Small claims Please help

[Void]

Okay so I decided to lease a television three days later as I am watching it the tv popped causing a big black spot on the screen so I called the place that I am leaseing it from and they sent somebody over to have a look eventually talking the tv and in for repaires two days later it comes back to me with no explanation as to the issue or what caused it. But when I turned it on there was a very noticeable crack and another formation of a black spot. I took before and after photos. This was in July I am about to go into a settlement conference I believe that the tv was a default and they may have caused damage when transporting it I have photos as slight proof but am very unsure. The lease agreement for the tv is 5000 witch is what they want me to pay. I am not asking for anything out of it should i ? But I just want to know if I have any chance. And how to go about it during the conference

 

[Proserpina]

When you called the leasing company after you got the TV back, what did they say?

 

[Void]

When i went back into the store the manager said there was nothing they could do and it was my responsibility to countinue paying the monthly fee. After that I called a tecnition because the tv was still under warrenty it was free he noticed that there where crackes and said that it was pressure from lifting it of grabbing it. So after that I called the store back and told them it was caused by one of there employes. They just told me to continue paying. I even got a letter from the manager stating pay your bill. So I decided to take it to court. I have tried to contact the store but the manager never seems to be there

 

[Proserpina]

You still owe the money. You've kept the goods, in whatever state of repair - this is essentially accepting the goods as they were returned to you.

You're going to end up with a judgment against you.

 

[Void]

In what way. they made no attempt to contact me afterwards to come to any sort of agreement. Is there any way to prove even with the before and after photos that they were responsible for damaging and also I had it for three days . If I have any chance at all how would approach it during the conference

 

[mightymoose]

If it is defective you should return it. The contract you signed should explain your options and procedures.
You are responsible for paying the lease as long as you have the item. It is possible a court may later side with you and that you be refunded a reasonable portion of the payments due to the defect.

Read your contract. It is the best place to start.