#1 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Adolph - South Bend ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 20, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Nawww....make that five: GET AN ATTORNEY-RIGHT AWAY.
#2 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 24, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Yesturday, I finally received a response call from IHOP's insurance company. Mr. Cotter, of Cotter Insurance, asks me if their is anything else the doctor is doing for my son. I tell him, because of his age and the scares, there may be nothing they can do, all they can do is to sit an wait til he's older. He asks me how he's doing, I tell him fine, that he is still sensitive in those fingers, and there isn't anything else we can do.
He goes on then says he needs an update from his doctor stating he has "Tingling" in his fingers, I told him, "When did I ever say he had tingling, How in the hell am I to know, he can't speak?" He says, "Well, your the one that said he's sensitive." I told him, "Yes, but at no time did I say he has tingling. You need to stop playing these games, I have asked people to come here to witness this conversation." I also told him that he could contact my son's infant and toddler program he's in. He then gets an attitude and says, "OK, I'll take their number too. By the way, why is your son being seen by them?" I told him, "It was personal and didn't involve him."
I gave him the number, told him who to speak with, and their address. He then tells me, "Well, I'll talk to these people and get back to you after I do." I said, "Wait a minute, I was told by IHOP that you would be calling me to arrange a settlement." He then says, "Well, First I need to find out if he'll need further treatments." I said, "I told you and they will tell you, they don't know, it may be years before we know." He then says, "Well, I DON"T settle cases on infants. Infants always heal, he'll be fine. We might pay for future treatment, but that's it." I said, "Excuse me? First off, you didn't pay for the original bills, his insurance did. Secondly, don't take me for an idiot, IHOP is going to provide my son with something just. They were neglectful, rude and ignorant." He say, "So, I still won't do anything." I said, "OK, You'll have to speak to my attorney from this point on. I have been more than nice, not anymore."
I've since spoken with several attorney's, appearently they have no clue as to what I can sue them for, the people I can sue, etc. Please, understand this this is not about what my son will get out of this, but what they did to him and the attitude I've received from them. My son has permenent scares, they can't take them away. There isn't anything they can do to make him better. But treating us as if we did something wrong and that IHOP and their employees are not at fault only angers me at this point.
#3 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 26, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I did get an attorney for my son. Turns out, IHOP gets a slap on the wrist, per say. We can only sue them for a "Friendly suit", and would have to sign a waiver, that when our son is no longer a minor, he can not sue IHOP for liability and other things.
Appearently IHOP must do this quite often. Amazingly, they know how to get past being responsible for their actions. I still will sue them on behalf of my son, and any money he receives, we will put into an account for him. But I will inform the local papers of their actions, that should stir up some unwanted attention.
#4 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 19, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I received a letter from the insurance company for IHOP today. The insurance companies information is: Cotter, Neimeier & Lynch Insurance Adjusters Company. 5023B Backlick Road Annandale, VA 22003 (703)658-0905.
First the letter goes on about my sons Developemental Disability which mind you he had no probelms until after this accident, now is serverly disabled. He went to my sons SI and PT for his preliminary report. He didn't have this right, for starters. I signed NO waiver for him to get any information from them.
Then he states they've paid his medical bills of $70. That to is not true, my son's insurance company paid these bills in full, not to mention all his medications.
Now, this is the funny part. It reads: "I have spoken to the carrier and they have allowed me due to the age of ?????? and the fact that he is small and probally did not realize the consequences of grabbing for the gravy, to offer you $750 for a full andf final settlement of his bodily injury claim."
Is this man that stupid? My son would not have grabbed the gravy if the moran didn't place it in front of him. At 15 months, if you put anything in front of a small child they will pick up or play with it. I can not believe they want to blame this on my son. That's OK though, we've signed with an attorney that is planning to take this as far as possible to see to it that IHOP is so neglectful again. I hope my son receives all he can and IHOP pays out of the a**. The more I think about how egotistical and arogant this Ned Cotter is, the more I want my son to provail.
#5 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 19, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I received a letter from the insurance company for IHOP today. The insurance companies information is: Cotter, Neimeier & Lynch Insurance Adjusters Company. 5023B Backlick Road Annandale, VA 22003 (703)658-0905.
First the letter goes on about my sons Developemental Disability which mind you he had no probelms until after this accident, now is serverly disabled. He went to my sons SI and PT for his preliminary report. He didn't have this right, for starters. I signed NO waiver for him to get any information from them.
Then he states they've paid his medical bills of $70. That to is not true, my son's insurance company paid these bills in full, not to mention all his medications.
Now, this is the funny part. It reads: "I have spoken to the carrier and they have allowed me due to the age of ?????? and the fact that he is small and probally did not realize the consequences of grabbing for the gravy, to offer you $750 for a full andf final settlement of his bodily injury claim."
Is this man that stupid? My son would not have grabbed the gravy if the moran didn't place it in front of him. At 15 months, if you put anything in front of a small child they will pick up or play with it. I can not believe they want to blame this on my son. That's OK though, we've signed with an attorney that is planning to take this as far as possible to see to it that IHOP is so neglectful again. I hope my son receives all he can and IHOP pays out of the a**. The more I think about how egotistical and arogant this Ned Cotter is, the more I want my son to provail. How can they possibly put a price, and this small of an amount for that, on what they did?
#6 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 29, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I recieved a letter over the weekend from Cotter Insurance, IHOP's insurance company. In this letter they state that they've paid his doctor bills, not true, my son's insurance company took care of them. Then they state that the insurance company and IHOP feels that because of my sons age, he didn't know the consequences of putting his hand in the gravy and as a result would like to offer us $750 for full and final payment.
What a joke! I still can't get over the fact that they refuse to even apologise for what happened. And then to still blame a 15 month old for the server placing the food in front of him. It's unbelievable how rude, egotistical and disrespectful this resturant is.
I sent a return letter stating that we still want an apology and they will definately have to do better. Otherwise, my attorney can go ahead and take this to court. I don't care anymore, I'm through with these a**holes.
#7 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lou - Cincinnati ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 31, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
You should take the $750.00 and run with it. They're being more than generous. I doubt you'd find any jury that would believe your story.
According to you, IHOP is serving gravy that is hot enough to make skin bubble and blister, plus it resisted attempts to wipe it off. That sounds more like napalm than gravy.
#8 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 03, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
You would definately have to be an IHOP moran or one of their insurance companies. Only a moran would say something that stupid! I take it you must not be able to read very well. Let me sum this whole thing up for someone of your little intellectual ability:
1) The server placed a plate of HOT GRAVY in front of my 15 month old,
2) While he was screaming, she walked away, never saying a word, etc.,
3) We TRYED to wipe it off, it stuck to his hands causing 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns,
4) We had to use alot of cold wet towels to remove the gravy, his hands WERE blistered and bubbling from the burns, I take it you've never seen anyone that was ever burned.
Finally, to be stupid enough to say, "No jury would ever believe you, blah, blah, blah." As I have stated many many times, we have witnesses to this incident. And if you had any brains at all, you would know that 1) A friendly lawsuit is settled out of court, 2) This is a civil case, otherwise, and a jury would not be used.
I also take it by your comments that you appearently have no children. I truely hope someday you do, and this happens to them. Then you can put your report on this site so that I can rebuttal: "Take the pennies they offer you and run."
You seriously need to get a life.
#9 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jim - New York ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 07, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
"I truely (sic) hope someday you do (have children), and this happens to them." What a great parent you must be.
Of course a friendly lawsuit is settled out of court. But if you want anything more than allegedly offered you'll need to at least see a judge and/or a jury.
Oh yeah, the jury! What makes you think juries aren't convened for civil cases? What lawyer is giving you advice?
And you misspelled "moron", among other words. Were you trying to be ironic?
#10 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Samantha - San Fernando ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 09, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
How is it going to help your child by calling everyone who disagrees with you a moron? This all could have been avoided if you and your clan could control your animal instincts long enough to keep from stuffing your faces and watch over your (that's right YOUR) children.
And if I H O P is serving this super hot food, at least on the day you were there, how come no one else (like your "witnesses") had their mouths burned? Even conceding the age of your child, and (reluctantly) conceding that he/she had 3rd degree burns, an adult would get at least 1st degree burns.
I agree with the one poster. Take the money and run.
#11 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Brandon - Mesa ()
SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 10, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
You, Samantha, apparently have NO kids. You see, if you take your eyes off of them for even a second...well, many things can be done in such a short amount of time by a child. I personally don't have kids either, but it's a common sense thing that kids are curious, espically at 3 years old, and you can't watch them 100 percent of the time, and, unfortinately these are the consequences. So, once again, we have an uneducated person making comments on here about things they have absolutely no idea about. Next time, before you shove your foot in your mouth, think about what you say...
#12 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 11, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
You people make me sick. I'm a bad mother because I wished this on you, I'm sorry what grade are you in? And if Samantha could read, instead of throwing insults from her ihop job, she would have read that NONE of us ate anything because of what happened. The fact of the matter is, IHOP caused this, not my son, not myself, nor my family, nor my friends. And for your misinformation and unableness to read, we were watching our son, one of use grabbed the plate and the other grabbed my son's hand. But we can not babysit the server too.
She was very stupid and neglectful. Maybe IHOP shouldn't hire people who make this careless of a mistake. I'm calling the rude rebuttalists morons, because your comments could only have come from an IHOP employee or a die hard IHOP customer. And anyone would tell you, that makes you a very sad and pathetic individual.
Oh, don't let me forget the comment of IHOP not serving food that hot, IHOP like any other resturant or fast food chain serves food hot, duh!?! And to a 15 month old, their skin is very senative at this age and can burn that easily. Like I've said, you all appearently have no children. If you do, I feel very sorry for them.
Now, as to the comments from Jim on "friendly lawsuits", 48 or 50 are settled out of court, there is no need for a judge. And no, you do not have to see a judge and/or jury for anything over the alleged amount, you only go that far if a nogotiation has not been meet. Wow, your state must think it's special and be differnet from all others. In a civil case of this matter, a jury is never used. The judge rectifies all final decisions. If an appeal is made by the lossing parties, then yes, a jury can be REQUESTED. But even then, it must be approved by the judge hearing the case, and still, that is usually denied. Why waist tax payers money on a trial? I am versed in the law, so yes, I do know what I'm talking about.
And we all know that IHOP was resently made aware that this report was made, that's why I have no doubt, you people are IHOP responders. Goes to show how intellegent IHOP and their people are!
#13 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Pele - Atlanta ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 12, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
At first I sided with you, but the more I read, the more details came out and the more this began to sound like just another outrageously litigious situation gone far out of hand.
You act as if you want to milk this for all it's worth financially and that's not only unethical but a pretty piss poor lesson to be teaching your child.
You are not entitled to anymore than this cost you out of pocket, if anything at all. The fact is that (if you'll forgive my use of the vernacular) sh*t happens. Accidents occur and sometimes we just have to move on. The fact that IHOP is offering you anything at all is amazing. I can't possibly imagine a scenario in which one would recieve food so hot as to cause the kind of permanent scarring and 'sensitivity' as you describe. It's simply not possible. At most that food was 200 degrees and while very hot that's hardly hot enough to cause the kind of 'suffering' you describe.
I'm sure it did hurt and I'm sure your son screamed and was in a great deal of pain, but you know what? Kids learn from experience.
He was not permanently harmed and he will most likely not be permanently scarred either. At 15 months he has a lot of growing to do and his little body can heal itself rather well.
Take what they're offering you and stop trying to make money on your son's unfortunate accident. People like you disgust me.
Pele - who is neither employed by, nor a customer of, IHOP.
PS You'd do well to employ a spell/grammar check if you're going to insult others' intelligence, otherwise you end up looking like the uneducated types you claim those who disagree with you are.
#14 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 13, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I have read the original report above and all of the rebuttals to it so far. What you and your child have had to go through is bad enough without having to endure the rebuttals these people have submitted so far.
I don't even have a child, never will, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know how tender fragile & delicate the skin of an infants is.
I don't know how anyone could be so disconnected, but all of the people who have rebutted your report so far are completely ignorant to the facts and completely disregard them. They also don't understand how a tub of gravy, which is sitting directly on a hot burner all day long can scald an infant.
The last thing a waitress does before serving is put the gravy in the serving container and bring it to you with your meal. They do this due to the fact that the air temperature thickens the gravy very quickly and forms a gel like film or coating on top. The gravy gets more unappetizing by the second.
The gravy is taken directly from the pot which sits submerged in boiling water all day long for a waitress to help herself to as she is on her way to serving you.
The gravy does cake and stick onto everything; just look at the side of the container its in, or the caked on ladle you use. It's one of the hardest things a dishwasher has to remove from the utensils. I completely understand how it would instantly begin to harden on a baby's skin (or anything else that's at 98 degree temperature).
She was doing as she was trained by pouring the gravy right before serving. She wants your tip, she's not going risk giving you gravy that will form a film before you have even used it.
The waitress was completely negligent to place the hottest container that they serve directly in front of your infant. On top of that for the waitress to just walk away after that happened and the way the manager handled this shows that neither are remotely qualified for the jobs. IHOP is responsible for this. Tuff crap for these franchises that are too cheap to ensure that they hire quality. That's what they are asking for in they're greed. Let's hope it costs them more than it would have if they would have paid a just salary.
Wow! The people who wrote the previous rebuttals don't even see it in themselves, but they are the type who'll quickly pounce on a victim. To them I give a quote from Frank Zappa "you are dumb all over and a little ugly on the side". (I must emphasize the ugly as far as all the rebuttals submitted go so far.
How can they disregard medical records of 2nd & 3rd degree burns on an infant? Yet they are attacking you as a mother! The audacity that these people have telling you from the other end of their computer that they have come to the conclusion that this won't leave permantent damge or scars. How could they possibly know?
Let's hope they never get around children, as their ignorance would most likely be reckless and dangerous. Plus they obviously have a tendency to be cold hearted and have little to no compassion, which wouldn't be good for raising a child either.
I find it very disturbing that these particular humans who wrote these former rebuttals show more compassion for the giant corporation, than a tiny severely burned infant.
I'm thinking, "all the nerves in your poor baby's hand" ..the reults of damaged nerve endings could last for the rest of his life as not all damged nerve endings come back.
They think "Oh that poor multi million dollar corporation's insurance should not be held responsible for an accident.
My heart goes out to you and your son very much. I wish you both the best.
ED Magedson
EEDitor@ripoffreport.com
#15 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: TheFraudChick@aol.com - Ethics ()
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 13, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
April,
I want to begin this post with a few facts:
1. I don't work for IHOP
2. I don't have children
3. I have never eaten at an IHOP and don't plan to since I don't like
pancakes.
Now, on to my comments and suggestions. You're very angry and frustrated right now and I can sympathize with you. Some of the previous posts were not lashing out at you. I believe they were valid suggestions. I'm sorry to learn you've obtained an attorney because that means he will get a portion of a very small sum. I have some experience with corporations paying consumer claims. Your “settlement” won't be high because your child placed his hand in the gravy. I understand your point that the server should not have placed the gravy in front of the toddler—but the server did not spill the gravy on the toddler. Claims adjusters tend to apply a percentage of responsibility to the parties involved, that means you, other adults at the table, the server and the infant. You should probably get something for your anguish. The $750 offer sounds typical and it makes me want to wretch that your attorney will get part of that. If you had waited a few months and worked through the corporate office you may have that amount to yourself. The money is yours, not a simpleton attorney who “may” have taken your case because he knew he could get $750 to $1,500 from the corporate office to “make you go away.” All it costs the attorney is a phone call or the cost of a stamp. It cost your infant pain and you anguish—it's not right.
My suggestion to you is to not to respond to me or any others on this site from this point on. I know that you're frustrated and I wish I could make that part go away for you. But you've already gone to an attorney so you have more “ickiness” ahead of you. It must feel wonderful to vent and let all of that frustration out. But a savvy IHOP attorney can use your posts against you. Most likely the one where you wished this incredible agony you described on someone else's child. An innocent child—what would a jury think of that?
Resist responding to this post and hope no one at IHOP finds this post series.
Good Luck,
#16 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Melissa - Saint Louis ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 14, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I find it disheartening to know some people would
rather blame the victim (or the victim's mother)
than blame the idiot who wronged the family.
My child is five and she knows not to put
something hot in front of a small child. But, this
obviously uneducated, uncouth, white-trash
waitress did not know. She is paid to not only
serve food but serve it safely.
If she would've put a coffee cup at the edge of the table and it fell on the infant would it be much different?
No because either way the waitress was negligible
in her duties. That's like putting something very tasty or pretty, and dangerous in front of a child and expecting them not to touch it. Like prescription drugs that look like most candies. You can't leave stuff laying around because a child's curiosity is easily piqued. Even a mildly retarded person knows not to put harmful things in a babies path.
IHOP should pay. They should take responsiblity
for the waitresses mistake and learn from it. I
say, for the way they treated the mother, sue the
crap out of them.
So what if bacon costs two bucks a strip. You may be able to save another child. And though it will not heal your son, or make his scars disappear, it will help with rehabilitation.
Maybe they should train the rest of the
common-sense impaired waitresses about safety.
Maybe the reason these other inbreds side with
IHOP is because they, themselves have not been
taught about accountability and responsiblity.
Maybe they've been taught to blame everyone else
when the obvious person at fault is their own self.
Never blame the victim. That's what's wrong
with most American's today. Blame blame blame,
make excuse apon excuse. But most of all, point
the finger elsewhere so no one will look at you.
Ya'll suck!
#17 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Linda - Eden Prairie ()
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 15, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
The Rip Off Report is a loud and positive voice for an often over-matched consumer. That being said, the Editors' rebuttal to this thread is no more than the standard power-to-the-people rhetoric found at other lesser consumer websites. The Rip Off Report professes to stick up for and protect the consumer. I wonder if it considers frivolous lawsuits and name-calling vital to consumer protection.
The complainant alleges wrongdoing by IHOP, and indifference by IHOP in their attempts to resolve the situation. Some "rebuttalists" (?) question the claims of 3rd degree burns and the long-term effects, others take issue with the legal complexities of the incident, a few question the complainant's command (or lack thereof) of grammar and spelling.
First, let's clarify some things. The complainant's English skills, though confusing and at times amusing (misspelling "moron" and "intelligent") are not relevant to the discussion. Also irrelevant to thew issue is whether or not someone has kids. What difference does that make?
The Editors' description of how the food is served, if it were true, would be plausible enough to explain the alleged charring and blistering of the toddler's skin. Gravy tubs don't sit on a hot burner all day, nor do they sit in boiling water, as the Editor puts forth. Water boils at 212 degrees, and at that temperature it rolls and bubbles. No one sets their steam table that high, and any visual check the next time you go to a restaurant will confirm this. The complainant alleges on the site that IHOP does set the temperature high, but another complainant on this site says, if anything, IHOP sets them too LOW (Rip Off Report #27280). The complainant should know; she posted a reply.
Samantha the "rebuttalist" raises a good point: if the food was so hot, how come no one else in the restaurant (not just your party) was burned? We're still waiting for an answer to that.
The Editor then posits a scenario where the gravy is unable to come off because it cakes and sticks to everything. You're right, but it only does so when it cools. And regardless of how hot or cold it is, it would have to turn into cement to make the details of the incident true.
I can sense the allegations of IHOP stooge coming already, but remember that IHOP's attorneys are IHOP stooges as well, and calling them names like you do everyone else who doesn't agree with you isn't going to help you with the judge or jury. So to avoid the stooge pitfall, I will take you at your word that the original poster ate at IHOP and her child required medical attention after contact between his food and his skin.
Complainant, you claim to be "versed" (?) in the law, but... what is it supposed to do? Your initial complaint says IHOP reimbursed the insurance company for your son's medical expenses, plus offered you $750.00 to put this thing to rest. You refused. I won't go so far as to say you're exploiting your child's misfortune, but the perception is there, and you planted it there.
Your understanding of the legal system can be described as misinformed at best, ignorant at worst. Bottom line: if you want more than what they're offering to settle for, you have to go to court. That's it. And if you're going to court, you'd better find someone else than the attorney who's feeding you such ridiculous advice AND letting you spout off in such a public forum. The "rebuttalist" Jim is 100% right.
Your remark that "we all know IHOP was resently made aware that this report was made" and that all respondents are from IHOP is highly presumptive. You haven't a shred of evidence that this is true.
Editor, you also accuse the respondents of having more compassion for "the giant corporation, (rather) than a tiny severely burned infant." I disagree. No poster has expressed anything resembling compassion for IHOP.
You backed the wrong horse here, Rip Off Report. Soulless and homogenized corporate entities are a threat to the consumer, sure. A bigger threat though is abuse of the legal system through frivolous lawsuits. It's the consumer and taxpayer who gets stuck with the bill in the long run.
For the record: I don't work for IHOP though I've eaten there before and have no complaints.
#18 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bryanna - Sarasota ()
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 15, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I was just reading your report and truly wish the best for your son and your family. I would like to comment that if IHOP is following proper tempature requirements for their food, the gravy that burned your son would have had to be around 130 degrees. Which is very hot and if anyone has ever touched a 15 month old childs skin would know how SENSITIVE and DELICATE it is in comparision with adult skin.
