Open Question: tradesman has come out to my home and he has broken personal propert!! Should the company be liable?

Hi I had a man come out to fix the Antennae on my TV. There was someone at home at the time, not me though. and when I got home later that afternoon I found my GHD hair straightener valued at $299 broken. It looks like the man has stepped on it and it has snapped. For those of you who may be men or are not aware of the GHD hair straightener this may sound petty but the GHD is valued at $300!!! I purchased it 1/12 years ago for this price and it has not come down at all since. The damage was not reported to the person home at the time nor was any note left. I am writing a complaint letter so I am wondering if I have a leg to stand on at all or if my complaint is useless?? My boyfriend is a tradesman and he said if his company breaks something whilst on site they are liable for it and must either pay to replace it or pay for the cost of repairs. Also if you have any ideas of what I can say in my complaint letter in regards to getting the damaged item replaced or at least a percentage of the total cost of item paid out that would be great!! And any ideas of how to write it professional/firm would be very welcomed!! Thanks