Finger amputated by our letterbox...

[fizzpops]

We have just received a letter from a firm of solicitors telling us that we are being held responsible for an accident that occurred at our house when someone was hand delivering a letter.

Basically the top of the person's finger was amputated, the finger was fractured and there is 'possible nerve damage'.

We had some warning around the time that the accident happened as her employer told my husband but that was the last we heard till now, almost a month later.

We saw no evidence of an accident - no blood, skin etc. There have never been any previous accidents and although the edge of the letterbox flap is quite keen, in proper use (as it has been used by numerous people for four years), it shouldn't present a hazard.

We opened the letter too late to contact our insurers so not sure if we have cover but we have never been in this situation before and have no idea of what we might be liable for and how long this may go on for.

Obviously we will be contacting our insurers as soon as possible.

Any thoughts from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

[fizzpops]

Although the letterbox has a spring it isn't particularly vicious. I used to work delivering papers and there were a number that I struggled to push open to get the Sunday papers through and ours is nothing at all like these. The pressure from one finger will open it.

It is frequently used as a 'doorbell' as our bell is broken.

In my mind injuries like this must have happened as she tried to pull her hand out of the letterbox. Any letterbox would injure (from bruising to amputation) if you tried to pull your hand out of it once it had closed.

ABetaDad - Thank you for your advice, we have no intention of replying directly or making any contact except through the insurance company.

Still not 100% sure we are covered but the insurance company have asked us to forward the letter. Reading some of those links I sincerely hope we are covered - we can't afford to pay out that sort of money

[snorkie]

The other problem aside from the spring is if the flap gets sharpened in use. Hope you are covered too fizzpops, I'd have thought you should be.