Feedburner Receive our consumer tips & recalls newsletter by e-mail
[X]
Feedburner count

4
Helpful
Votes

Footlocker Complaint - I sustained head injury's and damaged sun glasses due to lowered metal shutters before store closure time - No warning of lowered metal shutters on exiting the store

No warning of lowered metal shutters on exiting the store - Complaint
Review by Pete Le Groove on 2009-08-24
TOWN CENTRE, ROMFORD -- I am trying to contact footlocker in order to make a complaint about an incident that occurred at the Romford store yesterday.

It was at 5:45 PM and I had just made a purchase and was happily leaving the store when the staff in control of the metal shutters witnessed me walking towards the lowered metal shutters. As I am over 6 foot tall I did not notice the lowered metal shutter was at this height and the two staff members standing by the door did not warn me, to mind my head. I proceeded to walk into the metal shutter with such force, enough to be dazed and concussed at what had happened to my £250 (Police branded) sunglasses that were on my head at the time and also cushioned the blow to my head.

I went to King Georges hospital, Goodmayes and was examined by a doctor and the injuries were recorded, the Incident has left me slightly concussed with a large bruise and lump on my head and serious pain to my neck and back and I have vomited due to the pain from my injuries.

I proceeded to leave the store stunned and embarrassed but then decided to return to ask the staff for contact details to notify of the incident, as I entered the store the staff members and mall security were laughing and joking at my expense, they then called the manager who refused to give me contact details and just asked me to leave the store and use the internet to make the complaint. I found this very disturbing and after a lot of searching on the net came up only with this consumer help site and no easy way in which to contact footlocker complaints dept.

I HOPE THAT YOU CAN INFORM ME OF WHAT TO DO NEXT SO THAT I CAN DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION ADEQUATELY?

After 2 weeks in hospital with a respiratory condition and I am awaiting surgery for this condition, I was warned by my doctor's to take extra care not to worsen my condition by injury or otherwise and I feel that this incident could have been prevented if the staff had done their job and looked out for the welfare of the customers in the store which was just myself and my girlfriend, they could at least have left enough room when lowering the shutter for us to safely exit the store or otherwise warned me about the low shutter as I approached the lowered metal shutters as they were controlling the shutter at the time and guiding us out the store. Or there should be a brightly coloured warning sticker in plain sight on the lower edge of the sharp metal shutters.

I feel that the metal shutters shouldn't have been lowered at this time anyway because the store did not close until 6 PM and the 2 members of staff that were present and in control at the entrance of the store were not allowing any more customers to enter the store anyway.

Will footlocker compensate me for the damage to my sunglasses and the head injuries I sustained from the store and also for the blatant carelessness, callous humility and the lack of help to provide information in order for me to contact head office to report this incident to the footlocker complaints department.
Comments:
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-24:
You can probably get your meds covered, but not the punative stuff.

Did you get any names of the manager or employees?

Here's the corporate info:

Foot Locker, Inc. Headquarters
Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker,
Kids Foot Locker, Footaction
112 West 34th Street
New York, New York 10120
(212)720-3700

Posted by justthefaxx on 2009-08-24:
It doesn't matter how tall you are. You should be looking where you're going, even if you're "happily walking out." This was bone-headed on your part.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-24:
If they had customers in the store and they lowered the metal shutters, then it was just an accident waiting to happen.

He may feel like a fool for walking into it, but it was WAY dumb on their part to lower it while the store was still open.
Posted by Skye on 2009-08-24:
Do they have video of this happening?? It would show what you are describing.

I'm really sorry you were so injured.

Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-08-24:
How many time you gonna post this? Sorry, but watch where you are going. At over 6' tall you 'oughta know you are going to bang your head.
You are just looking for some bucks for bs that was your fault. Go away.
Posted by JohnInSoCal on 2009-08-24:
He should have been watching where he was going, but seriously, who expects to walk into a lowered metal shutter? Not me. The shutter should have either been closed all of the way, or left opened. Personally, if I was this injured at a store I would have insisted that accident report be filled out and would have gotten the corporate information at the time.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-08-25:
point taken John
Posted by Pete Le Groove on 2009-08-25:
i must take time to thank you guys for your real heartfelt concerns on my behalf, i am from london and will be persueing an accident claim through my solicitors i woke up today with a serious amount of pain and anyone who thinks it is my fault for not seeing something that should clearly not be there or be marked clearly obviously dont have a heart nor understand law. the shop was not closed and the staff are responsible for their actions....
once again thankyou...
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
Pete, you don't think that you bear any responsibility for the accident? Come on it was right in front of you. The staff must have felt you were a grown up and could manage to 'mind' your own head.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
I'm under the impression this happened in England. I don't know what their laws are over there.

