Hi there i just wanted to know where I stand,I employed a bloke with a digger as he was digging he burst one of our gas pipe,he was one his own nobody helping him and he didnt check to see if ant pipes where there.He phoned british gas so they came out to block off of pipe,then britsih gas told us we have to dig a trench for the new bit of pipe and then british gas phoned National grid to give us a new bit of pipe.We recived a letter through the post from national grid saying they want a pay ment for 534.02 for there call out charge,i said you need to get it off the person who done it the digger driver i gave national grid his contact details and they said they will phone him and let us know whats going on well 2 weeks passed and I now have recived anothr letter for the 534.02 saying its overdue i didnt here from them to let us know what was going on,I phoned the people back to see what is going on and they said we are not liable for the bill (17 june 2009) it was ment to go to the person who did it.Please help dont know where i stand and is there a template for a letter to them???????

Thanks hope to here from you soon.

arobson:

I employed a bloke with a digger

I think there is a clue above and if not think about whose gas supply is it.

I also assume you checked the digger bloke's insurance. Pity.

I think you are liable to pay, however the amount seems a lot for what they did. I would make sure that you get an itemised invoice and verify that they provided everything billed.

Just give these people the name and address of the person responsible and tell them to stop contacting you. Failing that, go to the CAB and ask them to do it for you.

SHARK!

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For every positive action, there's an equal and opposite government plan.

thanks...

Jalexa:

arobson:

I employed a bloke with a digger

I think there is a clue above and if not think about whose gas supply is it.

I also assume you checked the digger bloke's insurance. Pity.

I think you are liable to pay, however the amount seems a lot for what they did. I would make sure that you get an itemised invoice and verify that they provided everything billed.

Well iam sorry i think you are wrong he was the one that was digging the hole not me he should be insuranced for that if he isnt he should be doing what he is doing.....thanks for advice through.

If you are struggling to sort out the liability and clear the bill, if all else has failed then check your home buildings insurance policy, sometimes accidental damage to underground service pipes / cables or drains is covered... if it turns out to be difficult to get recompense directly from the contractor within a reasonable time.

On that point if you have household legal expenses insurance... they have free legal advice helplines, they could also cover legal costs to pursue a claim for damages from the contractor.