I imagine that IHOP only hires the smartest of servers, but what idiot would put ANYTHING in front of a small child? Hot or cold a baby, infant, or child is going to reach for it.. It is only common sense to know not to put ANYTHING in front a child, nevertheless boiling gravy...
Good luck and I hope you sue for more than 750 dollars...
Even if your child had not suffered any burns and only had a stained shirt it is pure negligence to put anything in front of a child and even more henious to then blame the child or mother for what is obviously IHOPs fault..
#19 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 16, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I am not sure why you are so interested in engaging this case. Are you an attorney for IHOP? We are well aware of the victimization of customers which carries a wide berth of problems; which includes credit card fraud to sub standard product for a variety of reasons.
If you are familiar with this site, as you seem to be, you will know that we are dedicated to the plight of victims. In the event a victim comes to this site for safe harbor to obtain support/solutions, we are further dedicated to precluding further victimization by attorneys, corporate shills, or heartless bastards who just don't care who they attack.
We may get more than a little vigorous, but it is important that all victims understand that these waters are truly friendly.
Therefore, we castigate you for your shotgun attack of this victim. It is apparent that you have honed in on this victim for some reason and I think you should be honest enough to declare that motivation before any further dialogue transpires.
ED Magedson
EDitor@ripoffreport.com
#20 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 16, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I was setting back and trying so very hard not to give in to people like yourself. Obviously, I could not. In attacking myself an those who have rebuttaled in my favor, you've made yourself, at best, seem like a typical corporate employee.
In you rebuttal you've attacked my English and my grammer. On the same note, you've appearently not read your own rebuttal. Now that really takes nerve. Let me start with the numerous times you've mentioned what I've stated. I take it that you've read only what you wanted to read and nothing more. Anyone reading any of my updates can tell you, that you've misread something. Don't quote me with the wrong statements. This makes you look really stupid. I have a reason for my English not being perfect. I speak 4 languages fluently and can get by just fine with 2 in addition. I am also highly educated, I hold several license's and degrees. What is your excuse? Exactly!
In your misquotes, let me justify the truth. First, you stated that I said the insurance company for IHOP reinbursed us for medical expenses. No I did not say that. I said, IHOP's insurance company's letter claims they did, but my son's own insurance company picked his medical bill and precription bills up, NOT IHOP! And they have never been reinbursed.
You wanted to know why others weren't burnt. Again, I take it you read what you wanted to. I stated that there were 2 people, other then my party, who left when this occured and we were trying to leave, with no avail, just disrespect. You brought up IHOP's report #27280, claiming their food was too cold. Not the same IHOP. It may be an IHOP but all IHOP's are not owned, managed and employeed by the same people. You asked why would having a child matter? Common Sence! If you had a child, and this situation happened, you would be on my end, not side with corporate shrills. You ststed you, basically, didn't believe that IHOP was aware of this report, as I stated. Do you want to see the e-mail they sent me acknowledging such? I've kept it.
You also made guesses as to what they do with the gravy all day. You stated that no resturant does this. Wrong, go into any/all buffet places (eg. Golden Coral, American Steak and Buffet, Sizzler, etc.) you'll see just how wrong you are. As to your comment of the gravy only caking after cooling. That also isn't true. Yes, it will cake upon cooling. Again, though, any/all buffet places that serve gravy will put this to rest. Even while setting on their heating systems, gravy does cake up. Hey, don't believe me, go look for yourself. Then write back how you make a careless mistake.
You feel this is an abuse of the legal system. You can have your opinion, the only abuse of the legal system is that of IHOP trying to look the other way on their actions. As to what I write in my report, our government gave us freedom of speech, if you don't like it, write to your congressman, I'm sure they'll love that.
#21 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Linda - Eden Prairie ()
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 18, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Ed:
I was somewhat dismayed to read your comments. As I stated in my post, I am a big fan of The Rip Off Report. I am familiar with the site's ethos and creed. If you feel you must castigate me, feel free; you're the boss.
Second, I said it at the end of my post and will say it again: I do not work for IHOP.
You are absolutely right when you notice that I have honed in on this "victim" but I am at a loss as to why you can't tell why. I think her story is 100% b**ls**t. But even though I (and others) doubt her story, I still gave her every benefit of the doubt. I wrote (and I quote) "I will take you at your word that the original poster ate at IHOP and her child required medical attention after contact between his food and his skin." That's something that neither IHOP nor their attorneys have said, again taking the poster at his/her word.
I find it hard to believe that these waters are truly friendly to victims. I again challenge you to tell me exactly how justice is served by ignorant vitriol and wanton innuendo. I applaud your policy of erring on the side of the consumer. I know there are people out there who stay awake at night scheming new ways to screw the consumer. What I don't understand is how this person's name-calling and evasiveness is helping the consumer cause, or why you were so impassioned in their defense.
And as for April: that's great you speak 4 languages fluently - it's a shame English isn't one of them.
The First Amendment does say that Congress shall make no law abridging freedom of speech. You are correct in stating that your gossip, half-truths, and name-calling are protected. But there are many forms of speech that are not. Since you are a legal expert I won't belabor you with listing these varied forms save one, and that is libel.
Ed has obviously put a lot of work and passion into his website. He has stuck up for you even though some find his actions unwarranted. Let's hope, for his sake, for the sake of those seeking information, for the sake of those seeking recourse, for the sake of those seeking safe harbor, for the sake of your son, but most of all for your sake that you're on the level.
#22 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jesse - Richmond ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 19, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I was really upset to read all the bad comments to April and the neg. comments...I'm so glad the Ed. put up a rebuttal to kinda settle things...I feel for April and her child...I hope things get settled soon...I can understand her frustration because she was there,,we wasnt...
About the comment about noone else got burned,,well,,any adult knows when food comes out,,it's suppose to be hot...A 15 month child dont know the diffrence,,it's just food in front of them....When you go in a place of business,,work,,resturant,,school,,they are to provide a safe enviroment to everyone..Maybe this was a freek accident ,,but still,,,IHOP should do what is right...Believe me,,I'll never give them a damn penny of my money!!! Good luck April,,and hope all goes good for your child...
#23 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 19, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
For starts, don't belittle my English, when yours in not much better. This is a site to where a consumer, like myself, who has been screwed over by a company, like IHOP, can come and let people know what exactly went on.
Funny, you claim to be a Rip Off Report Fan, yet in your rebuttal, it doesn't sound anything of the sort. You tell ED that you made the statement of defending myself by saying you'll take me at my word. Yet, you continue to side step things brought to your attention. Things like, my pointing out how in one sentence you would say one thing in another you would say the opposite. I have also pointed out your inability to be able to read. Instead, you feel you can attack me by taking statements that I have made and rearrange them to your liking. I would hate to be one of your friends, that is if you have any. Since the mere being of your existance seems to be to belittle the consumers that have already been to hell and back. And, don't let me forget, you'll take me at my word, yet in the next sentence you start going on with telling people that you feel my story is 100% Bull S***. Come on.
I have also told you that I have proof of these things. I can't believe that anyone would be stupid enough to be called on their rebuttal, side step their words again, get called on them each time and still want to open their mouth. You need to get on with your life. People like you make real Americans sick.
This site is intended to report wrong doings, not for your personal way to take out aggression. Maybe you should confront your own personal problems and butt out of others. I don't care if you want to voice an opinion, but changing my words, contradicting yourself (over and over again), and using my report for your own personal playground in pathetic.
Do you want to know why I take you personally? Great. What you and others don't know, is that my son has not spoken since this happened. I no longer can work. I have to stay with my son and help him by taking him to special instructors, speech therapists, neurologists, etc. My life is now spent getting my son through this. My son was above level, speaking, everything until this happened. The insurance company and IHOP have documentation of this. Now maybe you can get it throw your head why I am so upset by all this. I have never asked for compensation for having to leave my job, I never asked for compensation for the additional medical expenses I've encounter from this (his insurance doesn't pay for these services). My God, IHOP couldn't even pay his medical bills. I have a letter from my son's insurance company requesting us to sue IHOP for additional expenses. I have not done so and do not plan to. My husband went from working 8 hours a day to having to work 12 to 15 hours a day. My son refused to eat foods after this, he just started eating again. We had to put him on a bottle. A bottle at his age. And you have enough guts to say my report is 100% BS.
Just imagine what I've gone throw. You and some of these other people are taking it upon yourselves to think I'm after money and making a story up. But until now, have had no clue what this really involves. One of my son's hands have now healed, in fact he is using it to pick up items, even crayons. I have to attend a sign language class so that I can some how communicate with my own child. I am constantly teaching him signs hoping that he will talk to us this way. You haven't a clue of the real picture. Yes, I made the comment that I hoped the original rebuttalist someday had kids and this happened to him. No, I don't really mean it, I said it thinking if he saw how I was hurting he would understand. Truth of the matter, I don't wish this on anyone, how could I?
You wanted to know why ED has commented in my favor. Well, unlike yourself, he knew the whole story. Now, you do. All I wanted when this started was for IHOP to apologize. The only reason, I asked for more then their settlement offer, was the fact that they do know everything (they have ALL the documentation), and still refuse to apologize. Look how long it's been since this happened, before they even bothered with us, and they didn't it was their insurance company. I want to make a point to companies like this. Anyone that knows me, will tell you that anything that my son receives as a settlement, is his and only his. I'm not trying to get money for my own personal gain. I, like many, have been screwed by many companies, but I take it very personally when my son (who wasn't of age to defend himself), is wronged and taken advantage of by these companies.
If you want to continue to stick up for them, then that's your problem. You you definately need help. But don't give me crap about liable. As I am fully aware that written is liable. But common cense, liable is only when the written is a slander or defermation of one. Obviously that is not the case here. I would not have waisted my time if it weren't true. And I sure as hell wouldn't be going through what I am. Sorry if you can't see that.
#24
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 20, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Re: Question, "why don't the adults get burned"?
Regarding the question as to why the adults aren't getting burned by the gravy? I'm surprised at the need for an answer to this question, but it continues to come up angrily as if it were a legitimate question so...
First, by ladling the gravy out the liquid is separated from the rest of the hot container (which cools it down considerably). Then it is poured through the air, (more cooling), and onto your food forming a thin layer, (even more cooling), over your meat or potatoes, where it will probably sit, (cooling), a minute or two while you place the gravy utensil back in the gravy, pass it on, pick up your utensil etc.
Adults don't attempt to submerge their face, mouth or lips deep within the gravy container to drink from it nor do they place the gravy container to their lips and drink from it.
Adults see steam emanating from hot food, blow on it to cool it, or wait until it cools down before risking any skin contact.
This is why adults don't get burned from the gravy.
If you don't believe me, put your theories to test:
Plunge your lips, nose, and your entire face deep into the gravy container, (almost touching the bottom).
See how it feels.
Then realize that an infants skin as at least a thousand times more sensitive, (painful), than yours, & far more nerve endings are irreparably damaged from burns at an infants stage than at your stage in life.
Also you keep questioning this woman's story as to how the gravy could be so hard to wipe off.
Well here's your chance to test your theories again:
In case your face hadn't been burned already by plunging it into the gravy, (testing your first theory), then purposely burn your lips, face etc. with 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
Immediately After that pour a considerable and generous amount of hot gravy directly from the hot container onto your burns.
Make sure thick amounts coat the insides of your nose, your lips, tongue and other parts that are more sensitive than the rest of your skin. (although this would give you more of an idea, it still be incomparable to the sensitivity of an infants skin).
Let the gravy sit there on the burned skin for a few minutes.
After several minutes, see how pleasant and easy it is to wipe and remove the gravy off your second and third degree burned face. (You must first attempt to do this by using a dry napkin as happened in the original report).
Remember again the feeling your skin is experiencing while doing this would feel a thousand times worse for an infant.
#25 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: tim - grand haven (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 07, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
April... I'm sure that you are a fine mother, I myself have three children and know how difficult it can be to manage each of their actions every second of the day. I can also sympathize with your concern over your child's injuries, my daughter has a disease that required a liver transplant a year ago. Your child was harmed and you want someone to pay for it- which is certainly understandable. I find it hard to believe, however, that your child's injuries were as severe as you assert. If your child recieved second and third degree burns from the food in question, the plate itself would have to have been so hot that the server would have recieved at least first degree burns by serving it. If that is the case, then it is understandable that the server fled from the table in a rather rude manner. Also, even though it is hard to understand, neither the restaurant, its management nor the server is legally obligated to ensure that food is delivered in a manner that will thwart little hands from digging in to hot gravy. If our legal system awarded damages to people whose children did something stupid our economy would collapse. I'm not calling your child (or you) stupid, but your's is the kind of event which restaurants simply cannot prevent, and if they were expected to then there wouldn't be any restaurants because they wouldn't be able to operate under such rules. Per the editor's comment, please note that restaurants in every statebut Oregon are only required to pay servers 1/2 of minimum wage, and, contrary to popular belief, tips do not generally add up to much (especially, I would think, at a Waffle House). The average server nationwide makes about 7 dollars an hour putting up with crap that some people wouldn't deal with no matter how much they were being paid. Waiter/ waitressing is a low paying, usually unbenefitted and always demeaning job. As such, to expect that servers be of such high intellect as to strategically serve food in a manner that will not harm a child with flailing arms is ludicrous. April... there is a reason why you are having a hard time finding a lawyer to take your case- you simply don't have one. Sorry to say it, but no jury would ever award you more than the $750 you have been offered. Take the money and run, don't waste any more money on lawyers because they cannot help you.
#26 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Tim - grand haven (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 07, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Let me start off by saying that I've been drinking, probably too much, tonight. I stated before that the restaurant in question was Waffle House, when it is in fact IHOP. Also, I claimed the editor of this site asserted that servers should be more adept at their jobs, when what he actually stated was that restaurants should pay better for higher quality staff, an idea which I wholeheartedly agree with. I feel that I have a unique perspective on this case as I am an attorney who financed his education, while raising three children, by waiting tables. The question here is not whether the incident transpired, but of who is liable. When a child is hurt it is very easy to assign moral responsibility to another party, but much more difficult to realize that in most cases the child is at fault (legally). This seems rather insensitive, to assign responsibility for third degree burns to an infant, but children often do things for which no adult (and no corporation) can (or should) be held responsible. April- again, I have nothing but the utmost sympathy for the fact that your child was injured (and I do not think that you are a bad mother). The fact of the matter is, according to the evidence put forth, that your child was injured as a result of his/ her actions; not because of neglience, recklessness or indifference on the part of the server or the restaurant (or yourself for that matter). If I were you, I would be happy that you had the insurance to cover your child's medical expenses; server in question probably did not have any medical insurance. If you have not already done so, I urge you to take the 750$ that has been offered to you. That is a rather generous offer. My heart breaks for the pain your child went through, and for any long term difficulties which may result. I am sorry to say, however, that sometimes bad things happen to people, children included, and though the temptation may be exist to assign responsbility to someone else, the hardship must ultimately be borne by those injured and the people close to them. Best of luck to you and your child April, please do the right thing and honestly decide who is really liable here before you waste any more money on lawyers, they will scam you for far more than IHOP ever will.
#27 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Monday, December 09, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Funny, in the first part of your rebuttal you go on and on about things that haven't been said, etc. then in the next part you go on about having symapthy, etc. I don't want anyone's sympathy.
To admiting you've been drinking and trying to say your an attorney is really hard to believe since most of what you wrote was complete bull. First off, I DO have an attorney for my son, and have been approached by numerous other attorney's. Sorry to have to correct you. And the comment about the server would have got burned by a hot plate????? Where did you read the plate was hot? The gravy was hot! It is the neglect of the server, why, because the fact remains, my son would have never placed his hands into the gravy if the server didn't place it DIRECTLY in front of him to place his hands into it. She had numerous tables aside, behind and in front of her that she could have placed the gravy on, we also did not have anything in front of us, but our drinks and she could have placed it in front of any one of us, but choose not to. No matter how anyone destorts the facts, IHOP is at fault.
As I stated, this goes way beyond the burns he received. He went for his 2 year physical. The doctor diagnosed him as having, Autism caused by a tramatic experience. Do you realize what Autism is? My son my NEVER be normal again and may need speacial care the rest of his life, but $750 is good with you, right? Imagine not being able to do the things you want to do, having to devote most your time to only one of your children and trying to explain to his older brothers that he can't help the way he is now? Words just can't describe what this accident has done or what it will do in the long run. The doctors can't even tell. I even sent a letter recently to the insurance company for IHOP and asked for a very small amount considering. I asked for an even $2000 (since I know someone will write and ask how much), why did I ask for this amount? I figured the additional cost for us not being able to potty train him of what the additional cost of siapers would be, I figured the amount it would take to get him the learning matterials, etc that he would need. (Sign language books, resource books, etc.) The additional cost of groceries, becaus ehe WILL NOT go near anything warm or hot and has set what he will eat. And I figured in any additional costs that may occur. This isn't asking for much. If it went to court, do you really think that a jury would look at my son's hands or listen to what has since happened to him and find in favor of the resturant, NEVER. So No, I really don't think I am asking for much. But, I still have not received a response. So, If by the end of the week I still don't hear anything, I WILL sign for my son's attorney to take over from here.
#28 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Shelly - Austin (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, December 09, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I have children... 4 of them in fact, and while most CERTAINLY there should never be a case where a IHOP employee should use foul language...
Mom...you need to accept responsibility for the fact that YOU...yes YOU allowed your child to place his hands in the food.
The server did NOT spill the food on your child....YOU negligently allowed your child to put his hands where they DONT belong.
I am VERY sorry for your sons injury...and I also do find it rather unbeleivable that a plate of gravy from IHOP would be at the 165 degree plus temp( F) to cause immediate blistering as you say...BUt even assuming that is true....
YOU bear the responsibility for NOT watching over and our for YOUR child.
I truely hope your son heals....but I think its fairly clear from the replies above that those of us that are parents know where the blame belongs and the blame clearly belongs on the IRRESPONSIBLE individual who places a 15 month old at a dining table and allows him to place his hands in a plate of food.
#29
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Shelly,
I'm sure you are a good mother and have very good children. Have you never had an active child dart into the street?
I'm sure that is the case is you and your children are normal. If not, I think you have another issue. Anyway, Thank God! you have never had one of your children get hit by a dumptruck.
That is just what I have witnessed. Based on your judgemental paradigm, the mother was to blame when her 2 year old child decided, (yes decided, they have minds and a will) to play "keep away" when he saw Dad come home from lunch.
That vision has haunted me for 17 years. I cannot bring myself to blame the mother, more than the truck driver. Nor can I blame the child. Some things happen, and if it had been my child, I would have had a problem forgiving the truck driver, although he was heartsick and devastated by his careless actions which took the youth.
I hear plenty of talk about parents blame in trusting their children to pederast-priests. I have one thing to say and that is, God help anyone who places a flame, harmful substance, or creates a harmful situation for my children.
Please re-think your judgement of this mother. I have another bone to pick with IHOP and that is why I am also less likely to help them. News has just come to me of a scam by IHOP servers which should be forthcoming by the victim. Keep your eyes peeled for this outrageous rip-off.
Frank Torelli
Staff@ripoffreport.com
#30 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: TheFraudChick@aol.com - Ethics (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
POSTED: Wednesday, December 11, 2002
April,
You don't heed advice well. The best thing about the Rip-Off Report is that you can sit back and allow others to step up for your cause. The "victim" doesn't have to be foul or nasty (you wishing injury to another person's child), allow us to be terse.
Posters have warned you to remain silent after the original complaint--but you haven't. By now IHOP has your thread and will use it to its own advantage. Allow us to be your voice--but keep us updated on your progress. Naturally, we are all interested in your story. I would not address any of the responses--if you will notice, ED has done that for you. Just ignore us and stay focused--its just chatter.
Good Luck,
#31 Update By Author
AUTHOR: - ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
POSTED: Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Really, you have four children???? Then where would you have placed a 15 month old, in China? Your comments have to be the lamest and stupidest that I have ever heard. Irresponsible individual huh, what the hell are you? Sounds like another IHOP employee tring to cover IHOP's butt.
The other comments you've made, appearently you read what you wanted in this report from other rebuttals, because all your bull was already proved and discussed.
So, I'll make this short and sweet, you collect your Welfare check and continue being the only good mother in the world.
#32 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 20, 2003
POSTED: Monday, January 20, 2003
I wanted to update my report to let the consumers reading this know what is now going on. We have taken a small settlement on behalf of our son, this will pay the additional expenses we've been burdened with. Our son is doing better, he still has one of his thumbs scrared that the doctors beleive may never heal 100%, the remaining fingers, though, they feel should heal in time.
We took this settlement because we were sick and tired of dealing the IHOP and their insurance company. It gets funny though, before the insurance company sent out our son's settlement, they sent a "Parent/Gaurdian Agreement and Indemnity Agreement" form. For those that haven't seen this type of form before, the parent agreement part just stated that we as his parents could not persue IHOP any longer. But an indemnity agreement states that we waive our son'r rights once he reaches his majority (legal age). In the United States, it is against federal laws to send any such Indemnity form. You see, we agreed to the settlement on the accords that our son could persue this once he's of age, if that is what he chooses to do. This is his right and NOTHING could change that, in accordance to federal laws. By the insurance company sending such, they have violated these laws and have been reported to the proper government agencies to do with them as they see fit. We simply crossed these lines out, then signed the form. Which ourselves and attorney holds copies of.
