you break today?  ;D
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 03, 2018, 05:41:11 pm
Any news?
Title: Re: Accident
Post by: Slacky on August 03, 2018, 10:09:02 pm
Shhh.

Nuffink yet!