Q: my office sign hit the car door of my client and scratched his car..he gave me a bill for 450.00 what do i do
His wife said she told him not to park so close to sign and wind blew sign into car. I was so upset, I told him I couldn't charge him (300 dollars) for his tax return and he came back a few days later with an estimate to fix his car of 450.00. He didn't even take into consideration that he got a free tax return or that I was so upset and crying because I would probably have to pay out of pocket.
Can I now tell him that he will have to pay for his tax return as I was so upset that I didn't know what I was saying..I could give him a discount or something....and am I liable for the damage to his car? I haven't heard back from my office insurance company but I didn't buy the extra for equipment damage or theft cuz my stuff is so old
A:
This appears to be more of a business question than a legal question. If this client is a valued client who gives you repeat business or referrals, you will want to work out a mutually agreeable settlement with him. You have already done a good job of this by offering a free tax return. Speak with him and work it out.
If this client is not a client that you wish to keep, investigate your potential liability. You did not provide sufficient facts to determine if you have liability for the damage to the car. If you believe, after investigation, that you may have liability, you can offer a settlement that appears reasonable to you. If you do not believe that you have liability, you can take the position that the matter is closed; that your providing a free tax return has settled the matter.
This is a small matter and it needs to be resolved so that you do not waste more time on it. As a business person, your time needs to be devoted to those things that earn you money.
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