So, those that trusted IHOP, you really trust a true and just company, HA! But, for now, it's over. For any parent that gets into this possition from this resturant or any other, just go with the attorney, it's way too much of a headache to have to deal with rude, crasp, moranic corperate scrum.
#33 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Carrie - Cuyahoga Falls (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 21, 2003
POSTED: Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Okay, Dale, or whomever the original poster was.
Autism does not occur from a burn to the hands or any similar event at any age. I bought your gripe hook, line, and sinker until you said that your child was now Autistic because of this accident.
You see, I have an Autistic child and I won't go in to the many variables of Autism here, but your claim of this accidental burning of your child's hands correlated with the immediate onset of Autism is absolutely proposterous. Autism doesn't happen like that and all I see now is your contribution to the matter of tort-reform in this country.
Flame me as much as you want to. If your child truly has Autism, then this unfortunate incident did not cause it. You can bet your settlement on that.
#34 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Howard - Ingleside (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 21, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Just some suggestions in the future for everyone that is faced with the same or similar situation.
First, you if had water glasses at the table you should have poured the water on the injuried hand to cool it down, then take the victim to the washroom and again use cold water for at least 15 minutes.
Second, you should have left immediately to go to the hospital. This is an emergency situation.
Third, NEVER EVER open a blister. Let your Doctor or Emergency Room they will determine this is necessary. The redness around the blister is not an infection but first degree burns. The liquid inside a blister is not puss. Its a clear liquid called lymphatic fluid. It actually protects the burned tissue, and helps in healing.
If you need further instruction on first aid go to the library or bookstore and get a book on it. I do not suggest you go to a Red Cross First Aid Course for this, its a waste of your time and money. They do not cover enough nor do they give enough hands on instruction. (I know, I wasted time and money on one, I knew more than the Instructor.) For CPR, yes go to them or the local Fire Department.
#35 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 22, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, January 22, 2003
So you have an Autistic child, good for you. That would mean you should know more than the bull you're feeding people. I said, my son became Autistic after this accident. If you really know anything about Autism, you know that trauma can cause Autism and in my son's case has. Proof is in the doctors records, so don't think because you have an Autistic child, probably born Autistic, that that makes you some type of expert, because obviously, your far from it.
As too the last rebuttal, first aid?!? There was no glasses of water on our table. I don't know what kind of resturants you frequent, but unless you request water in these resturants, they do not provide such. As far as going to the Emergency room, we tried to leave several times, the manager (Kenny) refussed to let us leave and continued with his crap. So, this would be good info to any other eprson, but what happened in our case, these things were unavoidable.
It's over people, my son will still have scars, some long term and maybe even forever, he is now Autist and we deal with it the best we can. If he had been born with this problem, we would have been able to come to terms and understand his situation a little more, but that isn't the case. I feel bad for anyone that has an Autistic child, no matter how that child became with it, but this is something that has now happened and as I said we deal with it. I will never step foot into another IHOP and this has made us more aware of how stupid and irresponsible others can be. No matter how much you try to protect your children, it's never enough.
#36 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Michael - Seattle (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 23, 2003
POSTED: Friday, January 24, 2003
Autism is a neurological disorder, and while not all people who are autistic are born with it, children who are susceptible to it develop it due to genetic factors, not to "trauma", if that's what you call it. (source: Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org)
I have been following this "thread" (I know Ed hates applying the term to any reports) for awhile and, no matter how specious your claims were before, think you should be ashamed of yourself for making light of a serious disability and insulting those who genuinely face the challenge of caring for an autistic loved one. If you are on the level, and I doubt you are, you're mistaking signs of autism for catatonia brought on by two obviously horrible parents.
#37 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: John - Taylors (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, January 24, 2003
POSTED: Friday, January 24, 2003
Congratulations on your settlement although
you will probably still have to work for a living.
I sincerely advise you to adjust your attitude
in order to deal with a child with a disability.
Your expressed anger went beyond what could have been reasonably expected. At some time in the future and in reflection, you might consider
that you and your family were somewhat at fault.
It will not change anything except maybe your
blood pressure. I wish your son the best of all
possible lives.
#38 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, January 24, 2003
POSTED: Friday, January 24, 2003
I probably would not have bothered to update anything on the post, but we seem to have poed a Michael from Washington. Look, Michael, I know it must really tick you off to be put in your place over and over again. Tell me, why would a man that lives in Washington be so interested in any post we make? First I thought you were a FORD reject, now I know who you really are, by the way, I DO know!!! Terrible parents, huh? OK, I truely hope you never have children, they'll hate you for everything you stand for, like I said, I DO know who you are!!!
Since you really enjoy wasting peoples time by misquoting and posting alot of bull, again, I quess I'll have to straighten things out for the people that CAN read. Autism is a neurological disorder (at least that's what is believed), as this moron mentioned. But, there is no real evidence on why a child becomes autistic. Children DO suddenly start showing symptoms of Autism as early as 4 months old. Trauma induced autism is one means of developement, others are born with it, some believe (and there were recent protests in DC) that infant innoculation are to blame. My medical documents on my son state: "Trauma induced Autism." now, maybe it isn't trauma induced, I'm not a doctor. But like I said, this is what we're told. Our son showed NO signs what-so-ever until after this accident.
As the link above was provided, I will also provide 2 additional links on Autism (Since Michael thinks no one will check): www.mayoclinic.com & www.webmd.com so please, check it out yourself. And "Michael" don't bust on us because our child is now Autistic, as any "REAL" person that knows us will tell you, we ARE the best parents they know and handle this better than most.
Once again, I do know who you are and i think it's really crappy of you to start putting your BS on our posts.
#39 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lynn - midlothian (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 27, 2003
POSTED: Monday, January 27, 2003
I want to take this time and say Im sorry what has happened to your son. I do want to tell you that the chances of your son becoming autistic from a burn is highly unlikely. I dont know how you got a doctor to say that, because that is an old wives tail.
I understand that you may think that the burn caused it because, as you say after that he stopped talking, however, your son was burnt at the age of 15 months old.
Autism does not usually show in childres until the age of 15-18 months old, so it is just pure coincidence that your son was burnt at the same age that autism comes out in children. And the amount of children "born" with autism is a handful.
I will tell you that my son now 3, started to regress at the age of 16 months, He was talking as your son was and was doing great, developmentally, then something took over, and stopped him, and caused silence, NOT due to trauma.
So I want to tell you if you want to find out what caused his autism it was NOT this burn. I am truly sorry that you are going thru this with your son, because I know how it feels, as you must cry everynight, to get your son back..but to blame it on Ihop IS RIDICULOUS. I know you wnat to blame it on someone, but you are blaming the wrong people.
Stop trying to blame them and get money from them for the autism, because they did NOT cause this. You have a long road ahead of you, and a lot of money to help your son, but stop trying to get it from the wrong people.
I feel bad for people like you, embrace your son and make him better, STOP BLAMING PEOPLE THAT DID NOT CAUSE THIS HORRIBLE DISABILITY, just get him better.
#40 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Thank you for your comments, Linda. Like I stated above, I'm not a doctor, I just said what we are told by our son's doctor. I do, however, know that trauma can cause any neurological problem. We are not/were not trying to get money from IHOP for our son being Autistic. We just wanted them to be fair in settling this and admit their fault. Again, his burns are better and at least one of them he will keep for an unknown time frame, we wanted to know that these visits (for his burns) would be taken care of. Our problem was that IHOP refussed to even care. The small settlement we took is in our son's account, it's his, not ours.
I don't blame anyone for our son being Autistic, maybe it was a coincidence, I don't know. In fact, if you ask his doctor, we argued the cause of his problem. I won't lie, it is very hard, exspecially when you have two other children that don't understand why their little brother is different. We have been doing everything that we can possibly do to help him, we've even took additional steps to get him seen by Children's Hospital's Autism Specialists. We believe there's always hope, no matter what we're told. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about.
We ended this with IHOP because we have enough to deal with, we just wanted them to take responsibility for burning our son. I wish you the best.
#41 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Colleen - Paden City (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
I am sorry that this had to happen to your toddler! Do not settle for pennies. Insurance company's for these type of business take advantage of the situation at hand. They have done so with your son!
Denny's had an inncodent as well only difference is there was a needle in an ashtray by the phones where my friend's son grabed it and not knowing any better with his age he too was a toddler at that time.
By the time that my friend had yelled to try to stop her son from putting it into his mouth he got stabbed. Her child has to go thru years of needless testings to make sure he does not come down with the Aids virus. Because of the carelessness of the Company and their employee's this child has to go thru this.
The Lawyer on the case also took advantage of the situation. I was able to get her more money so that my friend would be able to pay for all these bills for her child. However, the Lawyer did take over the case and got them to settle with Denny's restraunt.
I would never had allowed her to settle on the amount, however they trusted this lawyer and the lawyer did not know how the insurance company was takeing advantage of the situation. Don't let them do it to you! Don't let them give you a settlement or make you take the settlement.
It is the neglect on the part of their employee and the neglect on the Company's part! Maybe they should learn from this situation and be sure that they see to it that they provide safety first vs. lets see if we can bring in more business faster. Their company is not McDonalds.
They are a sit down restraunt. McDonalds has gone as far with their safety since being sued for hot coffee. By not only makeing sure the coffee cup says extreamley hot coffee, but they make sure that their employees tell these customers that the coffee can be extreamley hot.
Just don't settle for less than what your son deserves hes the one who has suffered the pain and will suffer from other people looking at him in a funny way because of the disfigurement that was caused by poor safety requirements on the company's part!
Good luck in the mean time! Yours in safety,
#42 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mary Lou - Jackson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2003
I first read about your poor son many weeks ago and have prayed for him. God bless his little heart! I am so happy to see that IHOP took the initiative in caring for him when you were unable to. Waffle House wouldn't do that!
Thank you for letting us know. I will tell all my friends about your blessings and make sure to use IHOP. God bless them and God bless all of you!
#43 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lorenza - Goodyear (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 13, 2003
POSTED: Friday, June 13, 2003
I feel sorry for your son it must have been an unfortunate experience. IHOP made a huge mistake by not taking action at the moment but they are not completely at fault. I understand how upset you must have been I would have been too( I probably would have hit the waitress and then called the cops even if I got arrested) but they are not 100% percent at fault,see my daughter got burned by an iron at the age of 11 months (she was already walking)My husband was ironing on the floor and she got up from a nap and being curious she kneeled and burned her outer thigh. It was a huge and nasty burn and like you said it started bubbling and turned into a huge blister. We took her to the hospital and they gave her an ointment but she has a huge scar (about the size of a palm)and will have it forever. My point is I do not blame my husband, it was both our faults for not being that much more cautious. They are at an age were you have to be like a hawk, you cannot take your eyes off them things like this are bound to happen. I wish your son the best of luck in life and I hope you do teach IHOP a lesson.
#44 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: B - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Autism is not caused by trama, and even if it was it wouldn't be caused by a burn to the fingers. Signs of autism almost always develop before a child is 3 years old, although the condition is frequently not diagnosed until later. Most research suggests that people with autism have irregular brain structures. More study is needed to determine the cause of these irregularities, but current research indicates they are inherited.
The below is a cut and paste from WEBMD.com:
web address: http://content.health.msn.com/content/healthwise/195/62547
Autism is a disorder that interferes with a person's ability to communicate and socialize. People with autism do not process sensations (sight, smell, sound, touch) properly. Because of this, a person with autism may react strangely to sensations.
He or she with Autism usually have a high tolerance for pain, or may be overly sensitive to sounds or touch.
Read the above paragraph carefully. High tolerance for pain. If your child is Autistic then why would he have been screaming at being burned if he's supposed to have a high tolerance to pain? I know that this is not always the case but something doesn't sound right about this entire story to me.
The gravy could not have been that hot. Perhaps the plate, however, was. In any case, where was the child in relation to the mother?
I'm a server in a restaurant and I can't believe that a server would put a plate, hot at that, in front of a child. I'm sure the whole story is not being told here. Perhaps the child reached for the plate when it was in front of the mother...but that wouldn't sound as good now would it?
You certainly didn't settle because you had other opportunities to get more money. You settled because it was your only option. If you had a solid case, you would have taken it fully to court. You didn't.
You've also shown that you're not entirely truthful because you were trying to say that this whole problem has caused his Autism. I don't care if you're a doctor or not or if you understand the disorder your child, you should have known, when your child was diagnosed, that this issue with IHOP had nothing to do with your child's disorder. This shows me that you're quick to *think* you know what's going on. Perhaps, this also shows you are mistaken in your claim against IHOP. Someday, you will have to face up to what really happened there...
#45 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 20, 2003
POSTED: Friday, June 20, 2003
First let me start by saying, appearently you work for IHOP, you don't even have enough integrity to place your name, you weren't there, get a life.
My son was burned very badly. It was the servers fault. IHOP refused to take care of their cause. I never said this caused my son's Autism, the doctor said it may have, learn to read. Yes, my son has a high tolerence to pain, but let me see anyone with a high tolerence to pain NOT scream from 2nd and 3rd degree burns, not to bright on your part. You need to go back and read you "WEBMD" better. It also says that no two children with Autism are alike and display the same characteristics. Researchers believe it is inherited, but in our son's case, it is not. We have twins 5 years old then he is and they are well above the intellegence of other children their age. And Autism is usually diagnosed by the age of 2, in some cases the child does not display uniquic enough symptoms to be diagnosed as Autistic until 3. Most doctor's and parent's of Autistic children believe that the DTaP and MMR shots may have a hand in the growing number of children with this illness, which is being protested and debated in Congress now. And, yes, our son did have a reaction to the DTaP shot. And, yes, any neurologist will tell you that trauma may also be a factor in Autism. You should really do some more reading before you rebuttal to something you seem to know so very little about.
We only settled with IHOP because we didn't feel like the B.S. from them and wanted this to just end. We had numerous attorney's requesting we employ them for this case, it was rock solid. But again, we appearently have more integrity than you.
How would you have gone about it? Another American or Non-American wnating to sue for everything IHOP had? That's what kind of person you sound like. You don't have a clue. We have been through hell and back and this will be are life until we die and he's our son so we except this. Our son has also been diagnosed with CP. So, I have better things to do then deal with a crappy resturant for years to come.
#46 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jessica - Fayetteville (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, June 21, 2003
POSTED: Saturday, June 21, 2003
I have read all of the above and was completely unsuprised by some of these people's behavior. In this day and age, nothing suprises me anymore.
I have a 5 year old, 2 year old and a 3 month old and I can tell you from experience that CHILDREN ARE LIGHTNING FAST. Unless you are an octopus or maybe The Flash, there are just some days were you just are not fast enough.
My husband and I eat out frequently and there have been many times where a waitress has told us "please be careful the plate is hot" or "here, let me just give this to you". I have only had one waitress handle coffee just a little too close for comfort once and my husband (a police officer) gave her the evil eye and she backed off. I have been fortunate and lucky enough to have never had this happen to me, but if it did, I would not stop-EVER-no matter how long it took, how much money it would take; to make the people who hurt my children pay. End of story.
My thought on this whole incident is the fact that someone put a hot plate and/or food (and who cares how hot it is or what is on it) in front of a young child. That is #1 in the list of do not do's in a family. It goes right along with don't play in the street, don't talk to strangers, don't put things in the light sockets etc. A child's first instinct is to grab. We learn how to do that before we can sit up, crawl, talk, or run. Usually in that order :-) It is part of the learning process. Hmm, what's that smell? It smells good, what is it? I think I am going to touch. In the meantime you have your 5 year old blabbering on about something, your 3 month old crying for some unknown reason, you can't remember when you last checked your voice-mail and are thinking about work, not to mention how the hell you are going to fit all those none essential plates on such a small table and whoops there goes the 2 year old's hand and if you are lucky its just one. And no one can tell me that you haven't recieved like 3 plates for one meal before like at Cracker Barrel. For the 4 of us we usually end up with 3 plates per adult and 1-2 plates per child depending on what they ordered. That is 8-10 plates!!! We have to stack the darn things.
I feel sorry for you and I wished this would have turned out better for you. Regardless how bad anyone may have been hurt in a similar situation, they should have acted in a more caring and dignified manner. "Oh, is everything all right? I am sorry this happened, what can we do to help? or We are really sorry, this one is on us."
The bottom line is they should train their employees better and I mean the managers too. Without good employees making the customer happy, there is NO business period. It is all about the customer. THE CUSTOMER RULES. They need to meet the customer's needs no matter how young or old or get out of the way. There is a poster in my office that says, "It takes years to make a customer, seconds to lose one."
Northwest AR
#5 fastest growing region in the US
#47 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bea - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 22, 2003
POSTED: Sunday, June 22, 2003
My name is B! I don't write out B-E-A. So sorry for not taking the time to explain that to you.
First of all, I was only letting you know what I KNOW about Autism, as I'm in an organization that raises funding for the research of new medications and possible correction of Autism. I only gave you the WebMD site online so that you would have a reference and proof of what I was stating.
I have two brothers; one a Doctor, the other a Registered Nurse (RN) (Los Angeles Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center). I also have a sister who is also a medical researcher (Brain Trauma, Neurological Research) and also does studies and testing for MDMA, MDA and other brain-altering drugs. She happens to currently be testing certain new drugs for effectiveness on Autism and has me helping her on further researching for causes of Autism. A head injury is the trama your doctor is speaking of, not a hand injury. I'm not saying that the burns themselves weren't tramatizing to a certain extent but I've gotten opinion after opinion on this matter and each doctor I've spoken to independently agrees that it's more likely to be caused by a head injury or a birthing injury. Sorry if that doesn't help your case, but I'm only trying to educate people who read this.
Second of all, insulting me is so childish. Grow up. I never once insulted you. The "learn to read", "not to (it's spelled "too" for your information) bright on your part", "we apparently have more integrity than you", "you don't have a clue" are very uncalled for. I never said you had no integrity and just because I simplify my 3 letter name is a low shot by you. You've become defensive over something that you shouldn't get all defensive over. I wasn't attacking you, I was trying to educate you and tell you that, from my point of view, your story doesn't sound correct. I never said it WASN'T correct.
Next, I'm a server at Denny's. Don't laugh, I do it part time because the owner is my Aunt and they are short staffed. I help out my family whenever I can. I was a manager at a 4 star restaurant called The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol. I currently have a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Managment, and a Medical Certification in Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I'm still attending College for other degrees and certificates and, although, I work for Denny's part time, I also work a very lucrative full time job.
You're right when you say I was not there. However, if I was, I don't think that I could say I'd ever have something as odd as your story happen to me.
I am a wife and mother. I know how children are, and can be. I also know that when I'm at a restaurant and my child (with or without my niece and nephew there) is with me, I watch carefully where the server places my food. I know the plates are hot and even if they aren't, I don't want my child to grab the food and fling it all over the table or room. I would have sued the server, not the restaurant. I'm honestly sorry this happened to you and your child but I'm sure this whole mess could have been prevented.
A woman's motherly instinct should always to be to protect her child. I let the server do their job and I keep my eye on the table and my child. This is what I've always been taught to do, perhaps this was a lesson to teach you what you need to do. If you don't agree with me, then that's fine. I'm only trying to help.
I'm an American. I'm white if that really matters to you. I never said sue IHOP for more or drag it out, I was saying that the way it sounded to me was that your case had a loop hole. I was curious to know if there was anymore information that you may want to reveal about the case, as this story sounded chopped and placed together. AGAIN, THIS IS ONLY AN OBSERVATION. If you want to get upset and defensive, you do so. You'll only make yourself look angry and foolish in my eyes.
Again, my apologies for your pain. I never meant any offense. You may reply, if you wish, but please, lay off the insults or implications that I'm of less intelligence than you or that I'm of a lower "life-grade" than you are. This kind of behaviour never solves these situations.
#48 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 23, 2003
POSTED: Monday, June 23, 2003
Bea, you sound like someone trying to make things up as they go along. Plain and Simple. You do not know what your talking about, I don't care who you've asked, my child has the best doctor's money can buy. I could care less if your black, white, green, whatever. And flat out, I don't believe you help with any research or you would act like you had a little more sence.
This "you insulted me is childish" B.S. is just that. Like I said, learn to read. If you read what you wrote, you see you did just that, insulted myself. I guess you want people to believe you should get Mother of the Year. Whatever! If you were any kind of a mother, you'd know you're way off base on this one.
This has been done and over with for some time with IHOP. You bringing this back up after all this time, shows you have no real life. Get on with insulting someone else. I'd love to see what you report's complain about. Probably something stupid like, "The clerk cheated me out of a dollar." So really, get a hobby, a have much better things to do then argue with someone that pretends to be someone their not.
#49 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jennifer - Enid (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 23, 2003
POSTED: Monday, June 23, 2003
I have a 5 month old baby and if someone ever did that kind of stuff to my child and then acted as if it weren't their fault i would probably knock them the f*** out. I can't stand people that don't take responsibility for their actions. It just like a man who goes to jail for selling drugs and then says it wasn't my fault i was ratted out. This kind of stuff really ruins my outlook on life.
