Building work causing damage to neighbours

[Leef]

Hiya

First post here, I appreciate any advice people may give me.

I have employed a builder to do work on the exterior of my house.

He employed a scaffolder to erect scaffold.

The scaffolder damaged a power cable which has broken several neighbours boilers that require replacing.

The scaffolder says he does not have insurance.

The builder is currently questioning why should they be liable.

I believe that as the builders were responsible for employing the scaffolder then all costs should be filed against him and then he recoups from the scaffolder.

I am worried that I may have to end up paying for this if the builder denies responsibility.

Any help us gratefully received.

Thank you
Lee

[ostell]

Firstly how does a power break damage a boiler? I would query that.

If you have no contract with the scaffolder then as your contract is with the builder you claim against the builder and he claims from the scaffolder.

[Leef]

Hiya
Thank you for your reply.
I have no contract with the scaffolder, the builder employed him.

The engineer who inspected the boilers says there was a power surge that has fried the internal circuits.

Thank you

[ostell]

Hmmmm...... But let the builder's insurance assessors sort that out. How one gets a surge when I presume he shorted the lines out I fail to see.

[des8]

The neighbours could proceed against you as the builders were your agents . You would then have to proceed against the builder who in turn proceeds against the scaffolders for negligence.
Hopefully the builder, unlike the scaffolder, will have public liability insurance.

I would suggest that you contact your household insurers as your policy probably includes a public liability section.
As there is a possibility of a claim you should inform them as soon as possible