You had an oral promise from him and no more. Because nothing was in writing this would result in a "he said-she said" no-win situation. I'm sorry to say, but you probably are going to have to pay for any damage caused unless he was criminally convicted and ordered to pay restitution. Or you could take him to small claims or other civil court to try to recover the cost of the surgery or whatever. I think your best bet is just to live and let live, pay for the work yourself and move on.
