Not that this is legal advice.... But tell the guy to spin... Or, "prove it!" Agree to random third party to correct it.
"Painters were in the house after we left and we're thinking that if they were actually blown that it could of possible been due to them."
Painters often remove the cover-plates, some go as far as to remove the device, thinking the are smart cookies. Most are high on fumes.... But that is another story. Needless to say
I have no love loss for painters, or floor re-finishers, and sheet-rockers, and general handy types either for that matter. As 9 out of 10 if something electrical is not working after they park the station wagon, it's them.
Simular story, I had just finished a job, and the owner, after re-deciding on a color change with the painters involvement, decided to change device color. They didn't like my price to do this work, but the painter said he could do it. (T&M @ ~$15 an hour) Then later called me and said a bunch of dimmers blew up, and outlets here and there were not working.... (Funny, they all worked when I left.) Tried blame game, and witheld final payment on my work, had to hire out to another guy at about my same price plus troubleshooting, who bless him, called me, and with little perswation faxed over the detailed invoice... (Co. name in new panel) Just the ammo I needed when I went to court.
Mis-wired 3 ways, and outlets...