Just to clarify the matter of liability, from the 1998 version of the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) article 8.5 was included which, to precis, states that the handling agent will indemnify the airline against damage for the hull deductable amount, minimum US$3.000, maximum US$1.5M.
The original SGHA did hold the handling company harmless as, in the days it was first negotiated, most handlers were airlines and the idea was 'knock for knock', ie. we know we've damaged your aircraft but also know that, sooner or later you'll damage ours!
With the emergence, and upsurge, of the 'independent' handler, the 'knock for knock' was no longer applicable. Re-negotiation was protracted as the handlers loved that bit (what a surprise!) but was finally resolved resulting in higher handling costs as the agents had to recover the cost of additional insurance. What it has done is make the handlers far more aware of their responsibilities and given a higher focus to safety.
And yes, oh ye of little faith, if the contract is up to date, the airline can claim - I know! In this case, I'm sure bmi baby have a post 1998 contract with the CWL handler and will reclaim at least part of the costs.
RT