Craftsman drills into electrical line - who is liable?

However, this presupposes that a valid contract has been concluded between a craftsman and the client.

Hence the reference to the files. By the way, an illegal worker is also liable for damages he causes. Sometimes the files speak against enforcing a claim.

Since he does not see himself at fault and does not want to increase his damages with the insurance, he will wait.

Fault and liability are two different things.

What alternatives does the OP have? He is desperately trying to cheaply secure one, namely his opinion, here

Such statements are not helpful here. I asked for advice because I have suffered damage and wanted to draw on expert knowledge or prior experience to assess the chances in this matter.

To respond to the constructive contributions and attempts to help: First of all, thank you for this. I have gathered that the situation is not as clear-cut as I had expected – there seem to be neither known legal precedents nor comparable cases here in the forum.

Still, thanks for the attempts to advise! If there is interest, I can report how the case turns out.

there appear to be neither known legal precedents nor comparable cases here in the forum.

On the contrary, I would say there is an overwhelming selection of Hornberger Schießen precedents, so there is always something for both sides. Moreover, it has been said here dozens of times in various words: in court, the one who shows up empty-handed when the burden of proof lies with them will definitely lose.

Such statements do not help here. I asked for advice because I have suffered a damage and wanted to rely on solid knowledge or prior experience to assess the chances in this matter. To respond to the constructive contributions and attempts to help: First of all, thanks for this. I have gathered that the situation is not as clear-cut as I would have expected – there seem to be neither known legal precedents nor comparable cases here in the forum. Nevertheless, thanks for the attempts to advise! If there is interest, I can report how the case ends.

yes, gladly report so that we have a case here for the next TE

First of all, thanks for this. I took away that the situation is not as clear-cut as I had expected

The legal situation is clear. The circumstances are not – simply because information is missing. What you provide is enough for approval. What actually happened no one here can assess. So much for the circumstances. The case files decide in the event of a dispute. There are countless examples of how it sometimes ended in favor of the contractor, sometimes in favor of the client. Talk to the person responsible, prepare your files, sort yourself out and negotiate a solution without emotional outbursts. You can use as a basis the information that your contractor is liable. That was your initial question, you can consider it settled.

yes, please report so that we have a case for the next TE here

Update: The craftsman will cover the costs of the repair (a new cable needs to be installed).