Someone already attempted to file an accident claim against me

So I have been working on getting moved into my new location.

My lease doesn't officially start until March 1st, yet I have already had someone attempt to file a claim against me.

I was in the building to day, working in the warehouse when I heard someone yelling for help at the front, so I go to the office part of the building. There was a father, with his 20 year old son standing in my empty office space.

He told me his son smashed his finger in the garbage dumpster in the back of my unit, and that he had to take him to the emergency room to get it checked out and bandaged, and that his finger ended up broken. He then asked who my liability insurance was under. I told him to take a hike.

The dumpster isn't my dumpster, it belongs to the garbage company. Matter of fact, I haven't even had my dumpster delivered yet, it was the business in the next unit over, it was their dumpster not mine. But I wasn't going to throw my neighbor under the bus so to speak, so I told them they had to leave, now. He argued he wasn't going to leave until I gave him the name and number of my liability insurance, so I said a few choice words, then I got out my cell phone, told him I was calling the police, and started to dial.

Needless to say he left.

About an hour later I received a call from the property management company asking me for my liability insurance.

It's all sorted out now, but this entire experience has really soured me allowing anyone to ever look in my dumpster. I am planning on putting a lock on it and a camera right above it with a sign that states clearly no dumpster diving. I feel bad that I have to do this to protect myself, I would prefer to allow people who wouldn't make a mess to look through my dumpster for things they might re purpose or make money off of. I am in California though, and the laws governing these types of situations are never in favor of the business owner.

Has anyone run into this type of situation before?

Scott

This just proves that people will try to sue/blame you for literally anything, even if what they did was in no way your fault or under your control. Just their plain stupidity.

This has actually happened to some people I know.
"Sir, I was textin' and tripped over your curb and scraped my elbow, I'm gunna sue you out of your mind. You should not have a curb there. I mean, come on! Sir, you just have no consideration for other human beings"

You just can't fix stupid, no matter how much duct tape you use.

There is a window compainy by where I used to live that through all there old windows in a dumpster glass and all. A scrapper came by when they were closed and jumped in the dumpster and cut himself. Ended up sueing the window co. for some big bucks. One more thing, if you put a camera out by the dumpster you also need to put a sign out there stating that the dumpster is under video servalance. Good luck with your new shop.

Thanks,

I learned from owning grocery stores that having camera's are just as important for people attempting to claim against your insurance as they are for security and theft reasons. I cannot even begin to recount the number of times I have caught customers attempting to fake a claim, and proved so with camera's.

Good point about the camera's, inside the building no such signs are required to be posted, but outside you are right. The other issue with putting video camera's outside and posting signs is that they always have to be working, and if not so, only a reasonable amount of time to get them working again is allowed. For example, you cannot legally put fake camera's outside your building to lead people to believe they are real. The reason for this is because a victim may believe the camera is real, and attempt to draw their attacker or whoever it is attempting to commit a crime against them, under a fake camera instead of a real one and thus be abused without video footage when they thought there would be.

I just wish people were "good" and all this wasn't necessary. Because I deal with precious metals I am also going through the process of getting a carry and conceal permit. I feel as our economy becomes worse and worse, more and more people are going to get it in their head that stealing is justified and attempt to do so.

Scott

Some people insist on ruining all the fun for others. What a fine example he set for his son...and we wonder why younger folks don't take responsibility for their actions.

I did ask him if he thought punishing a newly started business was the proper place to attempt to lay blame, and then went further to ask him what he was going to do about his son poking around places he had no business poking around. I did have a conversation with him before I sent him packing, I was nice and polite until he informed me that since I was a new business, and that I had money to start my business, I must have a little extra I could throw his way as shut up money.

I'm usually polite, respectful and go out of my way to be so because I look scary to certain people, when I'm incensed however it's difficult sometimes to keep my scary in check, I boxed for 17 years, I'm 6ft and 245 lbs with a shaved head and goatee, so when I sent him packing I made it clear that if he didn't leave straight away, he was going to have to sit on his next meal to eat it, and that his son was going to see things he didn't want his son to see. Later I also posted a sign that clearly states that entrance is by appointment only and not open to the public, on advice from an attorney, which when clearly posted negates many of the legal issues of people lurking in dangerous areas. This is not a location that is open to the public, it's only for processing.

Scott

let the property owner deal with it, you are not liable for anything till your lease starts, pass the buck

I already told the management company what happened. But so far as I am concerned I wasn't going to give the father any information. His son was old enough that he should be taking care of this himself, and he knew what he was doing he wasn't suppose to be doing. So far as I am concerned, they are responsible for their own mistakes. I chased them off and could care less if they contact the management company or not to be honest, but I wasn't going to make contacting the management company easy for them so they could file a claim against my neighbor. I did tell my neighbor what happened, he put a lock on the dumpster already.

