You’re being blamed for someone else’s mistakes.

The last contractor on site receives the blame

A flooring contractor is blamed for damaged skirting after several trades worked through a shop. The customer assumes the flooring crew caused it because it attended last. The contractor believes the damage existed earlier but has only scattered photographs. The task is to establish who did what and when, without turning uncertainty into an accusation against another trade.

Define the allegation and location

Ask for the exact damage, date discovered and reason your work is said to be responsible. Match each item to a location rather than discussing the premises generally.

Keep the complaint intact. A precise description helps distinguish an installation fault from damage caused during access, storage or later work.

Map responsibilities and attendance

Compare contracts, work orders and the sequence of trades. Identify who controlled the area and when your team entered and left. Record handovers and any restrictions.

Do not assume responsibility follows who was present last. The relationship between the work, access and damage needs evidence, and contractual obligations may extend beyond the task description.

Preserve independent observations

Gather dated photographs, site reports and factual staff recollections. Ask witnesses what they personally saw. Keep originals rather than annotating over the only copy.

Business.gov.au recommends checking facts and recording dispute discussions. Where technical cause is uncertain, seek an appropriately scoped assessment instead of asking staff to reach conclusions outside their knowledge.

Source: business.gov.au - Prevent, manage and resolve disputes

Respond without shifting unsupported blame

Explain the relevant scope and sequence, identify supporting records and state what remains unknown. Invite a joint inspection or other suitable way to investigate the unresolved issue.

Notify relevant insurers or advisers where appropriate before making admissions or commitments. Keep payment questions and repair proposals clearly documented so a practical response is not mistaken for acceptance of every allegation. Preserve the sequence of handovers and later trades’ attendance, including any photographs showing the condition before they began their work.

Establish the sequence before assigning responsibility

Identify the exact complaint and map each party's work and access.

Preserve observations and obtain suitable assessment where the cause remains uncertain.

Call CRP today about debt recovery and coordinating the appropriate professional support.