Movers damaged floors; what are they responsible for?

[Anonymous]

Brand new hardwood floors. The movers were asked to be extra careful on them. The floors ended up getting scratched becaues they weren't careful (e.g. not a problem with our furniture).

Our flooring installer estimates it's $1200 to repair the damage, it was a $800 move

They want to have someone come in and 'fix' the floors, which I suspect will be a stain-marker or some putty. I want the flooring installers to come in and for the movers to pay for it.


I found the company based on a lot of positive angie's list reviews. Legally, since we dont have a contract (my bad, i know, i know, i know!) I suspect the answer is nothing, but what are they responsible for?

[Anonymous]

This is not legal advice but without a contract you're kind of stuck with small claims court probably (based on a negligence theory) but you may or may not get anywhere there.

Sorry & good luck. I'd have it fixed by your choice of repair shop/person.

[Anonymous]

p.s. you have an oral contract, too, but of course the terms are pretty much undefined once you get past the real basics (I'll pay $X for you to move Y from Point A to Point B).

[Anonymous]

There are only certain instances where you need a written contract (e.g., real estate contracts, contract with a min dollar Amy). Not sure that an $800 moving contract qualifies as having to be in writing. Call or write to the owner and explain to situation. If they do not take responsibility, then make sure your review of them reflects that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are only certain instances where you need a written contract (e.g., real estate contracts, contract with a min dollar Amy). Not sure that an $800 moving contract qualifies as having to be in writing. Call or write to the owner and explain to situation. If they do not take responsibility, then make sure your review of them reflects that.

Statute of Frauds almost surely does not require a written contract here...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brand new hardwood floors. The movers were asked to be extra careful on them. The floors ended up getting scratched becaues they weren't careful (e.g. not a problem with our furniture).

Our flooring installer estimates it's $1200 to repair the damage, it was a $800 move

They want to have someone come in and 'fix' the floors, which I suspect will be a stain-marker or some putty. I want the flooring installers to come in and for the movers to pay for it.


I found the company based on a lot of positive angie's list reviews. Legally, since we dont have a contract (my bad, i know, i know, i know!) I suspect the answer is nothing, but what are they responsible for?

We had the furniture delivery company pay for some deep scratches. They sanded and refinished the entire floor. The room was 8x10 and cost about 800 dollars.

Usually the company will have insurance to pay for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brand new hardwood floors. The movers were asked to be extra careful on them. The floors ended up getting scratched becaues they weren't careful (e.g. not a problem with our furniture).

Our flooring installer estimates it's $1200 to repair the damage, it was a $800 move

Get another quote
buy a rug to put on top of it
drink a cup of coffee

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Brand new hardwood floors. The movers were asked to be extra careful on them. The floors ended up getting scratched becaues they weren't careful (e.g. not a problem with our furniture).

Our flooring installer estimates it's $1200 to repair the damage, it was a $800 move

They want to have someone come in and 'fix' the floors, which I suspect will be a stain-marker or some putty. I want the flooring installers to come in and for the movers to pay for it.


I found the company based on a lot of positive angie's list reviews. Legally, since we dont have a contract (my bad, i know, i know, i know!) I suspect the answer is nothing, but what are they responsible for?

We had the furniture delivery company pay for some deep scratches. They sanded and refinished the entire floor. The room was 8x10 and cost about 800 dollars.


Did the moving company do the repairs, or pay a flooring company of your choice to do it?

Usually the company will have insurance to pay for that.

[Anonymous]

When we had damage we submitted 3 quotes