I would do everything in my power to get something done about it and i'm so sorry that this happened to you for a MANAGER to lash out like that when your son is in total agony is bullshit. I work at Sonic and i have handled the gravy before there and it burns so bad when it hits and it does stick as soon as it hits. I've got burned i don't know how many times, but i'm strong i'm an adult i can handle it for a baby though it would be pure agony. I deeply feel for you and i am an IHOP customer but i don't go there much. I live in Enid and we have some of the best wait staff around they would never do any if those things. So don't be mad that i go there it is a nice place here. But i send my deepest appologies on your side and on my town ihops side.
#50 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Howard - Ingleside (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
POSTED: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
I decided to read the entire post. A guestion pops into mind. What of your responsiblity Dale.
1. Why didn't you watch where the wattress was placing the food?
2. Why didn't you move the plate your self before your child touched it?
3. Why didn't you take the child to the washroom and pour water on the hand? Approxomately 40% of the damage happens after the burn occurs that is why you must cool it down as fast as possible.
4. Why didn't you just push aside the manager when He stopped you. Or just have your spouse take the child to the hospital while you discuss the situation with Manager? Then follow along in a Cab after.
Take some responsibility for your actions as well Dale. As a parent you have to. By placing all the blame on the wattress is denying your responsiblity also. In this particular situation you could have prevented the accident from happening also.
#51 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bea - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
POSTED: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
I was only trying to help, Dale.
I have many better things to do than make up a story about my life. The way you sound in your posts give me the impression that you're defensive, angry or maybe have something to hide. I'm no judge of that. I only state what I read and comprehend.
I even stated that I was sorry for what happen to your baby. I never said it wasn't the server/Manager/IHOP's fault. I merely ASKED for more information (where is the child in relation to the mother?) and I never received an answer. I read my posts, thank you, I just don't appreciate attitude when I'm doing nothing more than trying to help.
I find it humorous that, instead of addressing any real topics here, you feel that it's necessary to attack my credibility. I am who I say I am and I'm not really concerned if you believe me or not, I can't make you listen or make you learn the information I know. I can only put it there for you to read. What you do after that, is your business.
I sincerely hope that you're not angry like this all the time in real life.
I'm done with this now. I DO have a life and this subject, without talking about the accident or Autism, bores me. I wish you the best.
#52 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003
No anyone reading you posts wouldn't believe you. And no you don't have a life as the other person rebuttaling.
I am pissed off because my family was treated in this manner. For the other person, The watress was placing serveral plates down, not just the one with the gravy. We did try to move it asap, but it wasn't fast enough. I take it you do not have any children or your rebuttal would not have been so egotistical of wanting us to rebuttal. As for Bea, you want so much to know where the "Mother" was in all this, like before, you can read, right, then I just answered your question. You were given a reply, because your question was already answered.
As for your information, since all this, my wife has been involved in everything my son has gone through and will go through, as listed above. I quarentee she know's a hell of alot more than you on this issue of the accident, the Autism and the CP. She is involved with numerous neurologists at Children's Hospital, she has been involved in all the different decisions that Congress has made in reguards to Autism. And yes, she makes sure Congress knows the affects Autism has on families, education and life long treatment. She hold's an Associates Degree in Internal Medicine and Paralegal Studies. She meets each month with 2 seperate support groups and discusses all this. She meets once a month with a group of people compossed of the Board of Education, Doctor's, Specialists, Teachers, Administrators and Parents as to how to improve the Special Education for Children like ours. So I know your "facts" are B.S.
You want to share with people what you ant and not what is true. SO you really do need a life, because this is one thing you can not debate with my wife, you will not win.
#53 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: B - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003
POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003
I was being nice. I did apologize for coming off a certain way when that was NOT MY INTENTION.
I still don't understand why you behave in this manner when I was only trying to help.
Everything I've told you about myself is true. I am involved in Neurological studies. I don't understand why you are trying to discredit me. You seem so angry and no, you didn't answer my question in any of the posts to me. I'm not interested in your posts to other people, and I should not be required to read EVERY post on here to get one simple answer. You've told me all about your childs problem and I believe you, regardless of your anger. However, I don't deserve the hostility. You really know how to upset those who are just trying to help, no wonder no one wants to be nice to you. You don't know how to have a constructive debate.
In the future, I will watch for your posts and those from your wife and I will warn others against your anger, as it's very destructive. I sincerely hope you don't treat your family in this manner. You should have learned a long time ago how to be a better person and keep your cool with these matters. I've had situations that have bothered me and upset me even, companies ripped me off and I have had injuries with one of my own children.
When I'm met with disbelief, I take the time to explain it the best way I can. If they don't believe me, then that is their choice. It is, after all, a free country with independent thought.
You go your way, Dale, and I'm going to go mine. I hope that I never cross your path in the future, and that, if I do, you learn how to act more like an adult and not get so upset.
#54 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Howard - Ingleside (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003
POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003
Dale
Give me a break. These are some of the questions that you and your wife would have to answer in a Court-of-Law. You answer only one of them, which I find evasive if not entirely truthful. A watress laying down all that food so fast that two other adults could not keep track? Sorry, it just does not wash.
Whether or not I have children is not the point. The point is where is your's and your wife's responsiblity in all of this. It is a fair and legitimate questions that where asked.
The rudness that you and your wife received also is not a factor in who is responsible for actions taken or not taken that resulted in the injuries that occurred. And probably would not be considered in a Court-of-Law.
However, the Court would want to know what you and your wife did or did not do to prevent the accident and what actions you did after the accident, and the time frame in which you did it. These points would have been asked by the Defendent's Attorney. The Defendent would have brought in his own expert witnesses in regard to what actions you and your wife should have done immediately after the accident. They would have also had experts in Autism as well. The Court and a jury would have to weigh the evidence and facts. Because it is a civil case, dual responsibility is a factor in what the award maybe considered if any.
If this had gone to trial, and had I been on the jury, I would have placed 50 percent or greater fault of the accident on you and your wife for not protecting your child. Because, ultimately it is your responsibility not the watress's to protect your child since she does not know what action your child may or may not take when food is presented. You do.
It is unfortunate that in today's society that all blame be placed on other parties. One's own responsibility is not considered. I am really tired of people who can not take responsibility for their actions or lack thereof.
#55 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: D - Pasadena (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003
POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003
I went to IHOP a year ago in Severna Park. First the waitress was more busy talking to her friends and hooking them up with free food that she screwed up are order then was no where to be seen until my son (2 1/2) got sick all over the table which I almost got sick (being 4 months pregnant with morning sickness) I ran to the bathroom to clean up my son as my husband got our stuff ready to leave. Thinking we were probably going to walk out with out paying our bill, the waitress runs over says "Here is your check & you are going to clean up the mess, it's not my job" I was stuned that someone could be so rude we just left with out paying and will never return!! She also put food in front of my son. I don't care if you have children or not you should learn that you sould NEVER put food, silverware, drinks or anything else in front of a child! Give it to the parents and let them get it ready for the child. Also anyone with children knows that you can not control them for every second they see what they want and go after it faster then you can stop them. I can't beleive that people would be so stupid as to think they are so high and mighty by saying it's your child's fault. Hello! children just think "hey something for me to get into" they don't know about things being hurtful to them. Or the people that say it's your fault as parents. Let me see them with to kids that want thier food, a stupid waiter/ress and hot food, sodas, and silverware coming and see how they handle it.
#56 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bea - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 27, 2003
POSTED: Friday, June 27, 2003
As I was trying to say before, perhaps the plate was hot? Not in defense of the server, but we (servers) burn our hands a great deal.
I don't believe I know if they were sitting at a table or a booth, though. This would give people a better idea of how many adults in what size of space.
Well put, by the way, Howard.
#57 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Howard - Ingleside (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 27, 2003
POSTED: Friday, June 27, 2003
Emotional outbursts does not justify a case, only the facts do. Asking the above questions is legitimate. Yes, I do have children, of which one is visual impaired to be legally blind. I am not being "high and mighty" in my assessment just very candid. Society as a whole requires that the parents take responsibility not only for their own actions but that of their children.
My conclusion that the accident was the result of the actions and the lack of actions of both parties. And whether the staff was rude has no bearing on the facts of the case.
I also believe that the autism was not caused by the trauma of the burn. I do believe that the Parents and their attorneys are gold diggers.
#58 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 30, 2003
POSTED: Monday, June 30, 2003
Let me start with Bea. First, you made the comment that we should answer your questions and you should not be required or responsible to read the other posts. Yet, you want to continue to ask the same questions and make your own wrong, rude and opinionated assumptions. So, YES you do need to read the other rebuttals or posts and then when you have something of interest and not the same song and dance, we'll talk. By the way, if you read your own rebuttals after writing them, you see why we are so angry with your insulting rebuttals. And, you can't apologize for something that you continuously do. You keep telling us you have a life, etc., yet day after day you rebuttal. Funny!!!
As for Howard, my wife is a Paralegal, so what the courts would want to know and ask, I assure you, she knows. And yes, their attitude and behavior does have a baring on any case involving an injury. As for your comment on, “parents are held responsible for their actions and their children's actions.” Oh, give me a break. This is a clause for a case against a parent whose child has murdered, robbed or raped someone. Not for an infant being burned by the incompetence of a waitress.
Just since you all seem to be to lazy to read, I'll clarify your repeated questions. Yes, the waitress placed a plate in front of my husband, which was to close to my son and he was moving it. She also handed him a plate at the same time that went to another one of our children. She also placed a plate in front of myself that went to people down and then placed another plate and the gravy plate in front of my son. So how was it not our fault and hers, well duh! As to how we were sitting and how many people were there, Fine. There were four adults and four children (3 of which were ours.) They placed us in two small tables, placed together and our infant was sitting in a high chair on the front side. My wife and I on each side our other two beside us. The other two adults beside them and the other child on the other end. When we got there, the waitress already was snotty. She took us to our table and we asked to be placed at a larger table and complained of the smell. It smelled like the entire floor was covered in mold. She sprayed some Lysol and told us that the dinner crowd would be in soon, therefor we could not move to another seat. Nice huh?
As for what we did, well, our son started screaming. The first thing you do as a parent is to try to get the gravy off. We used napkins, it stuck to him, I ran to the bathroom and got wet towels and once the gravy was off noticed his fingers blistering up. We tried to leave! The girl was standing at the table because she just placed the plates in front of him when this happened and while he was screaming, she walked away. Didn't apologize, didn't asked if she could help in anyway, nothing.
Do you know what the manager said when she called a few weeks later? She said, “You have to understand, she's young and doesn't have kids of her own. So she didn't know what to do or how to act when this happened.” The freaking manager said this. This was their defense. So really fight for IHOP all you want. But everyone we know will never go there again. And if their still in business when my son's of age and he chooses to file suit against them, I do wish him all the luck and will be sitting there to see IHOP go down.
#59 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Crystal - Dover (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 05, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
First off I have a 15 month old, and I completely understand that they get into everything. You have to watch them at all times, and it is true that occassionally you have to take your eyes off of them for a second, however when hot food is being served, that is the time that you watch them the most. When we go out I always put my hand out to take my plate as well as my daughters, so that nothing is in front of her. I truly feel bad for what happend to you and your son, but you also said he wasnt speaking prior to this accident. It seems to me that your story conflicts itself. You will not get a big settlement from this, trust me I know, I work in Insurance. Watch your child, for example, if your son ( god for bid) fell from the jungle gym because you looked away for a minute who's fault would it be????
#60 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Carl - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Dale/April..
I have read through all of your complaints (IHOP, Waldorf Ford/Dodge, CiVista) and am just wondering... Do you go out and find things to get money from people/businesses? or is it just a string of bad luck?
#61 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mich - Griswold (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Let me start by saying that this post intrigued me enough to read it completely from beginning to end, and I have to say, Dale and April, I was with you for a while, but then it faded fast!
First, I find the incident, taking your version of events, to be a horrible and an unnecessary experience. I am sure your son was hurt and the screams alone of an injured 15 month old can be enough to send a parent in a tizzy. There are a few, very valid questions that have been raised here that neither April or Dale have answered. You both (referring to Dale and April, the parents) have to understand that if you want the public on your side (which I am assuming is one of the reasons you posted this in the first place) you will have to answer a few of our concerns. If this went to court and you were testifying, would you call the defense attorney a “moron” if he or she asked you a question that you feel you have already answered? I think not, if of course, you were planning on winning. Once you start insulting and name calling, all your validity and respect you had gained with the people listening to you goes right out the window.
In addition, if your 15 month old child was just severely burned, there shouldn’t have been anyone that could have stopped you from getting immediate medical attention. Push past the manager, one go and the other stay (as another person suggested), heck – run down the street with the screaming child in your arms! Whatever it took, your child’s health, safety and well-being should have been priority! Let the dang restaurant sue you for running out on your bill; who cares?! Your child was injured! If that isn’t enough, there are usually pay phones at every IHOP I have ever been to, so you could have even called 911 if the injury was as severe as you claim. You could have stayed there and battled with the manager, while getting immediate care for what should be your number one priority.
Let me also mention that it struck me odd that you were already concerned with the names of the manager and waitress to know “who to contact regarding his medical bills.” The medical bills were a concern? Your child has 3rd degree burns and is screaming and you actually have the thought of who is paying the medical bills? Not only that, did you even bring him to the hospital? You mention that you stated to the manager you had to get to the hospital, but you then go to say that you brought him to his regular doctor the next day.
Now, as for the Autism…... You attacked (very rudely and very unnecessarily, by the way) “B” for her comments, opinions, and her attempt at educating you, but what she has stated in regards to Autism are 110% true. Head trauma is the only known documented and/or accepted traumatic experience linked to the onset of Autism in the medical community. Even that is a small percentage of the Autistic population’s causes. If your doctor has told you that this hand burning experience is the cause of your son’s Autism, then I strongly suggest you get another opinion. If you truly are looking out for your son, and want the best care for him, then a second opinion would be a good idea. Have you contacted an Autism specialist? Someone who deals solely with this specific disorder? If not, maybe it is something you should look into.
Also, I find it amusing that you have not disclosed the amount in which you actually settled for. You threw out $ amounts all over the posts, claiming the insult IHOP put forth in offering a mere $750! Well, how much did you actually take, then? If you aired out this much, why not continue and wrap it up for us all that have taken an interest in your situation.
We all, in entering a restaurant, expect friendly, quick, smart, and courteous service, but they (as servers) also expect friendly, respectable, smart, and courteous customers. You should not have been spoken to in a rude, disrespectful, or fowl manner; and you should not speak that way to anyone here either. Do not complain about being insulted and then turn around and do it yourself.
In closing I want to state again that attacking people for their questions, concerns, or opinions is uncalled for and not a smart move; especially if you are trying to state your case and raise sympathy and/or support from your fellow consumers. Most here are trying to help, like “B” for example. Being rude to someone that has just tried to offer some GOOD advice not only is wrong, but is also a horrible example you are showing the children you are so eagerly defending.
#62 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: April - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 07, 2003
POSTED: Thursday, August 07, 2003
Michele, Yes, I know it’s you because we have been conversing through the Shaw thing, remember, I was and am a victim of his. That being said, it would be impossible for you or anyone to have read the entire post, rebuttals and updates, why? Because just like all of you, my updates, etc. have disappeared. I am posting as a rebuttal instead of an update in hopes that the Hacker cult will not intercept it as they have numerous times now. I’ll update everything so that you can further understand each and everything stated. You should know by now that I DO NOT BULL about anything. Check the Shaw reports about “B”, you’ll see why she was attacked. Yes, it’s the same one. Same thing with Howard and Michael. So anything they say will get fired back upon. Before I begin, My children don’t read these reports, so I can not set an example by anything I write here. My twins just turned 7 and my son that was 15 months will be 3 soon.
Now, We were not the only one’s there that evening, there was also some of our friends, they were stopped from leaving as ourselves were. When I say, we tried to leave, believe me, we tried. The pay phone question, they had the box standing, but like all other phone booths here, there was no phone. I did ask the manager to use his phone and was told to kiss his a**. In some off the “Disappearing” updates, I said that I did not believe what the doctor was telling us. We DID get a second opinion and if my latest update would have been posted, you’d been able to read that we do know why he has autism because just 2 months ago he was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I felt that would be as much as I would give out because this is a statewide medical case to which I am not allowed to speak about. If you know anything about CP, you’d understand where this has to be going without me saying anything. And, out second opinion came from the Chief of Neurology at Children’s Hospital, so I think I can trust her a lot more than his pediatrician.
As per not disclosing the amount we received, we settled for enough to pay the medical bills from this accident. We signed a paper stating that we could not indulge what we took. This money is in our son’s savings account along with each and every one of his SSI checks he’s received. We paid al his medical expenses ourselves. We felt that this was his money, not ours and we should not use it to pay the bills, but to put away for his own use at his time. Another disappearing update stated that we only took the small amount because his burns were now starting to heal and was healing nicely. He still has scaring on his thumb, but hopefully it will disappear in time. He has enough on his plate to deal with. If he is mentally capable of making a decision that he wants to go after IHOP for whatever reason, then when he is old enough, he can. I doubt he will, but you never know.
As for being concerned with names of people for his bills, no you misunderstood. We asked for the managers’ name because of him not allowing us to leave and at that point demanded to speak to the DM, who ran out the back door, we just wanted to leave. He had written his name on a card and wrote the name of the waitress, we didn’t ask for her name. As for the woman, can’t recall her name anymore, she called us after awhile to find out about his medical bills, then never called again.
You see all of the questions we’ve been asked have been answered before, but you’re only seeing what the hackers are allowing. ED knows exactly what we’ve been through with this, from start to finish. Oh, As for the hospital question, we did take him directly to the hospital; the triage nurse took him directly to her office and looked at him. She left us and went to talk to the ER doctor who had to call the house pediatrician. Anyway, we were told the same thing his doctor said, there was nothing they could do, and we could only keep putting cold water on his fingers to try to sooth them. Placing bandages or medication on the burns would have been taken off and eaten by a 15-month-old. It wasn’t until he developed an infection because of only being able to use water, before his doctor would do anything. And then, she could only write him a script for an oral antibiotic.
You see, as far as I’m concerned, this is done and over. My son is different because of other reasons, and I just want to get on my life and do what I can for him now and in the future. My main reason for settling with IHOP is because I don’t want the hassle. The only thing we asked for when this started was an apology from IHOP for what happened with my son and the manager not allowing us to leave. I have that now. More than a year later, but I have an apology letter from the DM of IHOP, (Dave Roark) saying that he was “sorry for the unnecessary detainment by the manager and the misfortune cause by his staff to our little one and family.” Funny, now they take full responsibility. He even wrote, “We want you to know that we take matter like this very seriously. I assure you that I have spoken to the Manager on duty that and we are making the necessary correction.” My point was for this to NOT happen to another child.
What’s done is done. They refused responsibility for his injuries until this late in time. My son will get better, at least where his burns are concerned. I just didn’t and don’t want to see another family go through this because of IHOP’s neglect for their customers, which I will never be again.
#63 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Michele - Griswold (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 08, 2003
POSTED: Friday, August 08, 2003
Ah, April, I didn’t realize you were the “April – Shawbuster!” :o)
The missing posts would explain the gaps in the story, but I appreciate the nice response. After, I re-read what I wrote and was hoping I didn’t come across “nasty”. I am paranoid about that since the whole “Anonymous” incident!
Bottom line, I wish the best for you and your family. I am glad your son is healing well. Hopefully, now that this court/lawyer/settlement issue is over, you can go on and leave this mess behind you.
#64 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Tammy - Athens (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 08, 2003
POSTED: Saturday, August 09, 2003
Some of us are pulling for your precious child! I'm convinced you are right about the hackers. It's obvious they are keeping your lucid and intelligent posts from being made available and only letting the confusing and unintelligible ones slip through. They'll get theirs!
Please hurry up and post a RipOff Report about the doctor who misdiagnosed cerebral palsy for autism. This surely is a doctor whose name should be made available to prevent this glaring and obvious mistake from being made again.
God bless the little one!
#65 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: DAWN - TUCSON (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 08, 2003
POSTED: Saturday, August 09, 2003
April and Dale, I am very sorry about the injuries your child sustained. First, let me say that I don't know who B is, However, we do live in the same city. I believe that she was unrelentlessly attacked for trying to help. I too, have children. 3 of them. Although, two are now teens and I have to watch out for different ways they can be harmed. I still have a 3 year old who is VERY active. And yes, I am very cautious when it comes to things like, hot plates steak knives, or just about anything that could hurt or injure my son. I feel like IHOP was completely out of line in the way they treated you. As far as lawsuits, litigations,compensations and Autism, I know very little and will not respond to that. But, I will say "IHOP stinks" Their food is terrible, it's over-priced, and I have NEVER been served Hot food in an IHOP, even when Hot food was ordered. I think you got the Bums Rush, and dale, If i were you, I'd look into Anger Management. Your verbal assaults are a bit out of hand. You might feel better if you could let go of some of your anger, hurt and frustration from this incident. Well, Best wishes to you and your Son. God Bless!
#66 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Teresa - New York (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 09, 2003
POSTED: Sunday, August 10, 2003
After reading about this, I just wanted to add a thought to everyone with children. The other night we ourselves went out to dinner at a similar type of restaurant, and my son, 11 months could have easily been burned or otherwise injured....truth be told, I didn't really think of it until after reading much of the posts adn responses...
