With double glazing, the chances of a soccer ball being kicked hard enough to completely shatter your window is less common, but it does happen. However, this general truth doesn’t account for single-pane glass, exterior structures line sheds or greenhouses, or other balls entirely. A cricket ball can carry immense speed, as can perfectly hit baseballs, and various other examples.

We all know what it’s like to be a kid, but when a ball of such type flies through your window, you’re well within your rights to complain about it. Yet of course, unfortunately, not all of our neighbor’s respond the same way. To strengthen your case or simply proceed in the right manner, it’s important to follow some steps, avoid escalating a dispute, and learn how to fix the area that was damaged. 

In this post, we’ll explore a few steps you can take to ensure this outcome is not only more reasonable but even more possible. Without further ado, please consider the following advice:

Football sitting in the grass

Photograph The Damage & Document Any Relevant Info

First, of course, it’s important to make sure everyone’s safe. A ball and smashed glass can cause real injury, and if so, make sure to attend to that first. If not, grabbing a few clear photos of the shattered glass and the ball is wise, from inside and outside. Be mindful of shattered glass on the floor and don’t touch the window. This gives you a bit of evidence to show your neighbor, which can be useful if there’s any confusion.

You can also use the photos to get an accurate quote for the repair later on. It’s also wise to make a note of the date and time of the incident, along with any other small details you can remember, so you have all the information handy just in case you need it down the line.

Talk To Your Neighbor & Escalate Via Small Claims Court If Necessary

Having a calm and friendly chat with your neighbor is the best approach. After all, accidents happen, and they’ll probably be just as embarrassed about it as you are upset, so you can probably work out a solution together. If things can’t be resolved and they’re particularly belligerent about it as some parents can be, you can then consider going to small claims court for the cost of the window. Provide any other footage like that from your doorbell camera. It’s a last resort you likely won’t want to go to, since it can damage your relationship with a neighbor, but if they’re reticent to even apologize, that’s a step you may not worry too much about. Just keep in mind that a heartfelt apology from a child or teen can often be well-meaning, especially if they offer to make it up by mowing your lawn for a while, etc.

Have The Window Replaced With A Trusted Service

After everything is sorted out with your neighbor, you’ve still got to get the window fixed. Finding a trusted professional for a window replacement should of course be an early step, though you can use screens to protect the hole for now. You will want to make sure the new glass is a perfect fit and that it is installed properly, especially if you have an older home where the frame might need some extra care. A good contractor will be able to handle that and even arrive early to get it sorted.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily respond even if you suffer the timeless neighborly cliche of a ball going through your window.