I had another bad day at work yesterday (violence trigger)

[pecosbob]

Last edited Fri Dec 25, 2020, 04:53 PM - Edit history (2)

I had another violent confrontation with a non-masker at my convenience store in Las Vegas last night. Mild concussion...multiple scalp and neck lacerations...lots of blood. Much of the store was trashed in the process. Four people were involved in the melee before it was over...afterward, hours with police and EMTs. Our store Christmas tree was destroyed. I'm a bit dismayed this morning.

Now it's the next evening, 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. I was sent home early from my shift by corporate while they 'review' the incident and call me in the morning to discuss it. The bastards are too cheap to provide security for the store and when we have to defend ourselves we are typically interrogated by flacks desperate to cover the corporation's ass, while we're left swinging in the wind. I'm too old for this shit.

Edit...thanks for your good wishes and suggestions, all.

12 pm Christmas Day...my co-worker and I were both suspended. Because the store only has five employees with two of us suspended this meant my other co-worker had to pull three shifts in a row with only a few hours off after the first shift. At least I didn't have to work on Christmas and I have a day to let my wounds heal.

[Marie Marie]

1. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. There are no

words or rational explanations for this behavior.

[pecosbob]

2. People are sometimes beyond my comprehension

[Liberty Belle]

3. That's awful. Get a lawyer and sue them, or call your state's fair employment office.

You may have rights that were violated. They certainly have a duty to keep you safe, especially if there have been problems along this line before. Send a letter ASAP asking that any security footage be retained before they destroy it.

Having just had staples in my scalp that hurt like hell after getting a small tumor removed, I found that marijuana gummy candy worked to help reduce the pain, swelling, and anxiety. The doctor wanted me on opioids but I refused.

You may also want to find a new job with an employer who treats workers with more respect.

I hope you feel better soon.

[pecosbob]

7. Yeah

You may also want to find a new job with an employer who treats workers with more respect.

The first thing I thought about was a new job, but there's a 40% real-world unemployment rate here that makes it unlikely to happen anytime soon.

[Liberty Belle]

27. You can sue the customer(s) who assaulted you, too, for civil damages and file criminal charges.

Also tell media but first have a friend start a go-fund-me page for your medical bills. I'll be you will get a lot of donations. Remember the Starbucks barrista who just got insulted by an idiot pulling down a mask and yelling slurs? She pretty much got her college tuition paid for, as I recall, thanks to outraged folks who gave to a GoFundMe account for her.

[pecosbob]

28. Sorry...to clarify, two employees and one customer were involved in the melee with the assailant

The customer came to my aid. For the most part it was the customer and I both struggling with this guy. The guy was six foot, 275 lbs, kind of like a big fireplug. I'm six foot 180 lbs soaking wet. It was pretty much a for-real WWE event with the guy flinging us both around the store like little children. Pretty sure the big gash in my head occurred when I was thrown into a glass doughnut display case.

[wnylib]

33. For medical bills, doesn't workman's comp

apply here, since it happened at work?

Your best assistance might come from going to the media. Corporations don't like bad press and might feel pressured to be more helpful or reasonable with you.

Sorry to hear about this. Noone should have to deal with it. I'm not a lawyer, but it seems like the anti masker should be liable for all damages to you and the store. There is no excuse for a customer to cause violence over compliance with health rules.

[Wellstone ruled]

4. Sorry to here that.

It has been to darn quite around town,just knew something wood blow-up. These C Store Companies just do not give a crap. No way in hell for one person on duty at anytime.

[pecosbob]

8. If a regular customer hadn't jumped in to help, I'd likely be in intensive care now.

[Wellstone ruled]

11. Hope this not a trend.

But,you take care and be safe.

[niyad]

5. I am so very sorry to hear this. How frightening. Please keep us posted.

[onecaliberal]

6. Wow. This is not okay. Seek legal advice it you possibly can.

[diva77]

9. so very sorry this happened to you

I hope you will let your elected officials know about this as well.

[Skittles]

10. awful

these same folk who think wearing a mask is tyranny are A-OK with trying to overturn the legitimate results of an election

FUCK THEM ALL

[roamer65]

12. Get a good attorney and sue.

Sue the non-masker and sue the company.

[2naSalit]

14. +1

[2naSalit]

13. I'd be getting legal help...

ASAP.

[pecosbob]

16. I do think the corporation has an obligation to provide a safe working environment for employees

Their failure to provide security for the store or parking lot has caused repeated problems during my time there...bottom line is that the store only grosses a few thousand dollars per day, so they don't provide security.