I remembered that I had gotten quite nervous while the waitress was serving our food, and for the record she was saying with each item she put down, "Please be careful, the plate is very hot" Now as I sat here thinking on this I realized there are other dangers in the whole situation. You have a child who is used to being given food ready for him/her to eat...already cooled and safe...whether anyone believes anything else, believe this, a child that has a plate of food placed immediately in front of them is working on a reasonable assumption that the food is for them and ok to eat (all based on past experiences), now the other point of the matter is...most restaruants are crowded busy places, and a child in a high chair is usually squeezed in at a table or sat at the end of the table of a booth (as was the case with us the other night) and as I stated before, I watched the waitress warily as she served our food, and all of it was easily "scalding" hot...(including my son's food)...but that was taken care of without a problem, but this whole thing got me to thinking of how I was actually very nervous at the time that she might accidentaly drop one of those "very hot" plates full of "very hot" food onto my baby...(anything could have happend, as I said we were in a crowded restaurant with my son in the aisle way in the high chair...and she was squeezed in between him and the corner of the booth serving the food, and the tray was actually beind him but someone could have bumped her, she could have lost her balance etc....you get the picture) so while I was remembering this, I suddenly realized that I had to do something to prevent such an accident from occuring when we go out to dinner, so how?
By removing my son from his high chair and stepping away from the booth while the waiter or waitress serves the meal...when I thought of this I have to admit I am actually ashamed that I didn't do this the other night...to think of something horrible like that happening that can be prevented, but I didn't think of it then, and actually when you think about it, the waitress herself would have probably appreciated it as well since she wouldn't have had to hold the tray at such an odd angle and would have had easier access to the table...but I didn't think of it, and all I did was sit there and worry about something falling on my son...it actually makes me angry with myself for not...but I was lucky, other children are not.
Scalding injuries can turn to very nasty burns in seconds. When my best friend was bathing her son, and infant daughter in the same bathtub, and in the seconds it took for her to take the infant out (her son was going on just about 2 yrs at the time)he had reached up and turned on the hot water faucet. Now I won't go into a long detail of what occured, the hot water was on his leg for just moments and what had collected on his foot before she had him out of the tub. Within minutess his foot and leg were blistering, I will readily admit that she has fault in the matter, I am not placing blame on anyone, I just wanted to point out that hot water straight from the tap can sometimes burn that severely that quickly. We all have so many things to watch for in our children's lives...the truth of the matter is, we are sometimes going to make mistakes...and so are other people. It is sad and horrible when a child is hurt or ill in any way.
It is sadder still when someone does not take what they have learned from other's mistakes and prevents it from happening again. Now please understand this first I am NOT calling into question the statements of any previous poster original or otherwise, I just wanted to make one point clear, whether any of it is true or not, this whole issue has actually helped me in the most important way possible, if I hadn't stumbled across it, and if it hadn't gotten me to thinking about the other night with my family at the restaurant, well I probably would honestly not have thought to deal with the possibility of my son getting hurt and I would have continued to worry but would continue also to keep him in the highchair where ever he was placed when we eat out, now I have a way to prevent such accidents to the best of my ability, and for that I thank each and every person who posted here for making me to stop and think, and to come up with a feasible solution, at least for me...
I realize it might not always be so...there are always things happening when you have children...but it's a start... Please, peace and happiness to each of you. Thank you, and my apologies for rambling on for so long. Teresa
#67 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Angeline - Walla Walla (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 10, 2003
POSTED: Monday, August 11, 2003
It's impossible for someone to develop autism in the manner you state. Even when many point that out to you, you insist that you are right and they are wrong. Now you state that cerebral palsey is involved. Give us a break! You are ither crazy or lying, probably both! You ignorant fake!
#68 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Adolph - South Bend (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 10, 2003
POSTED: Monday, August 11, 2003
I happened to have made the first reply to the initial post on this looooong thread. There is absolutely NOTHING remaining that can be said that: [1]Hasn't already been said, [2]Won't bring an angry response regardless of the writer's position or view. (then we're back to [1])
.
Time for everyone to turn out the lights and go home on this issue.
.
Just MHO......
#69 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: April - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 11, 2003
POSTED: Monday, August 11, 2003
Thank you Adolph, enough is enough, this was done and over with. As for Angeline, or whatever you wish to be called these days, read before making asumptions. I SAID, for the hundreth time, my son has Autism and CP, which does not have anything to do with this report. What part of that do you not understand? So, don't rebuttal that I'm crazy or lying, etc., when you have not read this post.
#70 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Michele - Winter Park (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 27, 2003
POSTED: Wednesday, August 27, 2003
I have had the same situation happen to me senice my son (now 19 monthes) was able to sit in a highchair servers would come to our table and place hot coffee or hot food directly in front of him and sometimes even tell us to " be careful this plate is hot" and often I would make a comment to them " why would you place that in front of him" the usual responce was nothing they would simply walk away or sometimes they would aplogize and move it over well one time a bob evans I thought they had the stupidest servers in the world up until I read your story set a cup of coffee right in front of him and he stuck his hand right in it before she could even let go and he began screaming I was so mad I could not even speak I ran to the bathroom with him and put his hand under the tap witch produced less that room temp. water so I came out and asked for ice she contunied serving our food before even going back to get it turned out he healed and we did not have any problems but there was a true possiblity that I could be in the position you are in now and yes I did read the other comments and although I did not have time to read them all I scaned through what I could but the biggest thing that stuned me and caused me to reply was that some ingorant people blame you for this ok so even if you child doesnt have any other damage to his hand and you do have a faul mouth that doesnt give reason for someone to assume that this was in anyway your fault it is neglance on the part of the waitress no matter how you see it she reguarles of her age and if she does or doesnot have children should have the common sense to not place anything that is dangerous in front of a child is she is that stupid then she is not qualifed to work there I am shocked at they way people are blaming you they must not have children or the people who tell you to get over it or they crazy your child is burned and scared for life if they or their child was scared because of some dumbass I bet they would not be over it! you live with this everyday and they will not even admit they are wrong you need to go through with your lawsuit and unless one of the idiots who have replied to you so rudely is your Judge then I think you will win and if you dont at least you tried other tan that I think that it should be part of their training to be aware of where they place dangerous items on the table when children (of any age) or presant I hope you find succes in your lawsuit and maybe you never know maybe you will lead to way to stricted enforcement of the lilibaty one should take on for there neglance
#71 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Peter - Pony (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 28, 2003
POSTED: Friday, August 29, 2003
The problem with April et al is that often well-meaning yet uneducated individuals initially attempt to resolve their legal issues themselves rather than contact an attorney right away. This not onlhy conveys a negative impression of them to the defending party, but the level of emotion these individuals add to the scenario often serves to discredit their story and/or focus attention on minute issues other than the serious one at hand.
If you wish to see results when it comes to your legal woes ...
1- consult an attorney immediately
2- leave your emotions out of it. State the cold, hard facts in a clear and concise manner. Making a spectacle of yourself is not going to get any positive results for you.
#72 Employee
AUTHOR: Jessica - Rochester (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
I'm sorry your child got burnt, and since he's so young I'm sure any scars will reside.
Accidents happen, babies cry all the time, so I'm sure the server wouldn't turn around to come back to the table to make a rescue, or to be a baby sitter let alone.
Oh, and about the manager, I don't beleive that he would stand there, cuss and sware in front of any children.
If you cared more about your child more than money, you would have taking him to a hospital, instead of making a ruckus.
So the Accident is over, your childs burn is healed and your still complaining that $750 isn't enough!!!!?
What? are you trying to get rid of IHOP? ...Well You can't I'm sorry, because there is FAR MORE GOOD EMPLOYEES WHICH WORK THERE, AND HAPPY COSTUMERS ACROSS THE NATION, THAN YOU HAVE MONEY HUNGRY BRAIN CELLS...
#73 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Brian - Gladstone (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
I can't believe whats going on here and worse,actually replying! The lady basically stated the facts,(were any of you there?)and used this forum to relay them. I, for one could care less if she brought IHOP to their knees, more power to her. Seems to me there's a lot of people out there who
1) have nothing better to do with their time,or,
2)are actually jealous because they have never been in a situation to take on a large corporation.
(remember McDonalds coffee and the precident it set around the world for REGULATING further procedures on serving hot liquids?)They paid the price and perhaps the whole service industry needs to be reminded once again that you take nothing for granted, especially the well-being and SAFETY of your customers,the people who made you what you are...
The ignorance of these rebuttals makes me sick, shame on all of you! Take em' down April...
P.S. Don't lower yourself to these jerks by responding to their rhetoric...I'm sure even these people are gonna watch closer when they dine out anywhere in the future. Thanx for putting us on alert. I'm only sorry you and your child had to pay the price... I wish you luck.
#74 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul Pickle - Raleigh (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, January 31, 2004
Is it just me, or does anyone else notice the distinct resemblance that exists between this "April" character's many reports and all of those concerning happenings in the town of Tupper Lake, NY? Who does "April" think she is kidding? Doing a search on her reports yields a multitude of examples where she feels "ripped off" and mentions suing or wanting to sue various individuals or companies. In fact, I think she has sued more people than the population of my entire town combined. And, she is always looking for more!
April - do tell us ... are your reports completely true, or even just a bit fabricated? And what exactly are you after anyway? What is your point for filing all these supposed ripoffs?
#75 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mike - Peoria (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 01, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, February 01, 2004
Read this report for the first time this morning from begining to end.
IHOP isn't the first place I would eat. Ate once and I do have to agree the management and help leave much to be desired.
My comments though are directed to mom and dad here. Having a young child is both a blessing and rather stressful. I just wonder in this "sue you for everything" world we live in who will cry foul if junior breaks a window and mom and dad get drug into court because they feel IHOP (or whoever did them or thier child wrong) should be responsable. Damn....I just don't belive that we live in a society where everything is someone elses fault. Yes, the manager was an a**, and yes IHOP bears some responsability for the childs burn, but to drag this HERE for almost 2 years. I just hope you don't get sued for something your child does. I don't think we could stand you crying when, with bat in hand, your child is said to have broken something and you looking for someone else to blame.
On the sympathetic side (yes, I do have one), I hope your child has healed from his injuries.
#76 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, February 02, 2004
POSTED: Monday, February 02, 2004
OK Paul Pickle, lets face it, you can try your BS on any report on this site attacking anyone you want and trying to make yourself look better, it doesn't work. Hello again Shawnagunk, love the new name. You don't actually think that people are stupid enough to believe different. We have all read your name attacking the same group of people over and over again. You really need a hobby, I'm sure your therapist could help you with something.
Oh, and do a search on me, any company that I've "busted" on, where do you see a lawsuit????? There is something seriously wrong with you.
As for the employee in NY, you give people a perfect example of why resturants go out of business and why so many lawsuits have been filed. Your attitude alone proves this. I guess you also don't read very well or have no children of your own. Why? Simply because I said my son was screaming and crying like he never has, not a child just crying. And babysitting, HAH! No matter what business you work in, rather it be a resturant, a department store, etc. you are trained and told to make sure the customer is SAFE. You do know what that word means right? And someone that brings up a two year old report just to run off at the mouth has some social problems of their own.
#77 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Ive seen some crazy stuff on the reports but this one takes 1st place. I have to applaud everyone here who has an opinion about this. I cant figure it out. Yeah the victims parents are way outta line saying stuff like "I hope the same thing happens to your child" but trying to put myself in thier shoes maybe I would do the same. I know for sure I would be mad and upset. I dont think these folks are trying to get rich from IHOP. I think they are pissed off thier baby got burnt. Both sides have points, some good some bad and some ridiculous. I dont think anyone here is against you and for IHOP. I would really like to see this manager come here and post his rebuttal. I for one am emailing IHOP and asking them why they are not defending themselves. Im just sorry this little one got burnt as everyone here is im sure.
#78 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Michael - Seattle (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
David, I commend your recent post for its neighborly tone. Obviously you are one who has read these posts and tried to make some sense of them applying logic and rationality. I must however take exception to a point that you make.
Some of us are definitely against these charlatans and definitely, in this case, pro-IHOP. The calumnies here are such that I would stick up for Satan himself were he libeled in the manner Dale/April have degraded IHOP.
Dale/April have made a sport of attempting to besmirch the reputation of the Rip-Off Report by the posting of outright lies in the guise of truth. Fortunately, we have been able to drive them to ground.
Unfortunately, they continue to stick their heads out of their spider hole when they think the truth squads have left. They function much like a herpes virus, and as much as we pick at this scab, this cold sore that tries to silence the mouth that is the ROR, they keep coming back. Instead of giving them sympathy for imagined slights, ask them instead what they have to gain by sullying the integrity of this website.
#79 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Tracey - New Caney (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
I am a mother of three children. Ages 19, 15, and 12. I have lived through the toddler years. I know very well how fast things can happen. The waitress SHOULD NOT have placed hot food in front of the baby.
When orders were placed, did the baby speak up and state that he wanted biscuits and gravy?
The actions of the waitress and management in this situation were deplorable. The least anyone could have done is show concern for the burned infant.
I am not going to venture as to the extent of the injuries sustained, for I was not there. However, the manager should have have apologized and offered to pay for a doctor visit.
This mom was highly upset over the injury to her son. Any mom would have been.
#80 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Colleen - Paden City (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, February 12, 2004
Are any of you an ATTORNEY? Probley not. So do not give out legal advice if you have no idea what you are talking about.
It is in the best intrest of the orginial author of this case that they only follow what legal advice is given to them from their attorney, not from those who think they know the LAW!!!
There are many factors that do play into this type of case, and it is necessary to find that information.
If you have never taken a legal course before, Keep your thoughts to yourself!
As for the Dale and April, April is a Paralegal, If I am not mistaken here from what I have read, I am currentley in courses for not only Paralegal but as well as my lawyer's degree. Believe me this case does in fact have many factors that are playing into this childs scars and pain along with the emotional endurance that this child has had to endure!
Smile I'm on your side with this issue that must be resolved. But definitely not for $750.00!!!!
Best reguards in the mean time and keep up your spirits!
#81 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Kathy - Ferriday (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 13, 2004
POSTED: Friday, February 13, 2004
She was doing her job, and while she could have placed the gravy in the center of the table or by one of the adults, you, as a parent, should have immediately instructed her to move it or moved it yourself. The server most likely set the gravy down without thinking about the child right by it. Like I stated in my subject line, I do have kids, two of them. One is a toddler, and I know how they like to reach for everything they see. That is why I am careful about what is in her reach, and no, you can't watch them every second, but in a restaurant situation, I make sure their plates are placed by me so that I can cut up the food, etc. You were watching when the girl put the food down, and while your hands were full, you still had the ability to talk, didn't you? I am a server myself and I serve many families with small children, and when I bring food for them, the parents always have me put the hot items out of their reach.
The only thing I can agree with you on is the fact that the server walked away when your child was screaming. She should have came right back to see what the problem was.
With all of that said, I'm sorry your child was injured. I hate to see my kids in pain too. However, I can't sympathize with you any further than that. You were offered $750 by IHOP, which is more than what most places would give you. Your wanting to get more is just obvious greed.
#82 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Ella - Salt Lake (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 14, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, February 15, 2004
1. Autism is not caused by burns.
2. Biscuit gravy has pork in it. Due to trichonosis concerns, most states mandate that restaurants serve any pork products at a temperature of 140 degrees.
3. Your child was blistering and you wasted time arguing witht he manager?
4. Your wife is a paralegal? Obviously she's not a very good one because your posts demonstrate a complete ignorance of the law and trial procedure. However this is typical. Most paralegals I know like to pretend they have JD degrees. (And by the way...yes I am a lawyer.)
5. Based on your responses, I don't think your child has autism or CP. I think he has genetic stupidity.
Get a job and stop looking for get rich quick lawsuits.
#83 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, February 16, 2004
POSTED: Monday, February 16, 2004
Oh My, It's Michael again. You love to drop off the face of the world for some time, then reappear with comments that are always against the person who files their reports, yet your come back is always, “I have made my own reports and have helped the rip off report. Bull, you help yourself by making yourself feel better ripping into everyone else. You haven't helped anyone, but given them all someone to vent out on. Grow-up and stop insulting even your dog's intelligence.
As for Ella, if that's your real name, who in the hell do you think you are? Let me guess you're the one in school that everyone else picked on, so you find this site to try to fight back. Our son is Autistic and he does have CP. Let me make this very clear, only an immature asshole would call any child suffering from these disorders “Stupid” as you have. It would be in your best interest to jump off a bridge, seeing how you serve no better purpose. Again, it takes a lot of nerve to call a child this, when you seem to be the only stupid thing out there. Am I Pissed? Oh YES! Better yet, I'll pass your rebuttal on to everyone I've meet going through the same problems and see if any of them find your comments needed or funny. You and Michael would make the perfect match, oh but most of us know that won't happen since we all know the REAL Michael. HA!
People need to really get over it all, this has been dead and over for a long time, we weren't out for any money, as made very clear, but we did want IHOP to know what they did and to make sure this never happens to anyone ever again. We have done just that, they have changed their training practices to prevent this. So, we did win. Find something new to start and stop with the same lines, it gets really old.
#84 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Holly - Phoenix (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 20, 2004
POSTED: Friday, February 20, 2004
I'm sorry to hear what happened to your child and hope he is doing better. I've seen how quick and eager children can be and children do not know any better especially when they are that young. To receive good customer service the waitress should have been paying attention as to what she was putting in front of a young child, period .... and i know that we have all received bad customer service at some point or another and just go back and think about how you were treated and how it felt.
What should have happened was the manager should have been fired for the way he treated you and the waitress put on warning, being that the manager is the one who teaches their employees how to treat their customers and it's quite obvious that he did his job very poorly.
Everyone has a different point of veiw in this matter and i think that everyone has forgotten about what real cutomer service should be about. I know for a fact that it has gone down the drain in the past 10 years or so. I may be young but even i've noticed how disrespectful people can be towards their customers.Remember customers are the ones paying their paychecks by buying that companies business.
#85 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Sharon - Circle Pines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 28, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, February 28, 2004
I ask this question. What can the consumer do to get restaurants to train their employees properly? Any suggestions from anyone?
I finally read through the complaints and rebuttals and I'm sickened by the coldness and
heartless people that would bring these parents
down at a time in their life when they really
need moral support. I think restaurants do have
a moral responsibility and obligation to see that the people who come there can expect a reasonably safe environment in which to enjoy their meal.
This is a FAMILY restaurant and I
would think that IHOP would do everything in their corporate structure to have a training session for their new employees as well as their
other employees in safety issues and how to avoid
such accidents as what this poor child endured.
In fact, I think it would benefit eating
establishments of all kinds to have safety issues presented to their employees by management in not only in avoiding accidents of this kind but in matters of food safety such as sanitation and food prep procedures to avoid food poisoning. I think a couple of sessions would do it on a periodic basis throughout the year.
I think this couple deserves to be compensated
for this terrible accident and I would tell them to go for whatever they can get. It seems that the only way big corporations listen or change their ways is when there is a law suit against them. It's only when they start LOSING money that they sit up and take notice. It's too bad that it has to take a lawsuit for companies to put better policies in action but that's the way it is.
I'm sorry for the pain and suffering that Dale
and his family has gone through and I just hope
that they seek God in all this and find future blessing. May the rest of you folks stop being
so judgemental and try to find compassion within your souls.
#86 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Tony - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 29, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, February 29, 2004
You did contact the police about your false imprisonment and also about the illegal refusal of a telephone for an emergency call - right?
If not, why not?
If so, what did they say? (And, why didn't you mention it?)
#87 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Dave - New Port Richey (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 01, 2004
POSTED: Monday, March 01, 2004
hello.....don't let your infants play in hot gravy.....it must be ihop's fault....and if you need to go to a hospital don't let the ihop manager stop you!!!!!!!!! the boy now has autism from a gravy burn???? WHATEVER.....here is a prime example of why insurance rates are so high....frivolous claims.
#88 Employee
AUTHOR: Lindsay - Lafayette (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, May 03, 2004
POSTED: Monday, May 03, 2004
I am a server at IHOP. It is the server's job to 1) greet and seat, 2) take order, 3) deliver food, 4) check back, 5) thank customer and ask to return.
I believe that what a customer does with their food after we set it on the table is their business. We cannot stay at the table to babysit your children. We have other tables to go to, as well as get food from the kitchen, make drinks, salads, deserts, seat customers, check out customers, clean up, and do our side work.
When you said your hands were full, you should have put something down so you could move the plate away from your child. Sometimes customers won't move their newspaper or hands or whatever to give us room to put the food down. They make us just stand there holding this hot plate and staring at us like we're stupid. You ordered it, you take it!
Some people are just always trying to sue. I have never had a serious problem with any customers, but if I did and it was their fault, I would not take this kind of behavior!
#89 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 04, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Insurance rates are high because of people like you you read what you want into something, not to mention only teading what you want. I have much better things to do then go over this time and time again for people who can't seem to read.
Insurance rates are high because of people NOT doing their jobs, such as medical professionals, resturants, etc. etc. etc.
As for the employee, if it's too much for you to do your job, I sugest you find some other sort of work. My hands were full from moving every other plate away from my son, when a server ius too lazy to move from one side of a table to the next and expects an infant to have ALL and EVERYONE else's food infront of them, come on give me a break. Think first people! Once again, we did everything we could have, the server was incompetent to say the least. If you serve like this girl did, I doubt very seriously that you've never had a problem, especially with the attitude you've shown in your writing.
