Email sent
To Whom it may concern,
As outlined in my post this afternoon on the FaceBook page, during Saturday evening I was parked at the rear of Papa Johns, Caterham, Surrey.
Whilst I was in the car, 2 large (full) bottles of Tango were dropped onto my bonnet. This was from a height as from the rear of the store you go along a path and down some steps to get to where cars are parked. Would guess at 10ft above where i had parked.
The employee was only a couple of metres from the back door. He was wearing Papa Johns uniform, it was during working hours, whilst carrying out work duties and with Papa Johns stock.
Other members of staff then proceeded to appear, all of whom we spoke to said it would certainly be delt with and full liability will be accepted.
I was advised the Regional Manager would personally call me to discuss the way forward - yes, I understand it was over Easter holidays - but as of Tuesday afternoon still no word.
I therefore contacted the Papa Johns head office who gave me the store owners mobile. Upon calling him, he only advised "I don't know, I was not there. I'll get the guy you spoke with to call you". I have been a manager within retail myself and personally don't find this very professional. The manager / store owner should be fully aware at all times of issues that have occurred and thus be able to suitably deal with it. Anyway...
I then received a call from another gentleman (apologies I do not have any names, I have a couple wrote down at home but would not be able to pronounce) who advised me insurance would not cover it as it was outside the premises. He went on to say he has again spoken with the member of staff that dropped the goods, who, once again apologises and accepts liability, however is aware it will be a costly bill and cannot afford it. Even if it was £100 he says it is too much.
Papa Johns operates in and out of stores, dealing with the public on a continuous basis - as said, he was carrying out work duties, in work uniform etc etc when this occurred and so I would expect Public Liability (if not then some form of insurance) would cover it.
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]The car is a rare model, 1 of 50 and also has a paint work, which from the factory is roughly £1500. So I do not expect the cost of a new bonnet, painting and fitting will be cheap - which I certainly will not be covering the bill for![/FONT]
Please see the attached pictures - there are 3 dents - one the most obvious, a second above it and a third long one which then goes down to the wing. Also that whole side of the bonnet is dented and so no longer aligns with the wing/arch. I have looked into the option/cost of a dent removal specialist but have been told it will most likely not be possible due to where the dents are. It is dangerous to use body work filler on them as it is harder than metal and so more dangerous in even of an accident.
The Police were on scene at the time, so should you need any of the reference / case number then please say.
Please let me know how you plan to proceed.
Failure to do so I will seek legal assistance/action and will make contact with local papers.
Kind regards,
Stephen
