to feel like this is a fob off?

[DreamingOfADifferentMe]

A couple of weeks ago, DH was with two of our children at the swanky gym that we use where the kids also have swim lessons. While in the changing rooms, he and my youngest were electrocuted as she touched what she thought was a lego brick, but was actually a live electrical connector. The current went through her and earthed through DH as he'd been touching her, thank goodness. Both said it was really painful, she was left really shaken but thankfully seems OK though has had a series of bad dreams about it, and he had to be checked over as he had nerve damage in his hand which, a fortnight later, is now fine. However, the shock was so intense that had DH not been touching DD, she would have been badly injured or worse.

DH raised it at the time with the gym, and asked for the general manager to get involved. Since then, the GM has been in touch and has admitted the club was negligent, the connector shouldn't have been visible or able to be touched and they've since put in more security measures to ensure it can't happen again. This is great and we're really pleased they've done this.

It's now a difficult situation as they initially offered us a free month's membership as a 'token of our distress', which equates to about £190. DH was furious (this was only a couple of days later) that this was the value the GM was placing on our daughter's welfare and told the GM this much. Since then the GM has offered three months (so about £550) and would like to put the matter to bed. We can't help but feel that this still feels a fob off that just doesn't reflect how serious this was. We've said this to the GM and that we'd rather deal with this at head office level (we're not sure they've been informed), and he's come back, asking what kind of 'package' we're looking for.

Now, this makes me really uncomfortable - we're not looking for financial gain out of this, but at the same time, it feels like what they're offering really doesn't reflect what happened and quite frankly, is no skin off their nose - we'll still be coming into the club, still paying for swim lessons, still buying coffees and so on while we're there so they still benefit. Are we being unreasonable? Or worse, grabby? I hate the whole 'where's there's blame, there's a claim' culture, and am feeling really torn about what to do now.

I agree that asking for a written apology from head office and andetail of the world carried out to make things safe would be a good idea.

Part of me thinks though that if you're not after financial gain (which I agree with) that it could still be useful for the gym to have to feel a financial sting? Could you ask for £x donation to St Johns Ambulance for example, or that charity that provides defibrillators in public places (which could have been needed had your Daughter not been earthed through your husband)?

Thanks all, it's all helping me work out what I'm struggling with. HSK, yes, this is it, exactly, thank you for hitting the nail on the head.

Laurie, that's for five of us, but yes, it's a hefty cost. And one we're reconsidering as it's most definitely not the Harbour Club or anywhere near as immaculate.

Ostrich, thank you - I'm glad you get it.

Chirpy, yes, I think that's it. While the local club have acknowledged it, it does feel like it might be being kept quiet from Head Office.

I'm confused at your DH saying that a month (or 3) is not your daughters 'worth' now I understand this could have been catastrophic, in which case I would be saying absolutely take them for everything you can, but at the end of the day your child got hurt not killed. In fact as far as your OP suggests, your DD didn't even go to hospital, only your DH did, for a minor damage and is fine now.

I don't see what you want them to do. Assuming they have fixed the problem and raised it so it can't recur, they have offered you a decent freebie, I would take it and move on.

Averagebear, we've not been back since.

44PumpLane, I like your idea of a charity donation, thank you!

This needs reporting to the Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/riddor.htm

they are legally obliged to do so themselves, the HSE will then investigate to ensure actions are taken to ensure safety. the company has been negligent and will need to be investigate.
They should have reported this themselves, ask if this has happened and if not tell them you will be reporting it!

CurlyWurly, that's really interesting, I'll ask the question...

I'm not sure why people think OP is being grabby, that's not the impression I got at all.

Oh Notreally, thank you. I'm really not, or else I'd be going after them for a year's free membership as hush money...

DreamingOfADifferentMe exactly! I got what you meant, it didn't seem grabby at all. In fact I got the impression you were offended at them trying to buy you off!

Your husband and daughter could have been killed and were very, very lucky. I don't get why financial compensation is even a consideration at this stage. As another poster has said, it needs reporting to the HSE or an equivalent body. You only have their word they've fixed it - no assurance the remedial work has been done (if at all!) by a competent electrician. If they're cutting corners to the point that live wires were exposed in a wet changing area, what else has been missed? On the basis that the next guest or an employee may not be as lucky, I'd be reporting this near miss officially.

There was an electrical incident (less serious than yours) at my organisation a few years ago (equipment brought in from home by a colleague, not PAT tested) & there was a full investigation. It's not a trivial matter.

Totally get where you're coming from OP. I've handled serious complaints for many many years and often the mistake companies make is to offer you 'stuff' straight away. They need to take the time to listen and then go away, investigate the situation and provide you with a full response. Throwing money or things at people does not make them feel like they've been heard.

I actually don't think you're unreasonable at all and they've made a huge mistake in how they've handled this. If they'd offered exactly the same but invited you in for a conversation, listened and then shown you the steps they've taken to make sure it's now safe, you'd probably be feeling a whole lot better. And that's what they need to do - make you feel better. But the way they've handled it had made you feel the opposite.