#90 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Susanm - Kansas City (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, July 05, 2004
POSTED: Monday, July 05, 2004
I got caught up in all the responses to the original complaint made by this mother after her child recieved a burn at ihop. I am a server, and I have to say that I personally would never have put a plate of food down in front of a 15 month old child, of course I am 58, not 17 and have raised 4 children of my own, also I did not notice anyone questioning the degree of the burn recieved.
In my younger days, I worked as a burn tech at a local childrens hospital burn unit. I have alot of experience with burns, also one if my sons was burned at about the same age as this child and he had to spend a month in the burn unit, with only a second degree burn. A third degree burn goes much deeper , and in most cases has to be skin grafted.
This mother states because of his age he only saw the family doctor who only perscribed some salve, no way, if this child had any burn more than a first degree burn, the child would have been treated differntly, burns to hands are also difficult alot of times needing a physical therpist, bracing.
I really find that the mother talks like she doesn't know what she is talking about and that instead of taking this child to an e.r. imeadiately, she waited till the next day, and I even question that the regular dr. only gave a salve for treatment.
If she was offered 750.00 she should take it. you can only sue for damages, out of pocket expenses and pain and suffering. She only mentioned 70.00 that I saw. If she does have a lawyer, I would think the lawyer would have asked for pain and suffering, and these cases take a long time to resolve.
As to who is responsible, as I said I never would have placed a plate of food in front of a child that age, but if a server had placed one in front of my child I would have grabbed it quick, because kids go for what is put in front of them.
When my son was burned, he came up between me and the kitchen counter and pulled on the cord to the electric skillet and pulled a cooking pot roast off on his bare chest, a second degree burn, requiring a month of hospitalazation, her saying her son suffered second and third degree burns with no admittance to a hospital burn unit makes me wonder, greately!!!!
The manager could never have kept me there 30 minutes, because I would have been out the door and on my way to the e.r., the burn must not have been that serious.
#91 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 06, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Again, this has been done and over with for sometime. You don't live where I do, you can not run to an ER, they will turn you away unless you're dying. Our local ER does not see anyone for burns. I already know this to be a fact as I had 3rd degree burns from a TV dinner and was told to go see my doctor the next day. That my doctor could tell me where to go next.
I called his doctor, again, he was burned, he is scared and we have all gotten over it. And no, the doctor refussed anything but an ointment as she claims, "He will only pull at anything we put on it and might put it in his mouth."
However, I have worked with EMS many years ago and again, I am well educated, I can assure you, I know exactly what to do and how to care for him during this incident. My problem is and was the piss poor attitude of the restaurant.
#92 Employee
AUTHOR: Lindsay Doyle - Lafayette (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 08, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, July 08, 2004
I'm sorry but I had to comment again. If you're "well-educated," why is it that you misspell simple words such as refuse?
But that is not the reason for my reply. I want to say that 3rd degree burns are the deepest tissue burns, usually caused by fire, chemicals, etc. A medical website I checked with claims all 3rd degree burns require immediate emergency treatment.
I feel sorry for you if you acquired this type of burn from a T.V. dinner. You must have one strong microwave!
#93 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Susan - K.c. (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 09, 2004
POSTED: Friday, July 09, 2004
I know this is all said and done with, but when you keep making the same mistake by referring to youur childs burn as a third degree, and there was no hospital, then you are sooo wrong, as the person who rebutted you after I did, they are also right.
A third degree burn is a deep burn, one that has to be skin grafted, through surgery, also a third degree burn is not associated with great pain because the burn is so deep that it has damaged the nerve endings, so a person with thrid degree burns don't experience pain from that burn but might experience pain from the site where the skin was taken to be grafted onto the third degree burn site.
I was a burn tech in a pediatric burn unit, I know about burns, you said you were an emt, good lord I would be afraid, very afraid. And any dr. that told you a child would just put their hand into their mouth, therefore removing the medication, is nuts,
Those burns have to be whirlpooled, debrieded, an antimycrobial applied , the burns dressed and then a splint is placed on the arm at the elbow to keep the childs hand out of the mouth, any serious burn, especially a hand is dressed and splinted, because hand burns are difficult to treat because the scarring can cause contractures and all kinds of difficulties, so you just sound like you don't know what you are talking about, as I am positive that a t.v. dinner did not give you a third degree burn, and I am sure you will not comprehend what I have just told you and will again state that is was a 3rd degree burn.
#94 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mike Clive - Southern (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, July 10, 2004
I must come to the defense... not of the people who started this IHOP thing, but to the people of Waldorf, MD. There are educated people in Waldorf, MD that do not take advantage of everything that they can. Because of people like Dale/April our insurance rates rise.
Because of these people your customer service at your local retail store sucks. Take a look around this website. These people have complained about everything from hospital care to retail service to automobile problems and then they have the nerve to respond to other people's rebuttals with improper grammar and spelling.
To everyone else who reads this.. don't bother wasting your time. These people think they know everything (3rd degree burn from a TV Dinner..my wife is a nurse and she was rolling on the floor with that one) and no matter what you say they will come back with rebuttal that doesn't make sense. Next thing you know they'll be Doctors. Enough said!
#95 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 11, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, July 11, 2004
You need to take you PDS or Ford, gard to tell with you, butt somewhere else. You want to keep starting things, because we made you look incompetent and egotistical. Keep it up. You've been shot down and made to look like an idiot numerous times, you want to look like one again, fine! By the way, when do YOU move to SO.MD? And for someone who THINKS they're so educated, SO MD is NOT a city, duh.
As for my wife getting 3rd degree burns from a TV dinner, she did. Anything hot can produce 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree burns depending on the amount of time the heat touches your skin and the temperature of the item. Why don't you ask your own Dr, since you think you're smarter than everyone else on this site.My wife was in the hospital for days, she needed skin graphs, medication for over a months, and special medication to place on the burns. She has nasty scars left as a result. So by all means keep your BS up.
#96 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
POSTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
Dale..
Thanks for your insightful rebuttal. I am now much more educated that I was before.
Mike
#97 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Michael - Seattle (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
POSTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
Just a heads-up: it has been established time and time again that April/Dale's posts are bogus ones planted to discredit the Rip-Off Report. Attempts to keep their tomfoolery to a minimum have been unsuccessful. After we drive them away they pop back up after a few months with more foolishness.
They have slandered IHOP, Ford, and countless well-meaning souls who rely on this page. Please ignore them.
#98 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
POSTED: Monday, July 12, 2004
Funny. Again, are you from Washington, Maryland, Virgina, forgot where else you claim to be from? Can't make up your mind which is your first name or your last? God you're sorry. I simply can't wait to laugh at your posts! Oh, but according to you, you never a "Victim." We'll see.
#99 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 13, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Dale, I hate to disappoint you but the previous rebuttal was from someone different. You see I do live in Waldorf, MD. You know the city... the place where Waldorf Ford is located (your Ford Focus problem), IHOP (right down the street from Waldorf Ford), how about Hechts (St. Charles Towne Center), which is right across the street from BJ's. Maybe Circuit City (across the street from Best Buy)... by the way did you file a ripoffreport for Best Buy yet? We cannot forget Civista, which is not in Waldorf..that is south in La Plata, which is the County seat... These places ring a bell? They sure do... By the way which company in Waldorf or La Plata haven't you complained about yet? One last thing..I must commend you on a well thought, well said rebuttal. Did you use the spell check and grammar check in Microsoft Word then copy and paste? Have a great day!
#100 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Amy - Buffalo (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
OK, I don't alway agree with the people here making reports, however they make reports not because they got screwed over, but to inform the consumers of what goes on in the real world. I have read the reports from these people. Many are quite old as this one is. And two or three people continue to stir up troble with them over and over again. Like this Mike person.
Everytime I noticed his rebuttals to their reports are specifing spelling and grammer. Don't you have better things to do then to rip on someone because they make mistakes. This is not a post to do that. This is not a paid newspaper, mistakes in spelling don't really matter as long as a point was made.
You seem more gun-ho on pissing people off then anything else. And I read your most recent rebuttal, you're not the same Mike as above, I find that hard to believe. I think these people have you pegged and that just puts your panties in a bunch.
As for the companies you've refered to of their past reports. First let me make it clear that I too lived in MD, White Plains to be exact. Civista was known as LaPLata Hospital then PMH. And this hospital was crap then, I doubt very seriously that anything has changed. Don't remember much about Hechts. Circuit City IS discriminatory, however my uncle tells me they reconstructed their store and the employees seem more helpfull now.
I can't say, I don't and didn't shop there. BJ's, well they're a warehouse, enough said. As for the Ford company; I have a Focus, a 2002 SE, fully loaded. I don't know how the dealership there works, but the one here royally screwed myself. Everything they complained about, I have dealt with the same problems, the overwhelming amount of recalls, and the list goes on. That is one thing you just don't want to go there with me.
I know my rebuttal will piss you off, but hell that's what I'm trying to do. I know you'll pick at everything you possibly can, I don't know if you get a thrill out of attacking people or what, but to everyone else, that is what we see. I hope these people don't back down from you.
They've made very strong arguements and in most, have supported that. Anyone that has lived in or around Waldorf, knows these things to be true. Maybe you should get into the work force and start doing something other then intimidating posters on this site. Then maybe you'll find a better hobby. You seem like you have way too much time on your hands.
#101 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Amazing, Mike, once again you have proven my point. You don't answer questions when asked, instead you will do everything possible to turn things around on my report. Whatever. I do have much better things to do with my life then sit here and BS with you all day, seeing that's all you seem to know how to do!
#102 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bill - Mukilteo (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
It's amazing that this discussion has been going on for the better part of two years.
Many of the coldhearted comments remind me of this line from "Airplane":
"Shanna, they bought their tickets, they knew what they were getting into. I say, let 'em crash." --- Jack Kilpatrick
The manager and staff of IHOP should have taken personal responsibility for their actions. No sane person puts hot gravy in front of a toddler. That's all. All the whining in the world on behalf of IHOP won't change that simple fact.
Too many people have a warped idea of what 'personal responsibility' actually means. Business staff have a 'personal responsibility' to protect their patrons and to behave in a safe manner. No amount of whining will excuse them from this responsibility.
The server placed hot gravy in front of a child. This is not the fault of the parent, despite some of the twisted logic to the contrary.
That aside, however, all of this may have been avoided had the manager and server expressed an apology, assisted with first aid, and generally acted like they gave a darn.
Insurance rates are high because businesses have become used to acting like they have no responsibility to create a safe environment for their customers.
Blaming those who are hurt and injured for being hurt and injured in the first place has created a culture of victimhood among American business. Too many businesses take minimum steps towards consumer safety, then whine to the high heavens that they are not responsible for their customers injuries.
The injured customers sue, damages are awarded because they are deserved, and insurance rates go up. The businesses whine to the media through their press flacks, and too many bleeding-heart members of the public take the side of the poor victimized business. It's really pathetic.
No one on a plane deserves to crash simply because they bought a ticket, and this couple's child did not deserve to be burned for doing what children do.
The server was an adult and should have known better than to put hot gravy in front of a baby, while the manager should have practiced much better customer relations.
That's really all there is to it.
#103 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Carol - Philadelphia (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 15, 2004
POSTED: Friday, July 16, 2004
While posting a report about another company, I began to browse through other reports. This report happened to catch my attention because of the reference you made about this injury causing autism. I taught special education students for 10 years, received a PhD in Neuroscience from Brown University, and now spend my entire time researching causes and cures for autism. Not to mention that my younger brother is also autistic. I have no comment about the accident.
I am sorry for all of the difficulties you have encountered. I do however feel the need to say a few things about autism itself. First of all, research shows that males are more likely to become autistic. There is no specific cause, but brain dysfunction, chemical deficiencies in the body,and certain genetic disorders have all been linked to autism. There was also evidence that a virus can cause autism usually during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Never has a burn been shown to cause autism. That is a ludicrous statement for a doctor to make. Many toddlers are burned, injured, or hurt in a variety of ways.
The outcome however is never autism. Autism does not stem from a physical injury. I would suggest you find a new pediatrician fast. As for the rest of your case, I hope you find whatever you are seeking. Please don't feel sorry for yourself or your family because you have an autistic family member. Embrace him and give him lots of love. They are some of the most interesting and unique people in the world.
#104 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Pete - Spencerport (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 16, 2004
POSTED: Friday, July 16, 2004
I'm sorry that I get bored. Checking out this report made me laugh. You go on and on about everything, and nothing.
Some of you sound like my mentally ill mother _repeat-repeat-negative comments-negative etc!!! I'd like to be able to send her, and some of you-to the loonie bin where you belong!
Look, the kid is in high school by now; can we drop it??
Quit beating the dead horse, and bury it. In three more years she can buy some cloned hands for him, and charge IHOP.
I'm sorry the kid was hurt. I doubt he remembers it. He might have to see a therapist about his fear of gravy; then again it's high in cholesterol-it could be a good thing that he dislikes it.
For everyone with no life, why don't you adopt a highway-or something.
Better yet, help Ed out with this site. The guy is swamped.
One last thing; I pray some day they chare $1 to post a report here. It will keep some of these idiots off of this site. Most of you will all sorts of time - obviously don't work; the dollar fee should keep you away from the public computer.
#105 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Susan - K.c. (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 17, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, July 17, 2004
Pete, why do you have to be so hateful, really the rebuttles that I and some of the other people have offered are just comments, because there were certain things that just didn't ring true. To say that we don't have a life and too much time , ect is really rude. I assure you that I work very hard, have plenty of friends, and when I responded it was just to make a statement about burns, since I have alot of expertise in this area, and as The other gentleman who responded about autisim, it after all is a free country, where we can so somethinglike this and it should'nt upset you so, underneath it all you sound mean and unhappy, I haven't called anyone an idiot or any reference such as that, the only two who are bantering back and forth is mike and Dale and they can do that if they want so why don't you just zip it and if someone wants to talk on this form, let them, not that big of a deal.
#106 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 17, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, July 17, 2004
Amy, you must be related to Dale and April..
#107 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Pete - Spencerport (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004
Oh.. Now I'm a blue meanie. Look people, it was not nice that a kid was burned; what is even worse is that people want to drag out a closed case for two years!!
Susan, there are plenty of other reports that you could flap your yap about, why do you continue to beat this thing in the ground!!??!!
Were you abused as a child by a server at Perkins? Did your ex-husband work at IHOP? Did you catch him with the gravy girl?
My point is:
This is a cold case.
The child had treatment.
IHOP should flip the bill.
Stop eating pancakes. They make you fat, and clog your arteries. You will have many years added to your life, so you can drag out more reports way past their prime. It's a win win(for Susan; the rest of us should sue Susan for the meds we will need to cope with her whining:-->just kidding).
Fire the 17 year old server(I'm sure she works at Walmart now).
Thats it. Drop it.
Suing IHOP for 3 million dollars raises our insurance costs. We all pay that off. Have them pay for what is wrong, and any further complications, and thats it. CASE CLOSED!!!
Two years later, you people are still yapping, like the TUPPER LAKE CROWD.
If you have no clue what I'm talking about;
TYPE TUPPER LAKE in the RIP-OFF REPORT SEARCH ENGINE on this site.
Talk about redundant.
#108 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Amy - Buffalo (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004
This is the response I thought I would get from you, Mike. You can dish it, but you certainly can't take it can you. I'm not related and don't appreciate the assumption of such. I made a rebuttal after reading your comments of hate over and over. These poeple certainly have you pegged and it seems to ruffle your tail-feathers. Why don't you share with all of us your posts, though so!
#109 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Rose - Somewhere In (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 27, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
As a waitress, I of course understand that it is always best to place food away from young children. However, sometimes this is not possible, such as if there are many plates on the table at once. I would of course prefer to place the food farther away, but there is absolutely no reason for this waitress to be blamed.
I understand that this is a horrible situation, & I feel bad that this had to happen to your son, but I am so sick of parents that try to place blame on others for their childrens' actions! I know that your son is young, but as the mother, you know that your child is young & tends to reach for things, so it is your responsibility to watch him!
It is not the waitress' responsibility to babysit your son! She is there to bring you food, you are there to watch your children! Parents today don't seem to understand the responsibility that comes with parenthood, especially in restaurants! I am constantly dealing with children running all over the restaurant, screaming, spilling things, throwing things, etc.
I should not have to deal with this as the waitress, this should be up to the parents. I understand that the waitress could have helped the situation, but she is not to blame.
Also, even though I was feeling sorry for you and understanding your situation, when you said that your son developed autism because of this experience, your story lost all of its validity.
Even though the actual cause of autism is not known, it IS known that trauma CANNOT cause it! The burns could have been traumatic, but HE DID NOT DEVELOP AUTISM BECAUSE OF IT. Please research autism for the sake of your son, & please stop blaming IHOP, or any other restaurant for this problem.
#110 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Wow, you want to make a statement... but you don't know where you live, and you want to talk about vadility? Strange! You appearently read what you wanted and only that, as I said, the doctor stated this not us, and it was not believed by either of us.
Secondly, you CAN NOT watch your child when someone si deliberately handing plates to you. Next thing you know, you'll wonder why aprents don't grow more arms. This IS NOT our fault is is the waitress and IHOP, maybe you need to find a new job. Just stay away from children.
#111 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Karen - Washington (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Ok hear me out, I worked food service as a waitress when i was very young, 16 years old. One night a family came in and ordered food. Well, the party was kind of big and in a large corner booth, I brought the drinks and because of the placement of the table and the number of people I placed one drink in front of one of their babies. The baby leaned over and because the drink so far away his little hands could only grap the tip of the cup. Well it spilled over wasting water all over him. The lady totally got mad at me and demanded free food.
Moral of the long story is, I was just a kid, not old enough to truly understand how to accomodate children. It was a mistake and at the time I honestly thought i did my best in placing it away from the child.
In the case of this mother, the food was hot, and yes its easy to blame the waitress, but im not sure this isnt any different from the whole hot coffee at mcdonalds thing, if anything no food should be so hot that ANYONE gets scaulded by it.
Good luck guys!!
#112 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Mary - Brandywine (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
I think that these people need to hear what someone else saw. I was there when all this happened. I work down the street from this IHOP. I come there once a week for the last 7 years, so I know most of the staff there. I have kept quiet as Kevin, the manager then and now, knows who I am, and this may start some negative responses when I come in.
However, you all have a lot of this situation wrong. I don't know if the readers here don't understand what really took place, as the parents seem to be getting more and more upset as people make the kind of responses that they have. Now, I don't blame them for getting upset, this is a little kid we're all talking about. So, I will tell you everything I remember about that night and you all can make what you want of it.
My friend and I were sitting at a both on the right side of the restaurant, so I was able to see everything that took place. There were 3 or 4 others tables being used at this time, they weren't busy at all. These people were unforgettable as so many things kept you interested in them. There was 4 adults, 3 children (2 little boys and a little girl) and this baby.
I remember them walking in because the mother seemed to be in a lot of pain. The father had to help her to the seat and with her jacket. She had horrible looking bruises along her arms. The hostess sat them all in 3 tables, side by side, but not together. I remember the other lady asking if they could move the tables together and the hostess replied that the tables did not move, she was sorry for the inconvenience as they had no seating for more than 6 people. The baby was in a high chair and the only place he could sit was at the end, the other end was attached to the waitress's station.
I saw the mother and father sitting one on each side of the baby and each child sat by an adult. Both the men seemed very concerned with the mother's well-being and kept asking if she was OK and if she needed anything. I remember one time she replied, “I'm fine, I'll heal and my family is all here.” Like I said, you could not forget this family.
The waitress came over and asked for drink orders, then came back and asked for their food orders. These kids were well behaved, the children ordered with a please and a thank you. They all seemed so happy, something most of us don't seem to have ourselves anymore. A little later, the waitress came out with a tray full of food. Instead of her sitting the tray down at one of the tables behind them , she started handing plates to the mother and father to hand down. As they were handing the plates down, she did place a bowl of gravy right in front of this baby. And kept placing plates in front of him.
The parents continuously kept picking these plates up. Then this horrible accident happened. The baby starts screaming, he was rubbing his little hands together. The father picked up napkins trying to get it off. Then the mother grabs one and starts wiping the other hand. The napkins were just sticking to this little ones hands. The waitress walks away, like nothing was going on.
I'm sure these people thought that maybe she was going for help or something. The mother runs a pile of napkins to the bathroom and comes back with them dripping with water. She looked to be in so much pain herself. She wipes the baby's hands and starts crying. I looked over again and the baby's hands were so red and bumps started emerging. The father was trying to calm to mother down and the baby was still screaming.
The other man stood up looking for someone that worked there. Like I said, they were not busy, but all of a sudden there no one. Finally, the waitress comes back and asks how everything was. I thought the father was going to hit her. The mother tells her that she was stupid enough to place food in front of a baby and in less she was deaf she had to know he was hurt. The other man told her to they were leaving. She told them that she had to get her manager. They waited and waited, the mother was getting more and more upset. Another waitress comes over and tells them that the manager was coming, the mother told her to tell him to hurry up, she wanted to get her son to a doctor.