I feel people like this are just looking for someone to sue, and not being honest anyway. Really gets under my skin.

Scott

Creeps looking for a pay out instead of working. Society really is going to hell, and fast. It's unfortunate.

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Originally Posted by NobleMetalWorks

I did ask him if he thought punishing a newly started business was the proper place to attempt to lay blame, and then went further to ask him what he was going to do about his son poking around places he had no business poking around. I did have a conversation with him before I sent him packing, I was nice and polite until he informed me that since I was a new business, and that I had money to start my business, I must have a little extra I could throw his way as shut up money.

I'm usually polite, respectful and go out of my way to be so because I look scary to certain people, when I'm incensed however it's difficult sometimes to keep my scary in check, I boxed for 17 years, I'm 6ft and 245 lbs with a shaved head and goatee, so when I sent him packing I made it clear that if he didn't leave straight away, he was going to have to sit on his next meal to eat it, and that his son was going to see things he didn't want his son to see. Later I also posted a sign that clearly states that entrance is by appointment only and not open to the public, on advice from an attorney, which when clearly posted negates many of the legal issues of people lurking in dangerous areas. This is not a location that is open to the public, it's only for processing.

Scott

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Entitlement scum. I'm super pi$$ed and I wasn't even there.

Can you leave your entry door locked? Since it's by appointment, you would know when someone is supposed to be there, right?

Sounds like these two individuals are professional con artists. I am glad you did not hand over any business or insurance info to them. I hope that everyone on the forum reads this thread. If any one claims they were injured on, in or near your property, business or otherwise you are not compelled to give anyone any insurance or personal information. If you did not see the injury happen or are informed by the person who was injured or by a "witness" days after the injury occurred tell them to go chase themselves. These people will try to intimidate you and threaten to call the police...let them. Its a civil law matter not a police matter, unless it involves a vehicle where an accident report will be taken.
These people are the scum of the earth that engage in these scams. They probably singled you out Scott since you were the new business opening up and figured you would pay them to avoid going thru insurance. You should have asked to see the hospital paperwork stating there was an injury. I think its a very good idea to invest in those cameras and signs.
Good luck with the new diggs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NobleMetalWorks

I just wish people were "good" and all this wasn't necessary. Because I deal with precious metals I am also going through the process of getting a carry and conceal permit. I feel as our economy becomes worse and worse, more and more people are going to get it in their head that stealing is justified and attempt to do so.

Scott

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Good luck with that in California. Didn't they just pass a law banning removable magazines from firearms along with banning lead bullets?

What a horrible state.

It seems, at least in my area of N. California that CC permits are being handed out more and more rapidly. There may be restrictions on types of guns and ammo, but the ability to carry them is still there.

The sad thing is that this man was allowed to breed and now he's setting an example for his son.

Offer him a job. That will get rid of him

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Originally Posted by erewen

Offer him a job. That will get rid of him

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I did that the other day... there was a guy standing at an intersection in an affluent area here in DFW holding a sign saying Homeless, need help, yadda-yadda-yadda.

He looked able-bodied to me, and I actually do need someone to help me with a project. I offered him a 2 week job for $1000 cash. He said some words I can't repeat here, but the jist was that he makes more standing on that corner and it's a lot easier. I said, "Yeah, if you have no pride."

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Originally Posted by auminer

...but the jist was that he makes more standing on that corner and it's a lot easier. "

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*off to look for cardboard and a marker

I remember a few years back reading several articles on panhandlers, an how they make a bunch of cash. If I remember the articles at the time I read involved a dude who was actually quite well off. He would dress like he was homeless go panhandle an then jump in his car an go home.

Some people.

Sirscrapalot - You can try an fix stupid but it's like using cotton balls to plug up a dam.

I guess if it works... At least they're being supported by people who DECIDED TO reach into their wallets. Not like those on the dole being supported by those who have no choice.

Maybe pride doesn't even enter their equation... they just look at this like acting. People in Hollyweird dress up for their roles, maybe they consider themselves 'actors'.

I've only ever helped one of those types: I noticed a guy that apparently lived under a bridge here in DFW. Every Saturday morning I would go by this bridge and see that guyat the same spot, and he always had a dog with him.

So, one Saturday I was on vacation... more of a staycation... and me & the missus were heading through that same intersection about the same time of day, so I said, "Hold up... let's go do something." So I went over to the nearest place I could park to where this guy was, and went over to talk to him about his dog. Heartworm is pretty much ubiquitous here in North Texas... either keep your dogs on heartworm preventative, or they WILL get heartworms... it's that simple. The stuff's expensive, though, for folks on marginal income. Like $100/year per dog. So I point-blank offered to get the guy's dog in to my vet for a checkup, shots, and get him started on HW preventative. He was so happy, and I called right there & made an appointment for that Monday, went down (without the missus) and picked him & the dog up & drove them up to the vet's office. Doc charged me half, and then paid part of my bill out of her own pocket. Every once in awhile I'd take him some dogfood.