[2naSalit]

18. You have a right to a safe working environment, period.

You also have the right to seek damages for your injuries including any time missed from work. Since you have a mild concussion, you should file a worker's comp claim without haste. And seeking an attorney to advise you as to what you can do to protect yourself and where to file appropriate claims. Protect yourself, you're worth it and you have the right to expect certain things from your employer that they are not providing. Don't let them browbeat you into not standing your ground with them.

[pecosbob]

20. Thank you

[2naSalit]

24. You're welcome.

Most people don't know what to do at first. I've already been down that hard road so be good to yourself and get the help you need.

You should get with your doctor right away and have them diagnose you and make sure they know what happened. This will be crucial in a worker's comp claim. And don't rely on the state agency to help you, they are there to protect your employer. You need someone not involved with the company. Create a paper trail, tomorrow, write down exactly what happened and if you let an attorney see it, make copies. Also, don't go back to work until you feel better, seriously. Better yet, have your doctor determine if and when to return.

And try to have a better day tomorrow, resting at home.

[MustLoveBeagles]

15. That's terrible

You have my sympathy. It's not fair that essential workers are thrown to the wolves like this. I'm sick of these mask less idiots bullying people. Kudos to the brave customer that helped you. As others have mentioned it would be a good idea to get lawyer and see what your options are. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bayard]

17. My gawd!

What an ordeal! Poor Bob!

I'm guessing the other guy was charged with assault? To echo everyone else, if your company tries to screw you over on this, get a lawyer.

Hope your New Year is much better.

[pecosbob]

19. Still at large...he took off right before the police showed.

I finally got a call the other day from the detectives investigating the last assault I suffered in the store two months ago. This incident was more serious, but will no doubt take just as long. In the old days when I was in Texas I think this would be charged as assault with bodily injury, but I'm not familiar with the code here. The corporation will do nothing to pursue charges...If I personally do not follow up on this, nothing will be done, and even then unless I or the police can determine who or where he is, he won't ever even be arrested.

[Bayard]

26. This is the second time this happened?

I know we live in dangerous times, but this is just going too far. Glad he didn't have a gun. Was there a surveillance camera?

Noggins can only take so much whacking. Be safe, and keep us posted.

[pecosbob]

31. Oh yeah, it's on camera...and it would go viral thirty seconds after hitting the net

Corporate never releases video, especially after an incident such as this. They do not like to be in the news. If for example, a regular crew had been hitting our slot machines, and we were to talk about it we would likely be fired. This video will never be seen outside the corporation. Unless I sued them...

[MyMission]

34. If you got a lawyer, they could get it by discovery motion

I imagine that in a convenience store many figure they don't need to comply if they're running in and out. But the rage of this guy who assaulted you is scary, and will probably escalate in our society in the coming months, as the cult 45 members act out

I sympathize, as I work retail and encounter maskholes too. It is a family owned business, 3rd generation, army navy and clothes and supplies for the outdoors. If someone comes in without a mask, which is rare, we ask if they have one or need one. Most have one in their pocket or purse and put it on with apologies, but some grumble when we ask, accept a mask or leave. And a few won't wear one and come in anyway. We don't push it, but we keep our distance. I haven't felt really uncomfortable until today.

Today I asked a guy if he had a mask or needed one, and he looked at me and said he had one but made no move to put it on as he stared at me with malice, and a smirk! I asked a question and he answered, so he was smug. He was 20 feet away. I stared back, and asked him to please put it on. He said something to argue with me, and I didn't really hear what he said except he was from SC. I told him masks are required in NC, it is the store policy, the store is privately owned, and we expect customers to be respectful and wear one while they are in to shop. I walked away, and as he walked to the other side of the store I saw he'd put a buff on.

I've worked in corporate America. 20 yeary ago I was having issues with my employer, consulted with a lawyer, documented certain things. When my employer made a move to fire me I had the lawyer's advice and was able to negotiate with them, where I resigned and was given unemployment, rather than being fired. I also had a workman's comp claim against them.

Please consult with an attorney. There are low-cost agencies and no cost lawyers who will want to sue to get their cut. And see your MD ASAP. Being Christmas weekend is tough. You could go to urgent care on Saturday. Are you scheduled this weekend? You should take it off if you can manage, and do research on lawyers, and make detailed notes on this, and relax. You've gotten some good suggestions on this thread. No fun to have to think about this at Christmas.