Kevin finally comes out and tells them that they had to wait for their bill before they could leave. The other man told Kevin he must be kidding. Kevin gets loud and tells them that they ordered food and needed to pay for it. The other man told him that none of the children were even served and no one else was going to eat, so they were leaving. Kevin tells them that if they move he would call the police and have them arrested.
The man called him an A??hole. The mother was still crying and tells Kevin, she couldn't understand anything he was saying. Kevin is African and has a very strong accent. He tells her to sit there and he'll be back in a minute. At least 15 minutes passed and he comes back and gives the mother the bill, no kidding.
She gets everyone up and they go over to the counter. My friend and I were just sitting there in amazement to all this. Kevin was at the counter talking to a woman who walked in. The mother asked him if he minded they just pay the bill and leave. He told her to shut up that he'd get to her in a minute. The other woman told him they were leaving. Another man walks up behind them and Kevin takes his bill and tell shim that he was so sorry for the disturbance during his dinner and tells him to go ahead without paying. The mother asked if there was a district manager there, he was I think his name is Dave, and he was standing right around the corner listening to everything. Kevin tells her that the district manager already left. She then asks to please let her pay her bill so she could get the baby to a doctor.
Kevin tells her to give him their F???ing bill. The other woman said, “Excuse me?” He snatches the bill from the mother's hand. Then starts talking to the woman again. The other woman grabs the mother and said, “Let him call the cops.” and drags her out the door. Kevin says, “Get back here B???h!” The other woman gave him the finger as they were leaving and tells the mother, she did not have to put up with anyone like that.
Then the other manager walks back around the corner and stands by the window writing their tag numbers down. He calls the police from the front desk, by this time my friend and I were standing up at the counter just shacking our heads. Dave tells the police that a family just left without paying and was causing a loss in their profit from starting a big scene.
He told them that their little brat could not keep his hands away from the food long enough for their waitress to move the food from his reach and the parents got hostile. I looked at both of them when he finally hung up and told them that they were real jerks. I paid my bill and left.
Now I want everyone to know that Kevin is still the manager at this IHOP. I'm sure what took place after they left will upset them even more, and I am truly sorry. But if these parents are reading this, I want you to know that this was not your fault and don't ever blame yourself.
The waitress could have done many things differently, easy things, like walking from table to table with the food. But she didn't and this accident happened. I hope your baby is doing much better. I think he is was so young he'll never remember any of it. As for your other children, you are doing something right.
I am a 56 year old grandmother and wish my grandchildren were so well behaved and polite. Ignore these people, they don't know what you had to go through. Anyone else would have handle things with much more aggression, you stayed calmed and that was good for your children. God bless you and your family.
I wanted to approach someone else's comments about the parents saying the child is Autistic because of this accident. I must have read something different, as I remember them stating what their child's doctor stated. I also read that they did not believe or feel this was the case.
I know for a fact that doctor's will tell parents anything for an extra buck, maybe this doctor thought they could get something from IHOP too. It seems that they are handling their child's need without this doctor's comments. Hopefully they got a new one. I deal with many special needs children as part of my job. You would not believe some of the things parents are told that has cause one problem or another with their child. I've heard it all.
If you have insurance, try to stay within the Children's Hospital doctor's circle. They are great with children like yours. So many children are improving yearly with different special needs. We also have a center that can help you in LaPlata called the Gwynn Center, if you haven't contacted them, please do. They help children up to age 3, they can help with getting him into a school to improve and give you references to support groups and resources.
These people are great. Again, God bless you and I hope everything works out. I dope everyone can understand their situation a little better.
#113 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Deb - Leesburg (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 29, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, July 29, 2004
Mary,
Thank you for standing up and telling your side of this horrible story if you are telling the truth. I have read these reports and cannot believe how horrible people can be to others. You give a lot of detail that most people will not be able to deny, so from just reading it I believe it to be truthful.
As to the autism.....I do not think the bad burn can cause autism, I have read many a report about that disease as my sister is a teacher within a very large county system for the disabled. She has taught autistic children for many years and not one has been diagnosed due to a situation like this, they all were "born" with it. It showed up at different stages but the child was already born with the disease if you wish to call it a disease, it just appeared at a different time in each child, usually early on at 3 months or so.
But still, there is still no reason why the personel at IHOP treated this family in the way that they did. I think the proper behavior would have been is that the manager should have dialed 911 immediately and seen to it that the child got immediate medical care right there and then. Just my opinion.
#114 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Krista - LNCST (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 07, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, August 07, 2004
First of all I want to start off by saying. I am a waitress and a mother. I have been waiting tables for several years. I think this case is the waitresses fault. For the other servers that thought other wise, I can't believe they would hold blame on the parents. I have never in all the years, have ever set a hot plate of food or beverage in front of a young child. Even if I am slammed with tables that need me. I always wait and hand the food to the adults or in front of the adults. I always warn people when the food and the plates are hot. I have had even older kids reach out to try and help me by taking the plate. But I refuse to give it to them if it is hot. If she had set it in front of the adult and the child some how got a hold of it that would be different.
The mom also stated that and IHOP representative had told her she needed to be understanding because the server was only 17 and didn't have any kids. That to me is the same as admitting guilt, because if she was older and had her own kids she would of known better and this incident would not have happened. I just wanted to say my piece because parents don't have 8 arms and hands and being in a hurry is no excuse to be stupid and put a hot plate like that in front of a child. By the way it sounded like they were sitted at a table and (not a booth) and she could have not been lazy and walked the food around to set the plates out in front of the right guest. Places like that usually have a tray jack. Those are used to set heavy food on so you can hand the food out safely.
Another thing is food can get scolding hot like this. I and many other servers have been burned before. A lot of times cooks wont time the food right and they will make items like Bisc and gravy first leaving it to sit under the heat lamp for a long time. Those lamps make the food and plates scolding hot. I ought to know...If it had been me and my husband that server would have left in tears because I know my husband would have chewed her but up and down. When it comes to our own kids you cant ask people to be calm about someones neglegence causing them pain.
#115 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 08, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 08, 2004
Thanks guys for exposing them for what they really are. I was buying into thier BS untill you gave everyone the heads up. I wonder if they even have a baby?
#116 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 09, 2004
POSTED: Monday, August 09, 2004
I figured pointing out your lies would be fun. On 2/3/04 didn't express that you thought we were jus exploiting IHOP for money??? And didn't you just say, I believed them until Mike came along??? Funny thing is, after looking through other rip off reports, I sure do see you and Mike together a lot, strange isn't it, or aren't you Mike? I think we all know the answer to that one. So you can take your opinions and stuff them, I could care less.
#117 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Leanne - Spokane (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
I used to work at ihop not the one you are refering to. But all together I have worked for ihop for 5 years. I was about 17 when I started my opioin on this matter is. The manager and the waitress should have been fired. The manager for not making sure the waitress was trained right and the waitress for not haveing any kind of common sense.
I have 3 kids and when I worked for I hop i had one and I knew that you dont put food in front of a baby they dont know any better than to play with it. Also they are suppost to bring out the food with in a certain time limit because if your food is sitting in the window waiting to be pulled it WILL be extremely hot. Also they gravy for bisquits and gravy. The gravy is in individual bags and when ordered it is put in the microwave.
So your food was probably sitting in the window for a few minutes, so that is where i blame the waitress and also the manager he should be watching those things for better customer service. He should have comped your meal instead of making you pay for it. But the ihop i worked at was privately owned so i am not sure if they do the same things as other farncises. But i hope this incedint hasnt emotionally scarred your son, and keep doing what your doing they should pay in my opioin. (sorry your story upset me and i cant spell right now lol)
#118 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
LOL yes Im glad you mentioned my post of 2/3/2004 where it clearly states i DID NOT think you were exploiting IHOP. Then the reports from the Mikes came pouring in exposing you for the scammer you and your physco wife are. You are your own worst enemy. If you do have a baby I wonder what it will think of its obviously retard parents when its old enough to read your insane rantings. I for one wish the waitress had spilled all that hot food on your hands preventing you from ever typing again. Again thanks to the Mikes for letting us know that this is and always was a haox. Now if you will excuse me I have to go to IHOP for breakfast.
#119 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Nancy - Phoenix (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Dale said to David:
"On 2/3/04 didn't express that you thought we were jus [sic] exploiting IHOP for money???"
So I went and read the post David did on 2/3/04. He said:
"...I dont think these folks are trying to get rich from IHOP. I think they are pissed off thier baby got burnt. Both sides have points, some good some bad and some ridiculous. I dont think anyone here is against you and for IHOP. I would really like to see this manager come here and post his rebuttal. I for one am emailing IHOP and asking them why they are not defending themselves. Im just sorry this little one got burnt as everyone here is im sure."
David - BULLHEAD CITY, Arizona
U.S.A.
So tell me Dale, where did David say you were exploiting IHOP for money? I don't see anything remotely similar to that in his rebuttal.
Next, David is David. He uses his own name here and doesn't hide from anyone. I can assure you he isn't Mike, especially since David and I spent a couple days together last month and we discussed this report, plus other reports we both have gotten involved with or were interested in.
Last, first rule in the world of flaming someone .. know your opponent and don't open keyboard and insert toes instead of fingers and make yourself look like a fool.
#120 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Well Dale I guess you are wrong again... See I am only one person on this board. You, however, are a scammer.. Ya know.. Safeway will be opening up behind Best Buy soon.. Maybe you can go shop there and tell us your experience. Because you know everyone in Waldorf is racist except you. I'm surprised I haven't heard about the new Giant...
Remember, spell and grammar check.
Thanks
#121 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
You're a real piece of work, David from whatever. My wife's psycho? why because she has called your bluff on other reports making your intelligence look, well the lack of it? Lovely how you use the wrod retard. Nice launguage skills. By the way Autism is a form of retardation, so I can assure you, that just pissed A LOT of people off. And by making that statement, you have just proved you and this Mike are one in the same, thank you! As we can all see, you like to start something you just can't seem to finish. As you were busted and now take great anger when someone calls your bluff. HA HA HA HA
#122 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Michael - Seattle (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, August 12, 2004
Here is the core question you refuse to answer: What are your motivations for placing bogus reports on this site, and who are the intended beneficiaries? YOU'RE THROUGH, DALE! FINISHED! CAPICHE?
#123 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
OMG I didnt know that fat sow was your wife. Now it all crystal clear. Ok on to your post. I kind of feel cheated here as I was prepared to use some of my best material with you but after reading your post it appears you did all my work. You are truly a dumb ass Dale. I have thanks to Mike been researching your other posts. WoW. This Mike really hit the nail on the head. I would encourage anyone who has bought into Dale and his sows bullshit to go read the rest of thier reports. These people (i use the term lightly) are truly crackpots. I like Dale however because he makes me feel like a Puppet Master as I easlily manipulate him into exposing himself. Mike seems to enjoy making a fool of you also and I applaud him for exposing you and pig bitche's scheme. You have a really swell day Dumbass LMAO
#124 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 12, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, August 12, 2004
Maybe finding a job or something is better that the three of you boosting about something you know nothing about. 1) Yousee hope pissed off David got, 2) We now know Nancy & David are together, whatever why that is and 3) Mike likes to piss EVERYONE off.
So get a job or a hobby or something, I have much better things to do then to continue arguing for something you have NO idea what happened. Mikes main concern with everyone he posts a rebuttal to, spelling and grammar, wow, that makes you such a big man, you know how to use your spell check button or maybe cut and paste. Let's all stop for this as Mike seems to have much more time than everyone els ein the world.
Finally, Mike, it would be in your best interest to watch you the hell you're calling a racist!
#125 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul - Lakeland (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 12, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
His motivations for posting all these bogus reports lie in the fact that he loves the attention he gets from all the conflict he stirs up. If everyone just ignores him, eventually he will go away, hopefully finding a new hobby or some other way to pass his time. Although I do admit, reading his reports always makes for a good laugh. He really has no clue how ridiculous a person he is!
#126 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Nancy - Phoenix (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
I don't see anywhere in my rebuttal where I boasted about anything. You insulted a friend of mine, put out false information about him, and just generally have a bad attitude on any report I have seen you type on. I posted what David really said and gave you some helpful words of advice.
I enjoyed your attempt at a flame .. it failed miserably. I was happy to see that you finally realized that David and Mike are separate people though. You're improving.
As far as Mike liking good grammar and spelling, I got A's in English myself and always appreciate a nicely written and correctly spelled piece of literature.
1 c4n 4|50 5p33k |337, h0w 'b0u7 u?
#127 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
Boosting? Well anyways it would of course take more than your Neanderthal intelligence to piss me off Chip/Dale whatever your name is. Sorry to dash your hopes as you said and Mike doesn't piss every one off, just you and your sister/wife April. Yes I agree we should all stop arguing Dale as most of us by now have seen Miss pig's and your other hoaxes you have graced this server with. Kudos to Mike for showing what a trickster you are. I didn't know you were such a racist until it was pointed out. I'm if sure you nephew/son has any problems they are genetically caused and not from some fabrication as we have all seen here. What a terrible thing to use a small child in an insurance fraud scheme. You should be ashamed of yourself sir. Have a nice day Dale. Happy Happy Joy Joy.
#128 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
Dale..
I have researched this website and for Waldorf, MD, you and your uneducated wife are the only ones bitching about EVERYTHING. Have you ever thought that the reason why you get treated like crap from all these retail establishments is due to the fact that you guys probably act like assholes? Maybe if you treat people with respect you wouldn't get treated like that or maybe if you speak a little bit more eloquently you would get more respect. As far as grammar and spell check...the point is if you guys are so educated you would pay attention to the way you speak your words when you file a rebuttal.
By the way... Have a GREAT day...
#129 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Julie - Ringgold (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
If you believe April is at fault answer this question:
(regardless of who is with the baby or whose baby it is) Would YOU sit something VERY HOT in reaching distance of ANY 15 month-old baby? Would YOU take that kind of CHANCE?
COMMON SENSE here people. IHOP is totally at fault, and I personally think April's attorney is incompetent, unless she has a new one since the last part of the story that I read. (I scan, I don't have the patience to read everyword of every post)
#130 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Joseph - North Chicago (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 13, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, August 14, 2004
just wanted to share a very similar story.
About 4 years ago a couple with a little 3 year old boy that lived next door to me decided to have a BBQ on a city park that happens to be next to the beach. So they used the grills that were already in place in the park. But after they were done cooking and eating they oviously had to clean up after themselves so they got rid of the trash but when it came to the ashes from the charcoal they looked but could not find a designated container or spot around them designated to dispose of the ashes. So they decided to dump it in the sand nearby. Not paying much attention to what their baby was doing , he walk right on top of where the ashes were and severly burned his little feet. So to make a long story short...They sued the city for not having designated disposal areas for the ashes. And they won....about $100,000 (INCREDIBLE)
So this couple made a mistake and permitted something to happen to their son, which they could have controlled if they would have paid more attention to what they were doing and what was going on. But stuff like that happens to all of us you cant blame them. Were only human and sometimes baby's get away from us....
But what sicken's me is that people could have something like this happen and then think that they could make some easy money for themselves. And this IHOP case sounds exactly the same to me to me.
1. First of all the waitress job is to serve you youre food and get youre check. not to be watching youre kid.
2. Youre in IHOP.The place where you can get all you can eat pancakes for $4.99. Not exactly a place where I would go and expect 5 star service.(you get what you pay for).
3. When I go through the drivethru in macdonalds I don't get pistoff if they mess up my order. Why????? because its cheap food and usually the people that work at mcdonalds are inexperienced teenagers who get paid minimum wage. So what can you expect???? And IHOP is not very different from macdonalds. Once again , you get what you pay for.
I am very sorry for what happen to youre child and Im glad that IHOP payed you a settlement for medical bills but that is all you deserve. Anything more than that would be taking advantage of the situation.
#131 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 14, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, August 14, 2004
Congratulations!
You have proven my point entirely, the only thing these people know how to do is to “try” to insult the posters. You want people to believe that you all are not the same person, maybe you should try writing something different, instead of the same song and dance. Boring. Once again, this is a post for consumers to inform other consumers on their experience or others, not for you to stir up your BS over and over.
As before, if you spent more time on helping consumers instead of ranting and raving on peoples spelling/grammar or childish name calling, maybe this world would be a better place. And again, you've been put in your place many times, you can dish it but you can't take it, so what's wrong with this picture?
David, you need to watch what you call my wife. She is none of those things you want to keep running your mouth about. She is a lovely, sweet person and anyone who knows her, will back that. I think we can all speculate on what people think of you.
You want to know what's wrong with Waldorf, many things as with anywhere you go. Employees are not trained properly. Employers and employees feel that being abusive towards a customer is acceptable. Just because the employee has had a bad day, you don't take it out on everyone else. These companies believe that a consumer has no rights. That's not the case, a real business can not thrive without the customer. If you continue to treat the customer bad by ways of abusive language, yelling, attitudes, negligence, etc. than how do you think the consumer will feel or even act. I can honestly say, when placed in a bad position, my wife and I have always tried to be polite and help the situation. For God's Sake, my wife never lost her temper during this ordeal with IHOP. She tried to get help for our son.
Apparently those rebuttling insane comments, don't have children of their own. At no point did we go after any money for our son. My wife asked for an apologue from the waitress and manager for their actions. This became very frustrating and agonizing as she had to look at his hand everyday. When their insurance man called her, she was very nice with him, even allowed him to come in our home. She again asked for an apologue. Do you know what she got, “Give us his bills and we'll pay them, but IHOP will not apologize for what happened.” Her problem with all this, how do you put a price tag on harm that was done to your child? You can't and if you say you can, you're lying.
For the guy about the beach incident, this is nothing like that. That was the parents fault they should not have received money for their negligence. It was a public beach, not a restaurant. There were not employees throwing food down in front of a child. This was an instance where, yes, the parents should have been watching the child better, as with ours, we can't watch our child, pass food down to get it away from our child and grow 5 more sets of hands.
#132 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul - Tulsa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
Though the mother of the burned child might have gone too far in some of her comments or actions, it was valid enough to say that the rebuttals to her are inane, or even insane.
Fact is, if my child is burned by no action, save the servers placement, that place will be sued bigtime and should be.
Plus the server should have been fired once discovery by the manager was identified, and of course any witnesses (if any, which I gathered wasnt thought about at the time).
A server even at 17 should know better.
Fact is, if I had been in her shoes, the manager might very well have been burned himself with hot coffee from another patron, and possibily eliminated from existance if he had treated me the same way.
His attitude would have at least resulted in a bloody nose, if not severe injury.
Fortunately when it happend to my kid, the place I was at, not only went overboard to take care of it, they even called 911 and took care of everything.
They ended up spending very very little on this issue (proabably spent less than IHOP did in fighting it).
Not only did they take care of things, we ended up with coupons and stuff for a years worth of eating there..
Manager did ask us if the server should be fired, but after we talked to the server, we found that demotion was severe enough.
Oh, the server was a mother, and was beligerant.
Found out later, she was fired anyway for non-server reasons anyway.
Fortunately, I am a big guy, and my looks are such that I dont look like a guy to mess with.
That might account for why they were so nice to me and my wife.
I presume that this manager saw this mother and figured her to be a 'dumb-blond', no disrespect to anybody here meant.
If this manager had worked for me when I was a district manager for a pizza chain, I would have fired him on the spot. I would have considered or at least reviewed firing the kid too.
Oh, yea, I forgot, I have done exactly that.
Of course, since I was this persons boss, I had to run the restaurant for a few days till the ownerteam brought in new mgmt (the assistant wasnt trained well enough to take over, was 22 and too new).
Oh, btw, some of the gripers on this, forget, that you can go after the insurance company too.
My own cousin had a similar deal happen and ended up suing both the restuarant and the insurance, and won.
His goal in this case was to shutdown the biz, he succeeed in bankrupting the restaurant, and got the insurance company fined bigtime (was in news a while back).
For those of you that said take the money and run, appaarantly arent principled people and think that this issue was the mothers fault.
While mom might have some erros in handling things, the fault is on the server, not her.
Now maybe a mistake by mother was made along the way, but it was started by the server.
As a manager, I would have:
No charge for meal.
Coupons for future meals.
Called 911 or assisted in transport.
Used restaurant funds to pay for it.
Quit the job, if higher ups had fought this.
Any company that would not do the first 4, is a biz that really oughta be put under.
Fortuantely, now that I wont freguent IHOP anymore (thanks to 'badbusinessbureau.com'), at least I can do my 2cents in not eating there.
But then I dont eat at McDonalds either.
#133 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul - Tulsa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
To the severs responses here.
DOnt count on ever working at the restuarants I own.
It is the servers responsibility to proper placement of food on the customers table or eating area.
Besides, no matter how good or fast, a parent may not be able to move food out of the way of child, which makes it even more important that the server do the right thing to start with.
(Not that it absolves the customer responsibility but that the server should do the right thing to start with).
Putting hot food in front of a toddler in my places would be immediate grounds for firing.
While I agree that once placement is made, its the customers responsibility mainly.
The servers responsibility does not end at placement if the placement was not done correctly to start with.
And even afterward, it is still the 'obligation' of the server, to help the customer have a clean table, etc.
I would be very surprised if the servers at IHOP got any tips whether involved in the incident or not.
