I burned my hand when I reached into a display case to pick up a whole cooked chicken at Albertson's. I didn't know it at the time, but the display case was dangerous because it had a hidden heating element under each of the two shelves and a row of heat bulbs. There was nothing to shield you from the heating element.
My skin immediately blistered. I told the lead cashier of the incident and filed an incident report. The next day, I spoke to the manager and asked for authorization to see a physician and have the bill paid by Albertson's. They refused.
I had a Second Degree Burn which became infected. Albertson's Risk Management was rude and refused to pay for any other doctor visits or antibiotics. They said any liability on their part was pending investigation. I should have seen the 3 small "HOT" labels on the case and know they were referring to the case and not just the chicken. I should have known the case could be extremely hot and that "had I exercised any due caution, I would not have been injured." And "It is evident that there were clearly visible and adequate warnings placed on the subject hot case." They felt the word "HOT" said it all!!!
Immediately after my incident, Albertson's added 3 add'l "HOT" labels, and then took pictures. The misleading, falsified pictures were sent to their Risk Mgmt. Dept. They again denied any liability. One year later, they added 7 large labels reading "CAUTION HOT CASE". Why, if they felt their original signage to be sufficient??? Also, in court they told the Judge that three others in the last 3 years had been burned on the case.
My case was heard in Small Claims Court before a Judge (at the request of Albertson's Hearing Rep). They used shifty, shady and underhanded tactics, submitting falsified photos, including a picture of an entirely different case then I was burned on and one that had different warning labels. But... I WON! Award to me included $'s for pain, suffering and permanent scarring!
I cannot believe that a company as large as Albertson's, with all their money, is APPEALING to a higher court!!! It is ridiculous!!! Albertson's cannot accept the Courts decision and accept responsibility and pay up! Back to court we go.
If you, or someone you know, have been burned on a hot display case at Albertson's or anywhere else, please respond. We may have a Class Action Suit here.
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