Halfords retail store

[davethepipe]

Hi .Im hoping that someone can help me with a serious problem regarding a Halfords retail store. just to let you know that I am 70 years of age and I went into a Halfords store to get a new battery fitted to my 2008 Jagusr car. The salesman came across as an expert and told me that I didn't need a new battery. When I questioned him on his mechanical background he gave me his business card and stated that he was only working at Halford part time because he had his own garage. After testing my battery , he stated that all the car wanted was a good run up the motorway in sports mode , which is something that I have never driven the car in before. After demonstrating what I should do , I took the car to a dual carriageway and it overheated and blow the oil cooler and its hoses off causing serious damage to my vehicle. When I limped back to the garage the store operative then stated that I did need a new battery after all .I was told be several people that he was not employed as a mechanic by Halfords and was only allowed to carry out basic tasks such as bulb changes etc. I was also told that he had given me extremely bad advice and that I should take Halfords to court for the damage that had been caused to my vehicle which I did. After preparing my case and waiting eleven months for the court hearing , the judge dismissed my case because stating that I didnt have a case and that there was nothing legal about it. I have not had my cat for elven months and it has cost me 12 months insurance , 12 months car tax and a car loan plus court costs.my question is , do I have a case to answer and is it worth appealing against . Thank you , I appreciate your help.

[atticus]

Your problem is what lawyers call "causation". Was the damage to the car a direct consequence of the advice you were given? Wasn't the condition of the car such that this was going to happen?

You will find appealing against the judge's findings of fact very difficult. Appeal judges are very reluctant to intervene in a judge's findings of fact. You would need to show that he got the law wrong.