I fitted a houseful of carpet on Monday, returned yesterday morning to complete the last small bedroom, 3 x 4m. I have a tendency to bend most things in half when carrying in, keeping the decor unmarked etc. The carpet slipped off my shoulder upon entering the room and on to the floor, at which point the extractor fan came off the kitchen ceiling in the room below and on to the kitchen floor breaking it in the process. The customer now says I’m liable £ to replace as it’s my fault?? I’ve informed him that if a light bounce on the sub floor above the kitchen ceiling results in anything coming away, extractor fan, light fitting, or anything else, then unfortunately it couldn't have been correctly installed in the first place, ie it isn’t my fault? I’m completely appreciative accidents do happen and will of course always hold my hands up if it’s my fault and I am liable, but surely a very average bedroom carpet with little weight resulting in something falling off the ceiling isn’t my fault?
If a minor incident like a carpet slipping off your shoulder can cause an extractor fan to fall, it suggests that the fan wasn't properly installed or secured in the first place. It's reasonable to expect that a correctly fitted fan should stay in place under normal conditions. You’ve done your part by completing the job and handling the situation professionally. It would be fair to point out that the issue lies with the installation of the fan, not with your work.
