I guess, you don't really require to wait that much... well, let's try to understand them that they need to find-out whether the cause of the damage is "inherit" (meaning factory defect) or simply neglect from part of user...
...but it shouldn't take that long... it's like giving them a couple of hundred of dollars - and wait for uncertainties...
...as customer, they should understand us more...
…I suggest, you bring this issue to their management… (go to congress or senate if you want… he he he just try to keep you smile)..
…cheers!