Most people are watching their step when they walk out of a store, not their head. I agree with the poster, they should have some kind of bright orange strip along the bottom of the metal closing. I'd go further with this if I were you, because you obviously received a serious injury from their negligence. Good luck to you!
Posted by old fart on 2009-08-25:
Most folks look DOWN to where they're going, not UP as though bird watching... good luck with your complaint...
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
Oh! I missed the part where the OP was from UK..my bad.

Helpful advice from several posters.
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
I totally agree with the OP. The shutters should have never been lowered. The employees were definitely at fault. Pete, I hope you receive some type of compensation for this injury. Good luck.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
As I stated last night Sir Pete, do you think that perhaps if you weren't wearing those high end glasses that you might have seen the shutters?
There is a paper trail regarding the accident and if you were really dazed and concussed you should have let the employees call the EMT. If I read this correctly you left on your own to go to be treated then came back to get some answers while still dazed, bruised and concussed? Bad move on your part.
Keep your head up and us posted. Good luck.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
Not only that, but the way the employees at this store handled the situation leaves a whole lot to be desired.

It might be funny at first when a customer hits his head, but at some point you have to realize that they're hurt..and then the fun stops.

And not giving him contact details was really a classless act on their part.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
The fun will stop when the litigation starts.
My first question as the FL attorney would be, "what was he doing wearing sunglasses indoors?"
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
When I go indoors here in Singapore, I often have my sunglasses on my head so I can put them back on as soon as I go back outside. I think that's pretty standard practice for people in the summer (or all year-round here). Besides, I think that is not the biggest issue anyway.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
He was wearing the sunglasses on TOP of his head, not on his eyes..they actually cushioned the blow. :P

And besides, the sun never goes down on a bad dude.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
Okay, I don't wear any kind of glasses so that makes sense about having them rest on your head. Now lets move on to the next issue being why didn't he have the employees summon the EMT?
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
Because if you can walk, you walk. Someone who is setting up a lawsuit WOULD have...but this guy just got biffed and dealt with it. I don't think that negates any injuries he might have had..
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
Okay, zz. I'm up for that! I have been injured before, and at the same time embarrassed. I was so stunned that I didn't realize how injured I was until I arrived home. Then, I had to have someone drive me to the ER. I didn't slam my head into something, but I can imagine how you could wander away, especially with people laughing. Mine was an auto accident.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
K2, that happened to me when I was hit by a car as well. I did call the EMT, but they refused to take me. I should have gone after the city for that. Yes, at times you don't realize how bad you are hurt BUT just reading how this accident took place, and how he desribes how he felt right away, he should have laid down right there. IMO

Boki, stay in the shallow water.
What, are you going to school to be a "Victim's Advocate" or what? *shaking my head*
Posted by Slimjim on 2009-08-25:
It's easy to laugh and say why weren't you watching where you were going, but poster does have a legit beef. A store's egress can't be lowered as tall people are leaving and not have sort sort of responsibility to any injuries resulting from it.
"Will footlocker compensate me for the damage to my sunglasses and the head injuries I sustained from the store and also for the blatant carelessness, callous humility and the lack of help to provide information in order for me to contact head office to report this incident to the footlocker complaints department."
I'd skipped going for that extra pain and suffering gig and stick with your real losses- the medical bills and the glasses. Beyond that, you'll look like a guy trying to make a killing after himself walking straight into a door.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
He should get compensated but it looks a lot better when you stay at the scene and get initial treatment there.