He told me that that dog was what kept him out of jail. Once, when he first got the dog, he got arrested & asked some 'friends' to watch the dog. Let's just say that didn't work out well, so after he got out for that stint, he stayed on the straight & narrow for the dog's sake. Hey, whatever works, right!

I can't believe some DIPSHT thinks he can sue you for his ADULT sons ignorance. I wonder how many other BS stunts hes got his son pulling. You can never be too careful when you own your own business. Setting up video surveillance doesn't sound like a bad idea, especially where your at. California is full of criminals, all shapes and sizes. The East Bay is one of the grimiest places I have been to.

Some guy tripped over his own scrap at my yard and is currently attempting to sue us for a quarter million dollars. Our yard is wired with cameras everywhere, but unfortunately he was standing in a blind spot when it happened. We have some high paid lawyers on retainer to fight idiots like this though.

That's too bad. A waste of money to deal with someone's greed.

Some people will do anything hoping for a quick pay off. Falls over his own scrap...he should have done that is in own garage - then he could have sued himself.

This past June I dropped a server rack I'd won at auction over on my foot... Pretty pictures anyone?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...27789798_n.jpg


Anyway, it happened in the warehouse of an institution with some prety deep pockets. I've been astounded by the number of people telling me I should've sued them when I tell this story. It never even crossed my mind. I did a dumb thing... I got hurt. No-one else was involved. Why the **** would I sue them??!!??

I guess on the bright side, I know who NOT to invite to my house next time I host a BBQ. I wouldn't want someone to burn their tongue on some hot corn-on-the-cob & sue me over it.

My brother was on the job one day (building construction) and noticed a guy (through a window opening) laying an extension ladder on the ground(or maybe a slab) then taking a tool here and there from his toolbelt and tossing them around. The guy then lays down and begins to hollar for help. My brother just quietly watched for awhile. Eventually the guy must have grown tired of hollering, because he gets up, picks up his tools, and his ladder, and leaves

BBQ at Auminers...I'll be sure to sign the release forms.

Sirscrapalot - Lawyer...it oughta be a dirty word.

Thanks, Bear. That is a great story and started my day off right!

As a young dumpster diver and scrapper (senior in high school) I am disgusted by how some divers will go through trash, hurt themselves, and threaten to sue. I was diving at a store that specializes in glassware, and I forgot my gloves. Needless to say, I cut myself pretty bad. I didn't even consider suing. It was my own fault, and it ruins it for other divers if you report it! The diver in question here disgusts me. That is all.

There's one born every minute.

Most scrap yards have an "Enter at your own risk" sign. But, a good lawyer is even better!

The yard we go to won't even let you get out of your vehicle to unload. They unload for you. Of course, you do get out to get your check!

As a Non American, The Sue SA mentality is both amazing, sad and disgusting. And of course like all things here in the United States of Australia, whatever moronic Fluked up thing that happens there filters down under. The armchair Geniuses that got their Law degree from Television make claims of Sueing people over anything they don't like and want to make up but fortunately the reality of doing it here is still a very different thing. Most Lawyers want $5000 up front before they will even start a case they think they can win. That alone soon sorts out the low lifes.

I have to admit the attitude of so many I hear and I know it may be the low enders, about Safety and protecting others drives me insane. I don't know if America has become a nation of whineing ***** safety zealots or I just come across it a lot. I swear if I could reach out and smack someone in the nose when they talk about MY responsibility to not show something on a youtube vid because some kid or dipstick may copy it and hurt themselves, I would hurt them plenty. Like many have said here, If I do something, Like weld without gloves or a bombproof suit and respirator like many complain about and I do, one day finally manage to hurt myself, so what?? It's not like I'm going to cut my Goddam arm off. It's going to be a bit of a burn from some splatter or touching something hot. The way many of the safety zealots go on you'd think I was handling spent nuke fuel rods or something.

If You say you'll make your own risk assesments, then you get the ols " But what if some kid sees it and copys you" crap. Then comes the old You'll get your arse sued off BS. No, I won't because I don't live in your fine country that has this inexplicable moronic mindset. Seriously, I don't know how your society is going to function in years to come if every moron, and as a society you seem hell bent on protecting and breeding them up instead of letting natural selection take care of the problem, can trip over their own shoelaces and sue you because they were walking along your Council owned footpath when it happened but come after Joe public.

