We own a long-standing appliance store. A customer thinks we scuffed her laundry room floor but we don't think so. What should we do?

Asked in Englewood, FL on January 17, 2026 Last answered on February 27, 2026

Performed a service visit to replace a pedestal on a customer’s washer/dryer. No damage was reported during or immediately after service, and no issues were noted by the technician at the time. Approximately 16+ days later, the customer reported alleged floor damage and later provided photos and an estimate seeking full flooring replacement. The photos did not clearly demonstrate causation or damage consistent with the service performed, and the estimate did not attribute fault or identify localized repair scope, instead proposing full replacement (betterment).

Company reviewed the timeline, documentation, and estimate, requested clarification, and issued a written determination that causation could not be established. Company policy is to take responsibility when damage is clearly attributable to its work; however, based on delayed reporting, lack of contemporaneous evidence, absence of professional attribution, and unreasonable replacement scope, company declined responsibility. Communications were professional, consistent, and documented. Basil remains prepared to respond. What are the next steps if customer continues and do we need legal help?

1 answer

Kimberly Houndji
Answered by:

Kimberly Houndji

St. Petersburg, FL
Houndji Law, PLLC 727-888-0285
Free Consultation
Answer

It sounds like your Company has taken the right steps to review the clients claims regarding the alleged floor damage. Assuming you have a contract with the customer, does that contract include dispute resolution provisions?

If the dispute cannot be resolved through direct communication or dispute resolution provisions in the contract, the Company should consult legal counsel to assess its position and prepare for potential litigation. Legal counsel can also assist in drafting any pre-suit responses or settlement offers. You don't need an attorney pre-suit, but if litigation ensues, Florida law requires that corporations, must be represented by a license attorney in court proceedings (exceptions exist for administrative proceedings).

February 27, 2026

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