Boki thanks to K2, I know that they were on top of the guy's brainbox!
Try and comprehend, my friend.
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
slim, that's a good idea--about the claim. I think they should throw in a few pairs of shoes too. I'd throw them at the employees, lol.

zz, next time I'm injured, I will also insist on immediate care, but sometimes we just slip up. That sucks the EMT's wouldn't take care of you!
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
ZZ....he wasn't wearing the sunglasses on his face...he had them on the top of his head.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
ZZ, you were hit by a car too? *Shaking head in disbelief, wondering how he ever survived this long*
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
Thanks, DB. I think we've established that at least 4 times now. (The sunglass debacle.)
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
zz..don't be a smart aleck with me. I really don't appreciate it. My sister was run over by a car and sustained massive injuries, I know a lot about what kind of pain and suffering people can go through. And kia and I probably were posting that at the same time. Bite my az. Catch me in the right mood and I might overlook some of your insults, but "stay in the shallow water" is just effen rude.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
Boki, I am sorry about your Sister but I had no clue about that tragedy when I made my valid points.
I will be Zz, the smart aleck or whatever else you want to call me...I am a big boy you see and if you are in such a foul mood perhaps you should logoff and go lie down for a spell, sweetie.
What do you mean by "bite my Arizona?" That was very mean spirited and I for one will not stand for you dissing the great state of ARIZONA!! Man, does that chaffe my @ss!!!
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-25:
That might fly with other members around here, but putting me down as sport is not gonna go over well between us.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
You're welcome KIA...I didn't read through ALL of the comments when I posted that. Besides, sometimes ZZ needs to be told more than once!
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
I am not putting you down. I truly believe that I was making better points regarding the issues at hand.
Man, all this over some guy across the pond that had his feelings hurt when he decided to "head-but+" an iron shutter!
NEXT FRIGGIN' CASE!!!!!!! *slams gavel*
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
ZZ sweetheart...relax and go watch the video I posted for your Tuesday entertainment...trust me, it will do you good!
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
ZZ is wishing on his star for some exciting things to read on this site. He's still waiting...........
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
That's why he needs to check out my threads...they are straight from the "Basher's Book Of Never Fail To Entertain Threads". He just needs to learn to trust me and his life would be so much easier for him.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
After this one. I may stick with food complaints exclusively for a while.
*hyperventilating*
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
Oh, zz, it wasn't so bad. It finally gave me something to comment on, thanks to you. I have to hit the hay. Nighty nite all.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-25:
Sweet dreams!
Posted by knowitall2 on 2009-08-25:
Thanks, DB. Have a nice day!
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
Later K2 and my meaningless thought of the day comes from some guy named Rodney that e-mailed me and asked, "c-can't we all j-j-just .....Get along?"
Posted by JR in Orlando on 2009-08-25:
Around here, a shutter is normally an aluminum roll down that is used in a mall and is more of a flexible grate, than a solid shutter. How fast were you running when you ran into the shutter, so as to give yourself a concussion? Since the glasses on your head were broken, I assume you hit with the front crown of your head which is the hardest part of the head,i.e. soccer. If you are facing forward, how could you not see the lowered shutter? If you hit hard enough for a concussion, would you not have gone down or sat down there at the scene? Yet, you say you hit something walking normally, but got hurt so bad you "vomited" from the pain??????
Posted by old fart on 2009-08-25:
JR... The bottom rail of that "shutter" is a pretty darn substantial piece of metal to guide the outside rollers in their track... I bet that hurt like h3ll!
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
My brother was 4 years old when a Mercades literally ran over his back. My parents didn't sue the other driver and his settlement was $150,000 more than the kid who did. (and that kid lost a kidney) Sometimes suing isn't the best option available.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
Please elaborate on what other options one my have outside of settling out of court since there is always a chance that you could lose.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
JR Best Answer By Far!
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
ZZrock, he could file a law suit, but yet again you can lose and then end up paying solicter fees.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
I am sure that there are attorneys over there that would get a settlement on a contingency basis.
How did the driver get more than your family did? Was there shared blame?

