This is an unfortunate event that took place at a vendor's shop.
Nonetheless it seems both parties seem to have a silent agreement that there was mistakes made by both
Not disconnecting the battery during welding, Clay doing his wiring, but Brian should of stood up and said I cannot weld with the battery connected.
From a previous shop employee and how insurance should be used by the shop, no matter what or who's fault it is you MUST ALWAYS file a claim! If you don't you lose your protection from further lawsuits!
Clay, if you say is true, why didn't you file a claim and find out if you were covered? The worst thing would happen is that you can leverage your insurance to settle with Brian's. Clay, that was really stupid to not file a claim. You are going to need to file a claim and speak with a lawyer
Brian, why didn't you file a claim? Worst thing would of happened would of been your insurance company would of protected you from his insurance claim. Now you can be sued for the loss plus other damages. That ws stupid to not file a claim. I hope you have a good lawyer as this one is going to be painful!
Now, this becomes a legal issue which would be brought up in court, and unfortunately lawyers become involved as it is larger than a small claims and could end up worse for one or both of you. To add insult to injury, Brian's name is being dragged through the mud right, wrong or indifferent and Clay you are dragging your reputation through the mud.
Unfortuantely, this is going to end bad no matter what.
I am not going to pass any judgement, as accidents do happen, it is the outcome on how the persons' handling it that impresses me.
So far, I am not impressed by either of you.
FYI, I would of filed a claim and sued the chit out of Brian... but that is me and IF the story is TRUE.
Until then I will continue as all parties are innocent until proven guilty, I just hope the right thing is done where both parties are satisfied.
Brian, I will have an order for you today...