Builders renovating a house next door to a friend of mine caused so much dust when shot-blasting and cutting blocks that it damaged my friend’s computer and hi-fi system and her car needed a re-spray. No precautions were ever taken to stop the dust flying, and the builders were just abusive when she complained: is she entitled to any compensation?
A court would surely have ordered the builders to take precautionary measures. At this stage your friend may find it easier to claim on her domestic and motor insurance policies for the damage: the insurers would have the option of attempting to reclaim their losses from the builder. If she has good evidence, for example photographs of the dust storms, she could take the builder to court for compensation herself.