Restaurant damaged my trousers

Princess_Coupon

I ate in a restaurant with my husband at lunchtime and when I crossed my legs under the table they caught on a screw that wasn't in properly it caused 1 large click and 4 small ones.
I asked the waitress to speak to the manager, a lady came and I explained to her what had happened she was appologetic etc and suggested I just cut them off:eek: I told her this would make holes and even if it didn't they would still be ruined as they would still have the long "pull lines", she said the manager was not there and could not be contacted, and all she could off was our drinks free ( 2 cokes 2X £1.20) I told her it wasn't good enough. She said I would have to come back and speak to the manager I insisted she wrote out a card stating what had happened and sign it, which she did.
The trousers cost around £40, I am basically wondering what I should reasonably ask for, and if I have any rights or I just have to hope the manager will do the right thing.

underlay_guru

Hi,

Don't worry! Any restaurateur worth their salt will do the right thing, mainly in order to keep their reputation intact. Simply tell him/her the price of the trousers (I would take the trousers in to show them if I were you), and I can't see you having a problem aquiring at least either £40 or a free meal to cover your loss!

If they get shirty about it (although I highly doubt they will) simply ask for the waitress you reported it to...

pendulum

underlay_guru wrote: »

If they get shirty about it

Not sure if you meant it, but good one...

I would be asking for the £40.00 for a replacement pair. Do you have the receipt you could take with you next time to prove the cost?

Perhaps next time you fancy a meal, you could go there and ask to speak to the boss who will hopefully be there. You could politely explain what happened and stress that you still like the food and will be happy to sit down and order again after the matter is resolved. It's best if you do this in the vicinity of other customers as he should, if he's a good manager, want to appear reasonable and caring, and the last thing he should want is an argument.

If he doesn't do the right thing, I would send a recorded letter threatening small claims action, but if that doesn't get me anywhere I'd probably not follow through with it for the sake of £40.

underlay_guru

pendulum wrote: »

Not sure if you meant it, but good one...

:rotfl:No I didn't! Good spot!

Princess_Coupon

Thanks for the advice, I couldn't be bothered with small claims but on the basis of what I've stated are the legally obliged to pay for them?

pendulum

I would say so. There shouldn't be screws sticking out underneath tables, otherwise customers clothing will get snagged at no fault of their own. It's their job to ensure their seating is adequate and maintained so as not to cause injury or damage to third parties.

They should have insurance for injuries or damage to third parties. You could start asking for insurance details and hinting of a claim if they get funny about paying you the £40. I'm sure they'd rather just pay the £40 than have all that hassle and risk of increased premiums. It's just another thing you can say if you need to.

Princess_Coupon

I'm going to phone them tomorrow, it was a chinese restaurant (part of a modern chain) so fingers crossed the manager is accomodating

Anihilator

Actually they are only liable if they were neglient in there care of the premises.

I.e You would expect a restaurant to regularly check furniture for safety etc and replace and maintain it and act on complaints. If they can show they did this then it is a genuine accident with no neglience and legally they are not liable.

maninthestreet

It's suprsing how much damage can be done by a loose screw.

scullster

maninthestreet wrote: »

It's suprsing how much damage can be done by a loose screw.

I've had a screw loose for years....... (you set 'em up, I'll hit 'em).

I once snagged a knitted top (that sounds awful doesn't it, mid 30's and owning up to knitwear) on a basket in Sainsbury's. I'd only had the top a couple of weeks, still had the receipt for the pullover so I went back and they refunded me the price of the jumper.

Viper_7

As above - but I would take it via the small claims court.
My preferred option to recover the funds as they more than likely won't attend and just accept, would be to recover the costs by Bailiffs, as you can choose this.
They will then just turn up and remove assets directly from the premises - full blown embarrassment factor for the restaurant. Will teach them to be a little more customer focused.