I own a small furniture shop, a woman came in to look around she stayed a short time, but while in my store she sat in a recliner chair and put up the foot rest. she said she did know how the foot rest worked and hurt her self putting the footrest down. a day or two later she calls saying she has shooting pain and wants to know what we plan on doing. now she has come in asking for a report of what she claims happend I don't even know how she got hurt or where on her body or anything because she never said anything when this suposedly happend...should i even give her any paperwork to help her out????
2007-05-10 10:18:38 · 11 answers · asked by 4stringthndr 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY TO THIS PERSON. She has no proof she even entered your store or that she was hurt there. She'll have a tough time proving that in court. People scam shop owners like this all of the time. They figure you'll just turn it into your insurance company. DO NOT EVEN TAKE HER CALLS. Until as such time she files a law suit against you - do nothing. If she does file, turn it over to your insurance company. They will fight her for you.
(paralegal)
2007-05-10 10:21:54 · answer #1 · answered by Melli 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, give her the paper work to fill out. Its good customer service. I would contact and talk to your lawyer...a phone call might cost something, but it might be worth it in the long run. Be polite, show consern. You don't know her situation...she could be harmless, but I'm not saying be a push over. No, I wouldn't give her any compensation or free furniture at this point...maybe a mild discount? Thats it..something similar to a loss leader...although, I would wonder if I would want her buying anything from me. If it were me, I would make sure that she lists employees names, on the paperwork...the employees who were there at the time of the incident--all witnesses. Then, get signed and dated statements from all of them and then file everything. If she doesn't have anyone who had seen her do anything...and she doesn't have a doctor's assessment...then her lawyer will have a hard time with any liability dispute...although, I am not a lawyer, nor am I giving advice, since it it illegal in my state to do so.
2007-05-10 10:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
in america, anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. but she would need to get a lawyer to represent her--doesn't seem like such a strong case but you never know. do you have liability insurance or homeowner insurance? if so they should cover any payout.
also, if some problem with the recliner caused her injury, as she seems to believe, the manufacturer of the chair would be the one that's liable, I would think. If she sued you, your lawyer would need to bring in the furniture company as a 3rd party defendant. my advice is to keep your cool, and if you get sued you can cross that bridge when you come to it.
2007-05-10 10:31:57 · answer #3 · answered by njyogibear 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everyone is right. Your insurance company will probably probe the case to see if she really is injured. Between now and then, however, she can fake it, and even get a corrupt doctor to make a false diagnosis. People are heartless. I bet you own a 'Mom & Pop' store. That sucks. Hopefully your insurance company or lawyer can nail her for false claims.
2007-05-10 10:26:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You should contact your property insurance company about what to do. They are the ones who usually handle that. If not call a lawyer. In the mean time, put up a sign saying that mangement is not responsible for accidents.
2007-05-10 10:21:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Things to consider: you probably didn't have any signs around saying not to recline the chair but she was fully aware it was a recliner as she did recline it at her own risk.
Question: WTF are you going to give her paperwork FOR? Don't. Let her deal with it, and they will throw her money-grubbing **** and her ambulance-chaser lawyer out of court.
HER OWN RISK.
2007-05-10 10:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
she has nothing she is looking for free cash but call your lawyer and let them take care of it or tell her she has to deal with your lawyer without even calling him sounds like she just wants you to hand her some money to shut her up and that is fraud she didnt get hurt and if that doesnt work and there is a lawsuit kick her and make sure you are getting your moneys worth
2007-05-10 10:23:59 · answer #7 · answered by LOLO 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
She's scamming you. That being said, she may have a lawsuit but I'm not sure. You might want to hire someone for yourself and do some digging on this woman and see if she has a record fro suing. DON'T compensate this woman, do NOTHING until you speak to an attorney for yourself.
2007-05-10 10:21:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You do have insurance, right? Call them and let them advise you. She could be an opportunist. Has she seen a doctor? Don't give her anything, let the insurance company handle it.
2007-05-10 10:24:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call your insurance agent first thing. They will advise you - tell them just as you have told us.
2007-05-10 10:22:48 · answer #10 · answered by Zasu 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