3Cforme

These issues should be tried in court, not on bulletin boards. If <name country> courts aren't perceived to be fair, with high standards of evidence, then don't expect much in the way of prevention.

sc flier

Was it stated earlier in this thread that it is independently managed? I believe that some hotels in China might be managed by a division of Starwood, and I don't think that the specific hotel has been identified other than that it's a Sheraton. I may have overlooked it.

bocastephen

No, actually you should not be keeping this thread updated on the situation. It was mentioned by other posters, but I'll bold it for you: immediately stop posting about this incident here and on any other Internet site (FB, Twitter, wherever). Immediately.

Next, hire a lawyer through a trusted referral, make sure the lawyer is aware of what you've already publicly disclosed, edit all of your posts here to remove photos, descriptions and commentary (although the contents have probably been scooped up by Google already) - basically make all of your posts here blank.

Let the lawyer handle everything going forward.

Stop posting on this incident

broadwayblue

In all fairness, isn't that how negotiations work? If he asks for 50k they may come back with 25k. Why start at the bottom?

And if medical bills will run 25k is it really that unreasonable to ask for another 25k for pain/suffering of a (potentially) lifetime disfigurement? Certainly we have no way of knowing how completely the wound will heal...but if it leaves a noticeable mark I honestly don't think 25k is out of line.

milhouse7

Yes it is, its not like she lost an eye or something. She will heal. Would you be willing to pay someone $50k if you accidentally slammed a door in their face and cut them?? Accidents happen.

controller1

She could but she's not. Read the posts and you'll see that she is "a business manager for an international semi-conductor company."

yeunganson

I will give my take on this.

The hotel should be paying for the medical cost and the plastic surgery if needed. However, the medical procedures will be done in China with Chinese doctors that (like their toys) costs a fraction of what it does in US.

My aunt just had colon lumps (of potential colon cancer) surgery in China and including bribes, and with decent doctor, costs less than $US 2000 with 10 days in hospital.

Did you get travel insurance? You should now.

So, the 50K is out to lunch. Going through the corrupt courts in China is not a good idea. In my experience, a worker that fell 2 floors and had to stay in hospital for 2 weeks received $US 5000 + all hospital costs covered - that was 2 years ago.

The local hotel has to bribe the local officials to get things running smoothly and likely have the support of local Mayor, government officials and if powerful enough the state governor.

If you're a foreigner but a "nobody" and got hurt like that, you perhaps can get a few thousand US dollars and the immediate medical bills (and possibily plastic surgery).

It seems your girlfriend is Chinese. Is she some government official's daughter? Is she some merchant's daughter? Are you related to anyone that has prestige in the area? Let's assume your father does. You need to work it like this... Find the a high level officer of the state who are both business friend's (wink wink) of your prestigious dad and the hotel owner's. This "high level official" need to have some powers and is somewhat important to both the fortunes of your family and hotel owners.

Appeal to this official on what happened through wine and dine or "special massage"/ night club if needed. He will get the hotel owner's side of the story and make a judgement. If he rules the owner should pay you the $US 50,000 or even $US 200,000, the owner will pony up to protect the relationship. If he rules you ought to get $US 50, you shall take it and go away.

CNWO4LIFE

But he never said he was looking for 25k(still way too much), rather the op stated 50K is what was needed. Thats $5,500 per stitch. Please.

Flews

My view is:

1. Accidents happen. Unless the hotel and/or the valet and/or *wood was negligent, I don't understand why you would expect any compensation, let alone sue for damages;

2. Accidents happen. That's why everyone should have insurance to cover all perils, especially if you are traveling, especially when you are traveling to a country like China;

3. Even though I don't agree this warrants compensation from *wood, I do agree the OP should take the advice of the lawyers and others on this thread - stop posting!

Cheers,

PTravel

I am a lawyer but I can't provide an opinion as to whether the Starwood corporate parent is liable or not. I would strongly advise you to consult an attorney with experience in hotel liability (initial consultations are usually free) and get an informed opinion, rather than relying on anonymous opinions from non-lawyers on an internet website. I've also had enough experience with China to know that the assistance of a Chinese attorney with the right connections can make a world of a difference.

This requires an informed professional opinion. The best thing you can do is get one.

RogerD408

As anyone that has a liability policy, be it auto, home, or otherwise, the insurance gives pretty clear instructions DO NOT ADMIT TO ANYTHING and report the accident. She might try contacting her medical insurance carrier and see what assistance they can provide. If they are good, they will approve all the care needed and then go after the other party for payment.

But as has been stated many times, STOP posting. FT is more than capable of continuing a discussion without any input from the OP and head off in a totally unrelated direction.

Good luck with your efforts and hope she's better soon.

Dagny T.

That is very unfortunate to sustain such injury. However, outside US, concept of accident still exists. I doubt that (especially) in China she has much chance of US style compensation. And I don’t see how it would be fair for Starwood in US to pay 50K?! Also, it would be prudent to have a health insurance. What if something like this happens without someone else’s fault? Perhaps her employer could help with getting her a policy for the future?

Z W L

My experience is for international branded hotels like Starwood, franchise or not, is worthy to be trusted, just need to be patient to sit down and discuss with hotel (or through hotel to further approach with their owner) to find a solution that both feel acceptable.

Sheraton GM

Hope your girlfriend is getting very well.
We appreciate your feedback and comments and, as I've promised, Starwood and I are dealing this case seriously with hotel's insurer for the best possible solution (amount). I'll meet them again tomorrow and sure will continue to communicate with you offline.
PS. I've viewed the cctv record and could not find our bellman has the action of pushing/slamming to close the taxi door.

CNWO4LIFE

Houston we have a problem! Seems this is better than the old cliffhanger series.