What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio
So here is what happened. Where I work at, we're not allowed to bring electronics such as laptops or tablets, however, we still do it when the supervisor is there. Anyways, I had my laptop on one side of the table, and this girl had hers on the other side, so they were back to back. I didn't notice that there was a cup of water in the middle of both laptops and I accidentally tip it over when I pushed mine back. The water spilled all over the table and because her computer was close we weren't able to pull it out in time. Her laptop (MacBook 13") immediately powered off and wouldn't turn back on. I had to step out for a minute, but when I came back I saw she had plugged it into the wall and trying to start it while it was still wet, which I think only made things worst. Of course I didn't say anything since I was feeling pretty bad, and didn't wanna sound like a bigger jerk.
I told her I would take care of it, and pay to get it fixed. However, it's gonna cost at least $650 to get it fixed, and that's practically what I make in a month (work part time/ student). I had to pay for school this semester, so I'm still trying to pay off that credit card, not to mention other expenses.
When the supervisor found out, he laughed and said "that's what she gets for bringing her laptop to work, when she's not supposed to". He told me that if he were me, he wouldn't pay her anything but I still feel responsible.
She just texted me saying I have 45 days to come up with the money/replacement, or she will take this to small claims court. I texted her asking if she'd be willing to go half way and pay half and half, but she hasn't answered me jet (she usually takes days to text me back.) I don't think she'll agree, but I feel like it's not totally my fault, since it was an accident, and she wasn't supposed to have it there, and was "careless" enough to leave her computer near a cup of water. (I know, I had mine out too)
So my question is ... Can she take me to small claims court? Is it likely that she'll actually win the full amount for the repairs? If she does, will they automatically deduct my paychecks? Should I just use a credit card and pay for it before they take it out of my paycheck?
Thank you, and sorry for the long post.
So here is what happened. Where I work at, we're not allowed to bring electronics such as laptops or tablets, however, we still do it when the supervisor is there. Anyways, I had my laptop on one side of the table, and this girl had hers on the other side, so they were back to back. I didn't notice that there was a cup of water in the middle of both laptops and I accidentally tip it over when I pushed mine back. The water spilled all over the table and because her computer was close we weren't able to pull it out in time. Her laptop (MacBook 13") immediately powered off and wouldn't turn back on. I had to step out for a minute, but when I came back I saw she had plugged it into the wall and trying to start it while it was still wet, which I think only made things worst. Of course I didn't say anything since I was feeling pretty bad, and didn't wanna sound like a bigger jerk.
I told her I would take care of it, and pay to get it fixed. However, it's gonna cost at least $650 to get it fixed, and that's practically what I make in a month (work part time/ student). I had to pay for school this semester, so I'm still trying to pay off that credit card, not to mention other expenses.
When the supervisor found out, he laughed and said "that's what she gets for bringing her laptop to work, when she's not supposed to". He told me that if he were me, he wouldn't pay her anything but I still feel responsible.
She just texted me saying I have 45 days to come up with the money/replacement, or she will take this to small claims court. I texted her asking if she'd be willing to go half way and pay half and half, but she hasn't answered me jet (she usually takes days to text me back.) I don't think she'll agree, but I feel like it's not totally my fault, since it was an accident, and she wasn't supposed to have it there, and was "careless" enough to leave her computer near a cup of water. (I know, I had mine out too)
So my question is ... Can she take me to small claims court? Is it likely that she'll actually win the full amount for the repairs? If she does, will they automatically deduct my paychecks? Should I just use a credit card and pay for it before they take it out of my paycheck?
Thank you, and sorry for the long post.