High chair accident

[SoapMaker]

At a recent family celebration we had lunch at a hotel/restaurant in the county of Rutland (England). We booked in advance for 8 people plus two infants. Two high chairs were booked in advance. On arrival we were shown directly to the table. Unfortunately, after just a few minutes one of the high chairs broke and a 9 month old baby fell onto a hard stone floor. The centre piece of the high chair (made of wood) had literally come off. The baby absolutely screamed and was clearly shocked and sobbed for some time afterwards. The restaurant staff simply asked "did the baby rock the chair and break it?" In fact, the baby had not been rocking and even if she had been, we feel, a high chair should be able to withstand rocking. Upon inspection the wooden joint had come loose and it was taken away. Another chair was ofered but it looked dodgy so we did not use it. The manager made a note of the accident but no apology was made. Luckily the baby was not seriously injured and we are not seeking any monetary compensation. Our meal had been spoilt, but we did continue with it as best as we could and paid in full. However, we are seeking an apology from the restaurant and confirmation that all other high chairs have been checked and that they are confirmed as safe for babies to use. So far we have tried to communicate with the restaurant twice by email and once by phone, but so far have been completely ignored. Can anyone offer us advice on how we can ensure other babies are not put at risk? How can we get that apology if they keep ignoring us?

[SoapMaker]

At a recent family celebration we had lunch at a hotel/restaurant in the county of Rutland (England). We booked in advance for 8 people plus two infants. Two high chairs were booked in advance. On arrival we were shown directly to the table. Unfortunately, after just a few minutes one of the high chairs broke and a 9 month old baby fell onto a hard stone floor. The centre piece of the high chair (made of wood) had literally come off. The baby absolutely screamed and was clearly shocked and sobbed for some time afterwards. The restaurant staff simply asked "did the baby rock the chair and break it?" In fact, the baby had not been rocking and even if she had been, we feel, a high chair should be able to withstand rocking. Upon inspection the wooden joint had come loose and it was taken away. Another chair was ofered but it looked dodgy so we did not use it. The manager made a note of the accident but no apology was made. Luckily the baby was not seriously injured and we are not seeking any monetary compensation. Our meal had been spoilt, but we did continue with it as best as we could and paid in full. However, we are seeking an apology from the restaurant and confirmation that all other high chairs have been checked and that they are confirmed as safe for babies to use. So far we have tried to communicate with the restaurant twice by email and once by phone, but so far have been completely ignored. Can anyone offer us advice on how we can ensure other babies are not put at risk? How can we get that apology if they keep ignoring us?

[Nemo1977]

Are they part of a chain? Or could oyu find out the owners names and complain directly to them?

[LIZS]

Send a recorded letter to the manager or their Head Office if part of a group ? It should have been noted in an Accident book but think if it had the parent wodul have signed it too, otherwise you could notify the local Health and Safety officer inc ase similar accidents have occurred before.

[Hattie05]

I take it the chair didn't have straps?

[PrettyCandles]

They probably didn't apologise because many people think that if you apologise for something you admit responsibility (vile modern attitude). But a restaurant has an obligation to look after its customers safely, and to be insured to cover any accidents. If it had been properly logged in the Accident Book then the parent would have been asked to sign the log. Contact Health & Safety at the local council where the restaurant was. They may have some input into granting the restaurant a licence to operate, and a letter from them to the restaurant would not be ignored!