To think I should get some free coffee from this coffee chain?!

[momo142]

I went to a popular coffee chain today in my lunch break for a quiet coffee and a few minutes to myself (and to read Mumsnet on my phone!). I got my coffee, sat down and tried to pull my chair forward, but the chair had a slightly loose leg and it pinched my finger hard between the leg and the base of the chair. It really hurt! Then it started bleeding and I had to go and get a plaster from the server at the till.

They got me the plaster and took the chair away, but I have to say they weren't particularly apologetic (in fact I don't remember them apologising at all), nor did they check that I was OK. It still hurt over an hour later and made driving back to work quite tricky.

So, AIBU to think I deserve a voucher for some free coffee from the chain for my trouble?! And if so how is best to go about asking for it?

Please note I'm not angry, am not going to sue them, I'm not a hysterical angry customer and I know it was just an accident. I just think, given that it was entirely their fault, they should at least give me a couple of free drinks to make up for it!

What does MN think?

It was just an accident and I personally wouldn’t expect anything

Complaining on social media is always an effective way to get free stuff. But to be honest, I would take it as a given that whoever's on the other side will be rolling their eyes at you.

I think it’s pretty poor customer service on their part - their shoddy chair injured you, albeit only a minor injury. A free coffee by way of apology isn’t an unreasonable expectation I don’t think.

Why would you expect free coffee for such a minor injury that they were unable to predict would happen and they dealt with by removing the chair?

It wasn't their fault.

I would write or email and just say that you were disappointed with their response to the incident, and that you think they could do with some training incase anything like that happens again. Don’t ask for anything. I’d be surprised if they didn’t send you a voucher.

The exact same thing happened to a customer in a pub I worked in: her fingers were very badly hurt at the time, although I don’t think there was lasting damage.

I had to give evidence when she sued the pub. So yes, I think a free coffee would be the least they could do!

Incident? Training? Because a customer caught her finger on a chair?

Let's not over react here, please!

Have you had an accident that wasn't your fault?

Do you think you deserve something for nothing?

You need we'rewhingingarses4U ...

Out of interest momo142, I always imagine that people like you are confused about when to use 'yourself', 'myself' etc. Correct?

If the leg of the chair had broken, you could have been badly hurt. (Speaking from experience—not in a coffee shop). Shouldn’t they have recorded this for health and safety measures?

How about a free - would that make you feel better? (wonders why Mumsnet don't invent a snowflake smiley)

YABU to expect something IMO.

If the injury was going to cause financial loss or a lifetime of pain/reduced ability then you'd be entitled to recompense. But just an accident and a finger that hurts for a week or so, no - it's just life.

YABU. You were just not very careful moving your chair and hurt yourself-how exactly are they at fault here? Unless you are saying the chair was somehow dangerous?

I don’t see why they shouldn’t give you some free coffee. It will hardly bankrupt them. Are they one of the tax dodging companies?

If the leg of the chair had broken, you could have been badly hurt.
But it didn't, did it?! If the roof had fallen on her she could have been badly hurt. But then that didn't happen either.

As far as I'm aware free coffee doesn't fix cut fingers.
Would have been nice if they offered at the time bit I dont think you should be able to go back for a freebie.

You were just not very careful moving your chair and hurt yourself-how exactly are they at fault here? Unless you are saying the chair was somehow dangerous?

They are at fault because their chair was faulty. It was dangerous because it hurt someone.

Did you not read the OP or are you just being your usual goady self?

If you weren't happy with how they responded then you should have said so at the time. Are you really considering going in tomorrow and saying you want a free coffee as you hurt your finger?

I've they're a popular chain then they can afford to give away a free coffee. I bet lads gets wasted everyday.

If you had asked in the moment for a new coffee (as yours had gone cold during the incident) then YWNBU to expect they would give you another free of charge and maybe throw in a cake or something by way of added goodwill for your accident.

Asking after the fact for free stuff from corporate just because your finger was injured is just grabby tbqh.

Loads

I’m sure if you asked, they would send you a voucher. Personally I wouldn’t bother, it’s a bit, what’s the word I’m looking for...freeloading!

Did you sign an accident book? I'd write to complain to their head office and say what happened, you might get some vouchers that way, but I wouldn't expect any!

I think you should get a grip.

To make up for what? What exactly should they be making up for? You managed to pinch your skin, this is what is known as an accident or an unfortunate occurrence. They gave you a plaster. I don’t know why you feel you deserve anything really.

Accidents happen, Shit happens, life isn’t always fair. These are things you should already know. Now quit ya bellyaching.

Well it wouldn't have hurt them to offer something, would it and it would have been a nice gesture.