As a customer I would have elimianted the tip fo r my server due to mgmt actions.
And if in line, knowing what I read here, I would have left IHOP and gone elsewhere.
But then, why didnt anybody else (customer or otherwise) chip in and offer their cellphone or similar.
I myself as a customer at a 'steakhouse' offerer the use of my cellphone to get what we needed.
But in that case, the mgmt was forced to allow use of the main phone as most of the restaurant was gonna leave right then (almost had a riot in that case).
Mgmt in this case, did the right thing eventually,though initially forced.
Oh, he was still fired for his handling but the customers who had the problem didnt pursue anything other than the bills incurred by the incident.
At a minimum, this lady here, should be compestated for the legitmate part of the incident and should have any of her actions quantified and removed from compestation.
Once its proven that it was more server than her.
#134 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 15, 2004
LOL scrolling up thru the posts starting from where you two got EXPOSED I'm having difficulty finding out who “WE” is. As in your last post along with your others you continue to make a fool of yourself. Public beach, public restaurant and the difference? It's always about you and no one else matters. Yes Joseph hit the nail on the head. You go on and on about crap like the gravy caused your baby to get autism and you do the same with all of your ridiculous claims. (The Ford topic comes to mind).
I like many here bought into this story when you 1st posted. Everyone practically including myself was on your side, but then like in your other Reports you have made, you just kept it going piling up insane claims and complaints totally ruining your credibility. You are a fool sir and even more foolish continuing to defend your position. I have to admit I am also being foolish even responding to your hogwash. I have nothing further to say. You have been EXPOSED.
That can't ever change. All anyone has to do is research your posts here and the countless others you have made about your local businesses. My rebutting you any further is pointless. Why not concentrate on being a better parent than defending your so very apparent bullshit. Mike this fool is all yours! LMAO
#135 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Paul - Tulsa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 16, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Oh about excusing kids because they are kids.
No, if a kid failes to provide proper service to the customer, its the fault of training from mgmt.
As a former kid and a current manager, its very easy to excuse the kids.
If even a kid failes to provide service, its a indication of bad mgmt and training, and proabbly means that location will not have good food for the near future, and usually is bypassed in the future.
But then I never eat at McDonalds, because imo, their food is substandard and always has been.
I didnt even bother going there when I was married with kids (hers not mine) previously.
If I had to get a toy due to some promotion, often would buy the food, throw it out, and give her kid the toy. But then the toys were often a joke anyway. Fortunately didnt have to do that a lot.
Her kids actually liked BurgerKing better anyway.
Which was my preference too when not pizza.
#136 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Stephenie Renee - New Port Richey (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 20, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 20, 2004
I have read the report and all comments posted after it. I was really unhappy with all the negative comments to the parents of the child.
The accident was real to the parents of this baby in every aspect that it occurred.
April and Dale reported it for other parents to learn from this problem and not go thru it themselves.
Ripoff Report site to me is a place to tell You the reader what happened to us the victims and allow you to BEWARE of the possiblity of going through the same thing.
This is not an inccident in which we should judge each other. There is no reason to jump on the parents.
Opinions are like behinds... everyone has one. Use descretion when talking to people about what they go through. Don't put them down for their experience. Encouragement is probably what they needed during this time. Not smart remarks that demean someone.
That is all i wanted to add to the post.
My 4 year old son is autistic and I would love to correspond with you April and Dale if you would like to talk about it to just have someone to compare and learn from. [DELETED]
[Place your comments below and be sure to include your FULL contact information so Rip-off Report can contact you.]
Thanks for listening
#137 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Mike - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 20, 2004
POSTED: Friday, August 20, 2004
Stephenie...
We are not getting away from the incident.. we are pointing out a fact that Dale and April file complaints about everything. If you have a complaint about a company or service.. fine .. let the public know, but when you constantly post messages about every bad experience at every place you visit then you have a problem. I know that I am not going to get treated the way I want when I go to different retail establishments but I not going to file a Rip-off-Report because the cashier is having a bad day or the waitress is having a bad day.. If you search this site for "Waldorf, MD" you will find several reports by Dale and April. This to me is excessive COMPLAINING. I live in the same city and.. sure there are people that can be assholes, but I'm not going to run home and report it on this site so that other people know there are assholes at Circuit City or Hechts etc. We already know that...
Have a nice day...
#138 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Paul - Tulsa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 21, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, August 21, 2004
While its probably true that dale & etc were excessive..their attempt to talk about IHOP is hardly excessive.
The mgmt at IHOP has proven in at least this one case to be incompetent and even dangerous in attitude, and if I did come accross this at any business I would report it on Ripoff or even do what I could to get the person fired.
Oh, come to think of it, I have.
This manager should have been fired on the spot by his mgmt but unfortuantely IHOP is not a well run organization anyway.
I agree that all of us, may have a bad day, but in retail thats not kewl.
He should have been at least not so 'sh_tty' about everything, even if he had been in the right.
At a minimum, this proves that IHOP's mgmt is likely to be all that good at that store.
#139 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Deb - Leesburg (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 21, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 22, 2004
First off, I do not know April or Dale personally, however it is their right to speak up about any injustice or rip-off that they seem fit to right about. Their child was hurt by the waitress of this establishment. I could care less if they reported every business that they felt that they did not get treated fairly at in Waldorf, Maryland. Is that not what this board is all about? Warning consumers about bad businesses? Until they are proven to be pathological liars beyond a resonable doubt, and the last I looked only a judge or a jury could do that, please stop the bashing. There is enough of that going on with the Tupperville, New York reports.
Thank you
#140 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jenny - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 22, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, August 22, 2004
april is a fake and a liar. She also falsely claims other people are fakes and liars as well, which explains why she does--probably because she is herself. Whether this situation happened or not, to claim that someone can develop autism from a burn, is ludicrous and completely false. And then call someone who gives correct medical information about it an employee from IHOP, only proves how uneducated and imbecilic these people are. No autism is not caused by burns, and if you think that is the problem here you need to go to the doctor, not give your own 3rd grade medical advice. What kind of parents are you anyway. You're definitely complete morons. This leads me to believe that you're probably not telling the complete story here. And again why do you liek to go around accusing people of writing false reports, you are pathetic, why don't you get a life you ignorant loser.
#141 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - BULLHEAD CITY (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 22, 2004
POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004
You are of course correct Deb. April and Dale can post whatever they like here. As you say they have the right. However thats where your correctness ends. Last I checked we also have the right to rebuttle them.
So going by your statement that only a judge and jury can say if they are pathological liars beyond a reasonable doubt, we shall continue our rebuttles until a judge or jury makes that determination. So please take YOUR comments to the Tupper Lakes topics as we who disagree could, (as you would put it) care less about your input. So please stop your bashing.
Thank you and have a swell day!!!
#142 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004
POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004
Thank you to those trying to put a stop to the contnuous bashing by David and others. As I had posting on another report, David actually made fun of my son being burnt, yet says he was making fun of us. If you read his rebuttal on that post, you'll see it was in fact my son being made fun of. He appearently believes that anyone who posts is a liar and continously attacks all who disagree with him by abusive language. Hey, according to him, if you aren't a Bush supporter, you're a terrorist, whatever happened to freedom of speech?
By all means, I invite you all to look up any report my wife or I have ever posted, as all these posts are are several years old. We update when asked a question, etc. However, this David perfers to go through old reports and start them back up. We have also wrote an update when a company has changed their ways. Most people would not do such. I will be contacting ED about this continous harassment not only to us, but anyone else he feels he wants to start something with.
Any post we've ever made has been to inform the public as to what we have seen or beeen through ourselves. I have personally sent many people to this site, as I was asked to be an advocate. Appearently, David is unaware of what the word avocate means. Why was I asked because I have been helping the States AG, US Chamber of Commerce and this site take down a large company that has scam millions of people. I have been interveiwed by local papers, 20/20, Orlando channel 9 news, and numerous others. As a result, a special editorial letter went into a magazine (which I can not give the name of because of legal reasons)that has drawn thousands of people to view this site.
My wife has helped many people on this site as to what they need to do to find justice when called for. She and I have NEVER attacked anyone posting. She has disagreed with some and pointed out facts that needed to be known, but never attacked.
As to Jennifer who claims that we're idiots because we disagreed with someone's medical advise. First, as before, if you had read the full report, you would have seen that we disagreed with our son's doctors. We only went by what we were told and then had the guts to come back and post an update that stated we found that the doctor was wrong. Anyone else ever done that?
To the woman that also has an autistic child. We would very much like to correspond with you. Since emails, etc. are not allowed to be posted, please contact ED and let him know I gave permission for him to give you my email address in this post. Maybe if there were more informatin about Autism, we would have been 100%, at the time, that the doctor was wrong. But until that happens, there will be many more with this same problem.
#143 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul - Tulsa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 23, 2004
POSTED: Monday, August 23, 2004
To call anybody an idiot ..on the basis of ignoring doctors advice, is lunacy.
Sheesh ..are you nuts?
Doctors are not always right, and in fact often dont even know the real problem is.
To automatically accept a doctors opinion is lunacy.
In my own case, 3 years ago I had serious problems due to altitude. And major side effects from that.
Doctor overmedicated me for months...
Which eventually caused my imune system to have problems..
When I rejected his analaysis that he couldnt do anything, I went to health food store, and actually got cured overnight.
New doctor 24 hrs later, said I had nothing wrong, though he saw the evidence that I had the problems, but not anymore.
Also the new doc eliminated all but one of my medications (that being Atenolol).
Nowdays, even with my new doctor who treats the person and not the disease, he invites me to question his analysis.
#144 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: William - Providence (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 04, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, September 04, 2004
To this mother in question who's child was "severely burned" at IHOP. First of all in your original post, you stated that "plates were being passed around" and then the waitress placed the hot plate of biscuits and gravy in front of the toddler. After someone challenged your claim and said it was your son's fault for putting his hands in the gravy, you then contradicted your whole story by saying "there was nothing on the table except our drinks and she set the hot gravy directly in front of the toddler".
First you say that plates were being passed around, then you say there was nothing on the table but drinks when the hot gravy was placed in front of the child. I also do not understand, if the injury was so severe, why you did not go straight to the emergency room instead of waiting until the next day to visit a doctor. Even though you claim the manager was arguing with you, any mother with a hurt child would walk right past him and go to the emergency room. You have removed any possible credibility to your story.
When someone gave said you should have poured cold drinks on the burn, you claimed there were no drinks, after you said in a previous post that drinks were on the table. You can not get your story straight. I happen to be a waiter at IHOP, and I hate to sound rude, but waiters and waitresses are not babysitters. We do not get paid to be babysitters. You should have been paying attention.
I think all you want is money. And to the editor who seems to keep siding with your ever-changing story, gravy is served differently at different restaurants. At IHOP on the biscuits and gravy, the server does not pour any gravy into any container whatsoever.
The kitchen pours the gravy on the biscuits, then the food sits in the window, waiting to be served.
My advice to parents with infant or toddlers, dine at home. Waiters and waitresses do not have time to babysit your babies while you sit and talk.
#145 Update By Author
AUTHOR: April - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004
I felt the need to bust this rebuttal down to size. First, you must have never been to an IHOP, if you were you, "They never place anything in a container, blah blah blah," that's BS and we all know it. They ALWAYS place gravy in a bowl or cup. I never contradicted myself, you have, however done so. Before going and trying to pick someone's report to attack, you may want to read more carefully or at least visit said place before making an incorrect fact.
#146 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Shanda - Hollywood (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, September 05, 2004
I am so sorry for the mother and her toddler that got burned. You will recall other similar suits brought by comsumers against fast food places for serving extremely hot coffee. I think the settlement amount for that was appealed. But clearly some of these servers are not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Or did the server warn that the plate was hot? Nonetheless, she still should not have placed it in front of a hungry child. I worked for years in product liability and malpractice law, and for this mother I would suggest contacting the Consumer Affairs Division through the Attorney General's office in your state. Private attorneys will just throw up their hands, but since this is something that obviously affects consumers on the whole, I believe this is the best way. You WILL get action from them, just send all your documentation (make copies first!) certified mail, and I'll bet that after hearing from that office, IHOP will have skidmarks in its pants. DON'T accept that piddly settlement. Don't sign any releases - it is carelessness and negligence and should never have happened. IHOP is liable and should pay for its stupidity and gross lack of concern for paying customers.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son's progress!
#147 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: MJ - Wadena (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 08, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, September 09, 2004
I have read this very long thread and I couldn't help but notice that the original rip off report was filed on 7/20/2002 and yet on 9/5/2004, well over 2 years later, April is still posting angry comments about what other people are saying. I just don't understand. I thought this site was a place where consumers could come to express the problems they have had with a business and to warn other consumers about problems encountered. April did that. For that I am appreciative and it will definately make me more aware of my situation the next time I enter an IHOP. However the posters on this issue continue to badger April and Dale about the situation instead of using it as advice or warning. Also after 2 years of negative comments from readers, April and Dale, why do you continue to post? You have stated your problem in your original rip off report and why after 2 years do you care what other people are posting? Some of these people who you probably don't know and have never met? I feel for you in your situation, I too am a mother of 3, however I don't understand why after this long period you care what these people think? If you know what you stated in your original rip off report is truth than why do you continually try to defend it to people you don't know, to people who probably don't care and are probably only using this thread for something to do? Who cares what they think? You know what happened, you know the truth, you are dealing with it, you posted a rip off report to warn consumers of the problems you encountered with a business and above all else you are handling it the best way you can. What more can you say? I commend April and Dale for posting a rip off report about their unfortunate experience with IHOP. I feel bad for those people who have to come on here and badmouth April and Dale because they are bored with their lives. Plus I am the first to admit that I only read this thread because I too was bored and needed something to do. It was very easy to get caught up in it all while I continued to read on and on. But I just can't shake the feeling that April and Dale did what they could to help the consumer by posting a rip off report and that anyone who posts afterwards should be posting about their own experiences with IHOP or about how April and Dale's experience has in some way either helped or hindered their decision to eat at IHOP. In that respect, I would like to say that I have been to IHOP only once in my life in Fargo, ND and even though the staff was cordial, I felt the pancakes were pretty small for an International House of Pancakes. I guess I expected a little more from a business that supposedly specializes in pancakes. I was disappointed and I do not believe that I will be going to an IHOP again.
#148 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Susan - Kansas City (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 10, 2004
POSTED: Saturday, September 11, 2004
To the last person here who rebutted dale and aprils rip off report, the reason people keep sending in their rebuttles is because everyone reads this one in particular and gets caught up in it because it is so bizzar, the things that Dale and April stated in the beginning were just ridiculous, and people responded and they keep responding because Dale and April keep answering back as well as everyone else who has visited this site answeres back, and we have a right to, and if people want to answer back my rebuttle, that's ok with me, I don't pay much attention to that and while ripp off report is a great place to file a complaint, you can also rebutt if you wish.
It sounds like to me that it bothers you that people are rebutting after 2 years, and you state we have no life, well I think that's not so, because I have a life, and it's been some time since I've rebutted on this particular issue, but I have the right to do that without anyone saying any thing about it.
It's a free world kids and the editor lets everyoine know when there's a new rebuttle so it's not like everyone is flocking to this site to see what Dale and April have said, if I get an alert that there has been a rebuttle, of course I like to log on and see what's said, that's all, and if I read one that really gets my dander up I might respond, I love ripp off report, so keep on keepin on folks.
#149 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jen - Tampa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 04, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Wait!? There were how many capable adults around THAT COULD HAVE PAID THE BILL WHILE YOU WENT TO THE HOSPITAL? But you stayed arguing with the manager? And ANY ER will take a child in, no matter what the reason. I am a clerical registration employee at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa Florida. It's my job to register paitents when they come to the ER.
Luckily we have an outstanding burn unit available right here but ANY ER will take anyone in for immediate attention. Even if they can not do anything for them. If for no other reason but to potentially save than person's life and then send them on their way.
This is INSANE. I realize this thread has been going on for two years and took me about an hour to read the whole thing but whether or not the waitress was responsible I have not seen anywhere in the reports or bebuttals where either Dale or April have taken any responsibility for not getting their child immediate medical attention. As I said I am an employee of the hosptial here in Tampa so I looked it up on Mapquest.
There are two hospitals, one in each direction north and south, within 15 miles of the incident. Southern Maryland Hospital has an excellent trama center and Civista Medical Center has helitransport for just such cases. Not to mention Children's Hospital in Washington DC. We have flown children from here for DC for treatment.
When does ANY of the blame that is being saught out reflect back on the main characters, the parents?
Money or no money, burns or no burns YOUR CHILD IS WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER IN THIS SCENE. You dropped the ball in protecting your child. The server may have been negligent in her duties however, You again are the main protector of your child. I was completely blown away by the fact that with all that had happened you were more concerned with paying the bill?
As I asked in the beginning, How many other adults were there? And if they did not have the funds to pay, Why didn't you just hand over your wallet and get to the hospital. Sir and Madame I contest your claim that any liability falls anywhere except squarly on your shoulders. You facilitated the argument with the manager, you by not taking what was the real priority and deligating the smaller to others.
You instigated the continuation of an already horrific incident by not seeking IMMEDIATE medical attention. All that would have need to be said is in the loudest voice anyone could muster, SOMEONE HELP! SOMEONE DIAL 911 HELP MY CHILD! Step back and remember what is important, not the money, not the shame, not the argument, not the blame, but the Health and Well being of your CHILD.
Mother of 3,
#150 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lisa - Texas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 12, 2004
POSTED: Tuesday, October 12, 2004
YOU SAID : ( He then looks at the people behind us and tells them not to worry about their bill, and he was sorry for there inconvience. Really!! I just stood stunned, he then says, what the F*** is my problem, I told him to just let me pay my bill. After that he proceeded to call me a Bitch and told me to give him my F-ing bill. When I told him that he had it, he started up some more, so I said 'that's it' I'm through, and walked out.
(((My son had to see his regular doctor the next day and she was overwhelmed by what happened. Unfortunately, there isn't too much they can do for him because of his age and he's small. She could only give him a ointment to apply when he feel asleep. By Friday of that week, he ended up with an infection in the blister; they were starting to pop. ))))))))))))
If he was burned so bad why not take him to the hospital ? Why did you wait until the next day?
Children in burn units get treatment for 3rd degree burns. More than ointment .. I just happened on this site I caught this in the begining of yout statement. Seems odd to go home with a bad burn and wait until the next day. FISHY FISHY ...........
#151 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Susan - K.c. (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004
yes lisa, we all asked that question many moons ago. I myself worked in a childrens burn unit for 8 years, and I sooo totally agree with you.
3rd degree burns do not get treated with ointment, they get grafted. This whole thing has been crazy and has taken on a life of it's own, someone will stumble onto this report and will be appalled and then give their rebuttle, then the editor let's us know when there has been a new opinion givin, I haven't seen dale or april here lately, but then from reading all this I think it has been going on some 2 years or more. None of what they ever said made any sense. And then people write in and give their opinion that any of us who dare to respond to any of it have no life, ya know it's a big ol free world out here and we can respond how we wish and shouldn't be critized for it.
#152 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004
POSTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004
Our son did have 2nd and 3rd degree burns, as said many times. We DID WHAT HIS DOCTOR TOLD US. So, please get on with your lives, we did. It's sad when some have nothing better to do than to BS on this site for years.
#153 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Adam - ANCHORAGE (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 15, 2004
POSTED: Friday, October 15, 2004
Had you been an alert parent to begin with, the child would never been harmed. It is incumbant on you to ensure your childs safety at all times!
Blaming the server is just your way of abdicating responsibility to others to assuage your own guilt. You waited a day to seek medical assistance thus making no effort to mitigate the damage as any concerned parents should. you epitomize the litigous, something for nothing attitude that permeates our society to the detriment of us all. especially those who depend on us as parents to teach them personal responsibility and the basics of right and wrong.
By the way, are you folks on wefare? If so, remember,there are those of us who work, pay high insurance premiums, and are disgusted by those who make an already expensive system worse due to your me me me fuck every other honest person let them cover it bullshit mentality.We the working, responsible pay for your sick lifestyle. Get a life you parasite.My insurance is always getting higher due to "money for nothing dirtbags" like you
#154 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Dale - Waldorf (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, October 17, 2004
POSTED: Sunday, October 17, 2004
To Adam,
You are obviously one of those BSer's on Welfare. This should prove to Social Services that people too lazy to work should not be given a computer. Yeh, I take it you're also one who received one from my tax money. First you apparently used your thesis button to make yourself look a tiny bit brighter, yet you can seem to find the big button that says, “SHIFT.” Then your last paragraph sounds like some yahoo on drugs.
Let me make this clear, we did supervise our child, if you'd read this report, you'd know that. Don't say you have kids, when you proved otherwise with your utterly abusive language, ED must not have seen it or it would not even have been posted. You can read the rules of the site, right, maybe not?!? Quite frankly, I don't even think you have a job nor have ever held one, if by some strange chance you landed one, it must be with IHOP. [LOL] Insurance premiums aren't a problem, it's the cost of medication that plagues the honest working people like us. We did not wait until the next day, my wife spoke with the doctor and other medical staff that very night, so really?
Why file a report here? Ripoff Report is a permanent record! Other complaint sites copy our content then remove reports for money.