Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Maryland
During my wedding reception, a few guests dented a bathroom stall door at the location we rented. It was stated in the contract that the clients were responsible for any damages. The manager of the location provided my husband and I with a paper with the total amount for repairs however he claims there is no paper with the breakdown of costs. We are concerned that we may be overpaying for the cost of repairs. The manager also claims they have no insurance on the building. We paid half of the amount he requested a month ago and he is now asking for the balance. We researched prices of bathroom stall doors and the price he has asked for is at least double the amount we have found. We are unsure of what to do about this matter. Would a special events building be required to have insurance to cover such damages? Are we in our right to request a break down of how they came to this final cost of repairs?
1 Answer from Attorneys
There is no simple answer to this question without first allowing an attorney to review the contract and what your obligations are. I suggest you obtain an independent estimate for repairs or provide the venue with a copy of what you found as to the replacement costs. You may be able to negotiate with them. As to insurance, the venue may be required to maintain insurance but this is irrelevant as to the contract you signed. Even if there was insurance, that company may then turn to you to repay them for any repair costs. Please contact myself or any other maryland attorney to discuss further.