JR, finally someone else that isn't always taking the OP's side! You star power is rising rapidly. Keep it up and thank goodness for more COMMON SENSE around here!!! (BA)
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
Sorry ZZ if I wasn't clear. My brother recieved $150,000 more than the other boy who was also hit. The family of the other boy made the decision to sue, my family didn't. We live in a 'sue happy' society, sueing isn't always the answer.
Posted by zzrokk on 2009-08-25:
Gotcha, your family got a settlement through the driver's insurance, right?
Sometimes that is the best way to go. Being able to trust your attorney helps a lot in making the decision.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-08-25:
Pete: Based on the IM you sent me, (partial, the rest was not appropriate) "i dont know who you are but if you think it is justifiable to not see something that shouldnt be there then your an arse" I stick by my original statement.
Get your head out of where it shouldn't be and watch where you are going. You are the same type of guy making a turn, getting slammed into and claiming it ain't your fault cause you did not see the small car coming. Although the store may have some responsibility, it's your responsibility to watch where you are going.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-25:
JKT, you rock my world!!! Great Answer!
Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-08-25:
Why thanks Eloise.
Posted by Stew on 2009-08-25:
Oh good grief. It's the stores responsibility not to pose unnecessary hazards in the customers way. There was no valid or reasonable reason to lower the metal shutters until all customers have exited. Get an ambulance chaser and then take the out of court settlement offer which there will be because despite what the always blame the OP crowd believes on this one footlocker is 100% in the wrong.
Posted by MSCANTBEWRONG on 2009-08-26:
Dang Pete...that was just plain mean and ugly. I'm sorry you were hurt and deserve to have your medical bills at least partially paid. There no reason to blast someone in that manner because they choose to disagree with you. This is what the website is...it's your 3 cents!! Good luck to you cuz you most likely are gonna need it with that attitude. JMHO
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-26:
I've already posted it to admin. What a complete jerk!
Posted by MSCANTBEWRONG on 2009-08-26:
So did I Eloise...inappropriate for sure.
Posted by C2O on 2009-08-26:
This is still going on, and on, and on?.....

It's like date night at mad's pad! Awesome!
Posted by bearkatkitten on 2009-08-26:
Pete-- do you really think your comment is going to hurt our whee American feelings? Well, those of us that are American.
Grow up.
Posted by DigitalCommando on 2009-08-26:
This person has every right to feel the way he does. The store can be held liable because it created a situation that would not normally be encountered or expected while a business is open. Most people don't look at the ceiling when they are walking, they look straight out and downward. He could have been admiring his new shoes on the way out or looking at a display in front of him that was at eye level or a hot chicks a$$. No matter what he was looking at, a harmful barrier to egress is not what people are searching for on the way out of a store. What if he had been looking at the lowered gate and slipped on a puddle of water, would it be his fault for not having salamander eyes that can look in 2 different directions at once?
Posted by MSCANTBEWRONG on 2009-08-26:
DC I don't disagree with that part but his ugly toned email was not necessary.
Posted by DigitalCommando on 2009-08-26:
I think his 'ugly tone' was induced by some of the disrespectful responses. I didn't see him starting off his post that way. "You should watch where your going" what kind of air-head comes up with that? "You should" can be applied to every mistake made in the universe. Like we need somebody to tell us the sun came out today too?
The store caused the harm, he has the right to sue. I hope he does.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2009-08-26:
I always laugh when someone trips and the person next to them says, "Watch your step"...LOL...it's like...why didn't you tell them that BEFORE they tripped, because waiting until after they trip is kinda senseless.
Posted by Pete Le Groove on 2009-08-29:
I am sorry for my ugly remark to eloise and jkt etc. but i was hurt by disrespectful comments made by certain poster's...
I didnt even want to offend anyone else but if i did i apologise to you personally.
This is great though, that the attention of so on this post... Thanks again to those with genuine concern and care.
It shows by your stars how cool you are...
Posted by Alain on 2009-08-29:
BokiBean's first comment with the info provides the best path to resolution. Other than that, hope you feel better, Pete.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2009-08-29:
No apologies necessary here. Just curious, were you taken from the store to the Dr, or did you leave the store and go to the doc on your own?
Don't know how it is in the UK but if you left the store and went on your own, unless you have access to a camera showing your collision, you are going to have a hard time proving it happened there.
Posted by Diabolical on 2009-09-05:
I work at an FYE as a sales associate. It's common practice, especially in malls and shopping complexes, to lower the metal shutters slightly around 10-15 minutes to close to alert potential customers that they'll be closing soon.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-09-05:
how did he not notice them, unless he was blind?
Posted by Diabolical on 2009-09-05:
That's what I want to know. It's impossible not to notice. Unless he's one of those people who wear their sunglasses indoors...or at night...
Posted by innocentconsumer on 2009-11-24:
the footlocker employees are to file a incident report. if they don't you have to right to file a suit against them which they would have to pay for your lawyer, hospital and anything else. there's a 1800 number on your receipt onthe back or heres a number you can contact 18005697490. footlocker company won't help you. i suggest file a civil suit and get damages. did you have the mall file a incident report the day of the incident. you need proof that you got hurt at the mall in footlocker store

Your Name:
(displayed with your comment)

Your Experience/Advice:


Note: All comments are reviewed by a moderator before being published. Please be sure to read our guidelines before commenting.
Footlocker:
Overall Rating:StarStarStarHalf star