How can I prove and claim compensation for scratches on my iPhone after sending it to a recycling center? | Lawyer Li Yusheng explains

News Summary

According to a TVBS news report, after repeatedly submitting their iPhone 14s to automatic recycling machines for valuation, customers discovered that the exterior had chipped corners and scratches, and the recycling offer had dropped to NT$1,500, leading them to suspect that the damage was caused by the machine. The recycling company stated that they need to confirm the cause, and if it is indeed caused by the machine, they will be responsible. The key issue in the dispute is the condition of the phone before and after the submission for testing and the cause of the damage; currently, the company's responsibility cannot be determined solely based on the price reduction.

Lawyer Li Yusheng explains

In a news report, Attorney Li Yusheng of Fidelity Law Firm reminded users that before submitting a phone for testing, they should take complete photos or videos to preserve the phone's original appearance. This is crucial for proving whether subsequent damage occurred during the testing process. In practice, the location of the testing machine, the time of operation, and the results of each estimate should be recorded. Any abnormalities should be immediately reported to customer service, and relevant records should be preserved.

advocacyProperty damage compensationIt is necessary to clarify the damage, the attributable cause, and the amount; the difference between the first and last quotes cannot be directly considered as a confirmed loss. Photos taken before and after inspection, surveillance footage, inspection records, repair estimates, and professional assessments can be used to determine reasonable repair costs and whether there is any additional impairment of value, thus avoiding double counting.

If a business offers a discount coupon or settlement, carefully check whether it comes with the condition of waiving other claims. If negotiations fail, pursue consumer complaints, mediation, or civil proceedings. If repeated valuations reveal new damage, it's advisable to stop testing to prevent further damage and making the cause more difficult to determine.

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