Hope you have a restful and blessed Christmas! Good luck!

[cwydro]

29. Surely there's a camera in the store?

I hope they catch him.

[smirkymonkey]

21. That is terrible! I am so sorry that happened to you!

Did you have to go to the hospital? I hope you gave a police report and documented everything. I know a lot of people are telling you to get a lawyer and that is not feasable for a lot of people, but there are a lot of legal-aid societies that do pro-bono work so you might want to consider researching that in your area and see if they will look into your case at no cost to you.

That is just unacceptable that you should have to put up with that kind of risk and violence in your workplace. I think you would have a very good case. Especially if you have documented police and hospital records and the attack was on camera. I wish you the best of luck and I am sorry that this happened to you. Especially at this time of year. Nobody should have to put up with this kind of abuse for trying to protect themselves. Peace to you and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, pecosbob. Wishing you all the best!

[Niagara]

22. I'm so sorry that this happened to you.

I'd be finding an attorney to see what your right's are. Your employer should be responsible for paying for your medical care since you were assaulted while on the job.


Sending healing vibes your way.


On edit: There are workplace attorneys that are specialist and deal with workplace assaults. These attorneys would do all the work for you. There might be a few who may not collect a payment unless they win your case. The first thing that I would do (right after Christmas) is to start inquiring about and contacting a workplace attorney. I think it's imperative that you find out exactly what your rights are and exactly what compensation your employer is responsible for.

[soldierant]

23. In my state you can (or you could 30 years ago)

get unemployment compensation if you quit a job because of "intolerable working conditions" I believe they called it. I wrote up the claim for my husband because I knew it had to be just cold facts - and they approved it quickly. I realize that states are different, and also that things change, but I thought I should mention it. You'd be getting it new, so the fact that extensions have not been approved would not be urgent immediately.

[pecosbob]

25. That's interesting...my first thought was to quit, but I would not get UI

I will try to find out more about this. Thanks.

[soldierant]

43. I hope it helps. Frankly, I think your claim

would be stronger than my husband's was. He was just expected to do more than any one person could possibly do in the length of the shift (custodial work), and I was able to provide numbers on building size, number of rooms, number of toilets, number of showers, even number of wastebaskets to empty that were convincing. But he was never in actual physical danger, as you are (and can prove it.)

[Tech]

30. I hope they got it on video.

My husband and daughter work with the public. They habe no problem calling out non mask wearers. But it gets frustrating. Good luck and let us know if we can help.

[burrowowl]

32. May you get some justice!

but unfortunately we live in Amerikkka.

[MaryMagdaline]

35. I'm so sorry. You don't deserve this BS

[raccoon]

36. I'm sorry that happened to you. A shithead anti-masker and

Shithead employers.

[panader0]

37. Pepper spray or bear repellent. I've seen it bring a big guy to his knees.

Sorry you got hurt. Cashiering at a convenience store, especially at night, is dangerous.
P.S. I love the Highway 61 quote.

[pecosbob]

41. Seriously considering this...think it's illegal to use the bear repellent on people

but I think I can legally keep one of the large home defense spray canisters at work as long as I don't carry it back and forth to work. I think the 1.3% OC is the strongest that can be used on people, at least in my state.

It's taken me nearly sixty years to come to fully appreciate Dylan. He speaks to our souls.

[Nululu]

38. So sorry to hear

I don't understand these violent antimaskers. They want you to risk disability & death for their stupidity?

These people are proudly insane sociopaths.

[Gothmog]

39. I am sorry that this happened to you

Good wishes are headed your way

[stillcool]

40. that is effed up.

so much so, I'm surprised a lawyer isn't calling you. Do you get hazard pay? Sounds like you're way more likely to get hurt in the 'line of duty' than any cop.

[bluestarone]

42. If it were me it would be lawyer time. (second time this shit happened)

You need to cover your ass. You NEED that video.The company could sack YOU with no recourse. Sorry this happened but YOU need to DEMAND protection just for the record. Hope you are ok health wise.

[DonaldsRump]

44. Please seek legal help immediately

Either get a lawyer who will handle this on contingency or get one through Legal Aid etc to consider your options against the person who did this to you and to your employer. Many lawyers will be contactable during the holidays so do not let that be an impediment.

You SHOULD NOT have to ever deal with this.

I don't know what to say, since happy holidays seems trite in this situation. Accordingly, I'l say "please take care of yourself."