Caesars Risk Management Inquiry
Some of you might remember from my most recent trip report that I sustained a nasty burn from boiling Chinese soup at Caesars picnic court. Two EMT’s attended to me, one taking all the information.
Monday I received a letter from a Third Party Risk Management firm retained by Harrah’s informing me that they determined that Harrah’s provided “reasonable care in its duty to provide a safe, secure, and fun gaming environment for its customers.” They go on to invite me to discuss this matter further.
I have absolutely no intention of even comtemplating suing them, although the head person at the picnic court did tell us that she had instructed the Chinese station to put lids on their soup (never admit blame in these circumstances or at the scene of an accident).
My room and meals were comped, and upgraded at that, so I can’t ask to be refunded.
I guess I’ll just let it pass.
BTW, still haven’t heard from MSS about the cashout voucher.
Tom
Sections: Las Vegas |
July 6th, 2006 at 8:56 am
Still, if I’m you, I write back a note saying how you feel they are at
fault, but would be willing to sign some sort of waiver in exchange for
another comped trip in upgraded room. The worst they can do is say no.
Now, before anyone gets too upset, 99% of the time I think such
“extortion” is wrong. But this is Harrah’s we are talking about -
weasels among weasels.
July 6th, 2006 at 8:56 am
Just a more rare form of comp whoring.. .no big deal.
Kurt
July 6th, 2006 at 8:57 am
And I am used to being a comp whore, as stated in the past. Its just
that I don’t want to make any trouble or get a rep.
Tom
July 6th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Why should he milk it? The restaurant’s worker was probably delinquent,
and DocT got a nasty burn. BUT, DocT seems likely to recover without
permanent damage (unless he makes a living on the side as a forearm skin model).
Reminds me of some years ago when I walked away from a 5-car pileup. I felt fine at first, but three hours later the neck pain started. For those of you who have never had whiplash, let me tell you the pain was bad, bad, bad. The reaction of some co-workers, after the initial clucks of sympathy, was to suggest possible parties for me to sue.
The pain persisted for 1-2 weeks before disappearing. I was just happy
that it went away. If I were so inclined, I could have stretched out my
symptoms and claimed damages from the insurers of the other drivers
involved. And of course, I might have suffered unknown damages which may manifest themselves years down the road. In fact, I have a little twinge in my little finger right now.
I probably could have gotten a settlement in the 5-figures, considering
that I was a well-paid employee at the time of the accident. I just
didn’t feel right in pursuing such a case. Of course, back then I was
younger and more idealistic; today, I may just sue one and all.
Accidents happen, even on commercial properties. My kudos to all victims who exercise some common sense and restraint before calling for their friendly neighborhood tort lawyer.
Bill T
July 6th, 2006 at 8:59 am
Doc,
I had occasion to talk to our risk management people recently. The
supervisor had been in charge of risk management for a top five theme
park for eight years, until they went with an outside firm as well. She
said that they averaged six lawsuits or inquiries daily. In all cases
that generated an incident or accident report, a follow up letter had to
be sent. In some cases, the risk management dept. would actually send
someone to the hospital to secure a signature on a release or immediate
settlement before the guest got “lawyered up”. In all cases they would
order all employees to say nothing, but express sympathy. The letter is
important as one of the questions always asked in deposition or court
is, “What did you hear from Walmart after the accident?” and “Did
anyone from Walmart call to make sure you were okay?”
I’m sure you know about the famous McDonald’s coffee case. The lady was burned on her crotch, spent three days in the hospital and had to have
skin grafts or plastic surgery of some kind. She got megabucks, and
coffee hasn’t been served hot enough to stay warm all the way to work
since. Every time I walk into a convenience store and see glass pots of
coffee brewing within reach of kids, I wonder what they’re thinking.
In my state, you have two years to file a lawsuit. I wonder what they’d
pay you to go away, without admitting guilt of course. Andrew? Berman?
I remember staying at the Excalibur a few weeks after they opened. In one of the crowded halls, I cut my arm on the sharp edge of the protruding fire extinguisher holder. I complained, they comped my room. During a stay six months later, I noticed that heavy foam rubber edging had been put on the holders. Probably saved some child from ripping their head open.
DH
July 6th, 2006 at 8:59 am
A McDonalds’ representative testified that they served their coffee
hotter than industry standards because they could use cheaper coffee
beans that way. Although they had received hundreds of complaints
about burns, he said they had no plans to lower the temperature,
preferring high profits over customers’ safety. The jury reacted with
some degree of proportionality because the money they awarded was
approximately equal to one morning’s coffee sales for McDonalds.
Oh, and on motions after verdict the judge took away most of the award,
leaving her with not much more than the cost of her medical bills.
mxashly