Returning a Product Under Warranty for Replacement or Repair due to Damage Prior Purchase

[AtemAndrew]

I wasn't sure if this was the right board to post this in, so I appologize in advance.

Basically my uncle bought an HP laptop a few months ago (I've been a bit lax about looking into this, but my life's been hectic), and it turned out that the laptop was damaged. As a result, he brought it to me in hopes that I could either fix it or get it fixed.

Basically, the screen is busted. The liquid crystal has spilt inside the display. There is no damage on the screen or outside of the product, so I assume that it might've either been damaged during production or otherwise strongly jostled within the package.

We took it back to the store, but they refuse to replace it or refund us. As replacing it or purchasing a replacement screen would be expensive (the customer support that I contacted said that it would cost $250 for repairs), I was hoping that I could use the warrenty to do either of the above; I was hoping to either send it in for repairs, to be replaced, or to get a replacement screen that I could install myself.

As-is, it's still under warrenty for a year. Theoretically I could possibly hook it up to a secondary screen, but I'd prefer to fix the product itself.

Any help?

Linked are pictures of the laptop itself, the box, and the display when the laptop is turned on.

Pics

[CherylG]

The news is not good I'm afraid. HP standard warranty will not cover a damaged screen as it is considered accidental damage by the owner. There are Care Packs with ADP (accidental damage coverage) but they must be purchased seperately. 

It is unfortunate that the laptop was damaged upon opening it, but it is policy that most stores won't accept it unless returned within 14 days.

[eelw]

The laptop has been mistreated.  The unit was held from the screen by the corner.