How will companies be able to sell products when every clown that sticks a knife in a toaster is going to sue them or the knife manufacturer for not makeing them out of rubber or putting a warning lable on them they are metal and conduct electrricity.
Just what I come into contact with the saftey zealots and the " Your personal responsibility is someone elses job" crowd amaze and enrage me. The mentality that whenever a brainless idiot does something moronic can sue you just amazes me.
The other mentality that you are responsible for what some idiot sees you do and gets wrong and hurts themselves by doing wrong incites me.

One thing I have seen the US influence on here with regards to dangers and Suing is on Lawn Mowers. You can always tell a Mower Built in or designed for the US market By the blade or engine stop feature. Really? There are that many idiots that stick their hands in the blades?? I had a mower with that blade stop rubbish and it lasted one lawn then I took the thing up the back, removed that ridicilous garbage and threw it to the shiphouse. I have been mowing lawns since a young Kid and I have never had to restart the mower every time I empited the catcher and I have never lost a finger or any other part of me yet. None of our localy made mowers have this detriment and somehow our population seems to survive with all their digits.
It's not the manufacturers fault if you are an idiot or have a brain fade and stick your hands where they shouldn't go. What next, cars that automaticaly lock the doors so you can't step out at 60 MPH in case someone sues?
Not quite as good as Coffee cups with hot contents warnings on them though.

If I hurt myself Through my own stupidity, it's my fault and I'll wear it. That's a lot different thing to a faulty product that puts someone in danger or causes an accident a person with a brain could not reasonably forsee.

sometimes mowers are bought by people who have never had a lawn before..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by glumpy

As a Non American, The Sue SA mentality is both amazing, sad and disgusting. And of course like all things here in the United States of Australia, whatever moronic Fluked up thing that happens there filters down under. The armchair Geniuses that got their Law degree from Television make claims of Sueing people over anything they don't like and want to make up but fortunately the reality of doing it here is still a very different thing. Most Lawyers want $5000 up front before they will even start a case they think they can win. That alone soon sorts out the low lifes.

I have to admit the attitude of so many I hear and I know it may be the low enders, about Safety and protecting others drives me insane. I don't know if America has become a nation of whineing ***** safety zealots or I just come across it a lot. I swear if I could reach out and smack someone in the nose when they talk about MY responsibility to not show something on a youtube vid because some kid or dipstick may copy it and hurt themselves, I would hurt them plenty. Like many have said here, If I do something, Like weld without gloves or a bombproof suit and respirator like many complain about and I do, one day finally manage to hurt myself, so what?? It's not like I'm going to cut my Goddam arm off. It's going to be a bit of a burn from some splatter or touching something hot. The way many of the safety zealots go on you'd think I was handling spent nuke fuel rods or something.

If You say you'll make your own risk assesments, then you get the ols " But what if some kid sees it and copys you" crap. Then comes the old You'll get your arse sued off BS. No, I won't because I don't live in your fine country that has this inexplicable moronic mindset. Seriously, I don't know how your society is going to function in years to come if every moron, and as a society you seem hell bent on protecting and breeding them up instead of letting natural selection take care of the problem, can trip over their own shoelaces and sue you because they were walking along your Council owned footpath when it happened but come after Joe public.

How will companies be able to sell products when every clown that sticks a knife in a toaster is going to sue them or the knife manufacturer for not makeing them out of rubber or putting a warning lable on them they are metal and conduct electrricity.
Just what I come into contact with the saftey zealots and the " Your personal responsibility is someone elses job" crowd amaze and enrage me. The mentality that whenever a brainless idiot does something moronic can sue you just amazes me.
The other mentality that you are responsible for what some idiot sees you do and gets wrong and hurts themselves by doing wrong incites me.

One thing I have seen the US influence on here with regards to dangers and Suing is on Lawn Mowers. You can always tell a Mower Built in or designed for the US market By the blade or engine stop feature. Really? There are that many idiots that stick their hands in the blades?? I had a mower with that blade stop rubbish and it lasted one lawn then I took the thing up the back, removed that ridicilous garbage and threw it to the shiphouse. I have been mowing lawns since a young Kid and I have never had to restart the mower every time I empited the catcher and I have never lost a finger or any other part of me yet. None of our localy made mowers have this detriment and somehow our population seems to survive with all their digits.
It's not the manufacturers fault if you are an idiot or have a brain fade and stick your hands where they shouldn't go. What next, cars that automaticaly lock the doors so you can't step out at 60 MPH in case someone sues?
Not quite as good as Coffee cups with hot contents warnings on them though.

If I hurt myself Through my own stupidity, it's my fault and I'll wear it. That's a lot different thing to a faulty product that puts someone in danger or causes an accident a person with a brain could not reasonably forsee.

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How do you get your pop tart out of the toaster if it gets trapped by the claw clamp at the bottom ? Yes I put a knife in my toaster today and lived to post about it .