Years ago, while in an area where the cost of living is considerably less than it is here, Linda and I were able to build a home. It came with a "one year warranty", so to speak; any defects we had in that first year they would fix.
Well, it just so happened there was an extra full bath that no one ever used during that time. But shortly after that first year was up, a guest came and took a bath. In the process, the guest room next to it flooded. Hmmm. Guess the plumbing wasn't hooked up right (it wasn't).
We called our builder, and they told us, "Sorry, the warranty is up. Not our problem; call a plumber." Looking at an extensive and costly repair, I mentioned this to a parishioner who also happened to to be a lawyer.
"Oh," he said. "They do that all the time. That's how they keep costs down. People just think they are out of luck and don't pursue it any further even though the builder still has a clear obligation. That way the company doesn't have to pay. Let me write them a letter."
So he did. Funny thing. After receiving it, the builder immeidiately called us back and said, "Did you say water? We'll have someone over there is afternoon." And they did.
I thought of that when my wife was hit by another motorist. The motorist's company didn't want to pay. So I called and in the most polite and pleasant voice possible said, "Hello, my wife has been very nice in trying to settle his matter for the last several days. She always believes the best of people and tries to the right thing. But all I am calling to do is get the name and contact information with whom our lawyer will correspond."
They wanted to talk about it. Again, as politely as possible I said, "The whole reason people hire lawyers is so that don't have to waste their time talking to people who won't do the right thing in the first place. I really hate to do this, (and I really do), but please provide me with that information or pass me on to your superior." I was provided with the information, and I genuinely thanked them for being exceptionally helpful.
Funny thing. Within an hour the company called my wife, settled for the full amount, and threw in a rental car as well.
Such a sad, sad world sometimes.
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