Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

My daughter fell from a concrete ramp onto a beach whilst visiting a famous tourist spot in December.

There were concrete access ramps up and down the beach (presumably for wheelchairs, pushchairs, etc), to get access to the sand. If you faced the ocean, the ramps would head off to the left or right hand side, but straight ahead, there were no barriers or rails to prevent someone walking straight off the end of the ramp.

My daughter was pushed by her younger brother, who was horsing around. However, none of us realised that there was a 2 metre drop onto the sand below.

My daughter was in agony after the fall and ended up being looked after by the surf rescue guys. A trip to A&E later and an x-ray confirmed she'd broken 3 toes.

I wrote to the council concerned when we returned home and they raised a case on it to be investigated.

I emailed them again this week and they said: 'I am pleased to advise that XXXXX council are currently seeking quotes to have guard rails installed on the beach ramps at XXXXX Beach.'

Isn't this an admission of their failure to protect the public? I only raised the issue with them as I was horrified to think what would happen if a pushchair rolled towards the end of the ramp, or if a disabled person couldn't see the ramp ending.....

What would you do? Look to maybe take action against the council, or pat yourself on the back that (hopefully) no one else will come a cropper??

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

I wouldn't take action against the council.

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Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

I would pat myself on the back that no one else will come a cropper and I would also be very pleased to note that there is a council that listens and takes action. Good result all round.

Wouldn't taking legal action just discourage the council from taking their own action in responding to concerned residents in future? Perhaps you could teach your son not to push people off ledges. ;)

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

As has been said before, I would pat myself on the back, accept that something is being done about it and thank god that she wasn't hurt more. The set up does sound ridiculous and you may well be preventing someone suffering a worse fate. I would however push for a bit more idea of a date when the work will be carried and let them know you will follow up if it isn't rectified, given that they have now acknowledged that something must be done. Well done to you, put it down to experience and I hope your daughter recovers soon. I'm sure too that your son is feeling bad enough about it too, although it's fair to say that it's the sort of daft thing my son would do!
I would now move on though.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

Take some personal responsibility, man.

Be thankful she is OK (toes aside) and give her brother a slap for pushing her.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

Woman, actually :zzz:

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

And I don't think a 7 year old deserves a slap for making a mistake whilst horsing around with his sister tbh.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

I second this, no way would I take action against them.

Yes they have admitted there is a fault and they are rectifying it - that is and should be the main thing at the end of the day.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

yea, fair enough... that said, you are basically accepting that it's OK for playing kids to have an accident (when playing near steps) but on the other hand implying that it's somehow the council's fault.

Maybe I've been in Dubai too long... I'm used to taking full personal responsibility for everything and not having a nanny state looking over me, or one that I can chase for when I forget to check.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

Accidents happen. You have pointed out a H&S issue to the council and they appear to be listening and doing something about it. Accept responsibility for your children's behaviour and don't sue them.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

No, you're just used to being able to blame the maid or the gardener and get them put in jail and deported.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

:confused:

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

Millhouse, you should be ashamed of yourself for doing that.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

eh? You think I did?

I would never dream of using the barbaric laws here to my advantage... Well, maybe if it was a taxi driver.

Re: Hmmmmm - what would you do?
 

Mission accomplished... ie rails being installed

Thats what you wanted isnt it?