Boss went off, damage caused

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GingerRR1

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Small community hosting a festival, during which, a few cars parked in my bosses lot, despite the NO PARKING signs. My boss asked some young kids to move their cars out of the lot after witnessing them urinating on another car. At that time, they flipped him off and mocked him. Unfortunately, my boss was intoxicated and proceded to "key several cars". The local law enforcement advised my employer to write letters of apology accepting financial responsibility for damages to the cars and rental cars, if needed.

So far, everyone seems to be very understanding and cooperative, however, one man that parks illegally on the lot daily, sent a letter accepting the apology but demanding an additional $2,000 for inconveniences.

My boss is the sweetest, calmest person I know, I am shocked at this incident, but understand that this is nothing like his true character and has never had an incident of the like, in his past. I think of how many times he could have had this man's car towed and such and think it's outrageous for him to "extort" him for further money. Is there any time of response that we can send without worry of further extortion, harassment, or any public embarassment?
 
Not really. The guy may park there illegally, but as the saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right. Even though the guy was in the wrong, so was your boss. And think of this, your boss caused much more damaged than the owner of the car.

The thing to have done, and do in the future, is have the car towed. If it's parked illegally due to city or county ordinance then call it in. If it's on private property, then there must be a no parking sign, stating that violators will be towed at owners expense, who the towing company is and how to contact them.
 
What is to prevent this guy from returning for more money, and then more money after that? Anything?

My boss fully admits that what he did was wrong, irresponsible and embarassing and has agreed to compensate without question the repairs, as was advised, without further incident. I'm just worried that this guy will continue to extort.
 
What is to prevent this guy from returning for more money, and then more money after that? Anything?

My boss fully admits that what he did was wrong, irresponsible and embarassing and has agreed to compensate without question the repairs, as was advised, without further incident. I'm just worried that this guy will continue to extort.



Your boss is very lucky he isn't being criminally charged.
Most people would face very serious criminal charges, even if they accepted responsibility and agreed to pay for the damages.

The way to get rid of the person that now demands the $2,000 "bonus" payout, is to get him to sign a release.
You can use a standard legal release form, which essentially says that in consideration for the repairs to the vehicle and an additional $2,000 payment for "whatever"; Mr. X releases and holds harmless Mr. Boss for any and all other claims arising out of the incident that occurred on SomeDay, XX Month 2010.

In order that it has no loopholes, your boss should get his attorney to draft the release.

When your boss pays Mr. X, he can add a proviso above the endorsement line "I accept this $2,000 payment in full and final settlement of any and all claims arising out of the incident on XX Month 2010".

Again, your boss would be best served to have his attorney construct the EXACT wording in BOTH cases!

I've only given you samples of how it could be done.

If you don't pay the guy, he could sue your boss.

He might also press the police to charge your boss criminally.

Your boss should speak with his attorney about this, anyway.
 
Your boss is only on the hook for repairing the damage to the vehicle. An extra $2000 for inconveniences is absurd. He should pay the value of the damages but pass on the extra $2000. If the guy feels he is entitled to that $2000 then let him get a judge to order your boss to pay it.

As said above, if the proper signs are in place, make a phone call and have any vehicles that are in violation towed from the property... this is assuming your boss is the owner and has authority to do so.
 
I feel it's extortion. The letter said, though I accept your apology, I feel it was very irresponsible of you, therefore, I want an extra $2,000. It doesn't negate the responsibility of the act, however, this guys car might sell for $900. It's going to cost nearly $3,000 to fix, plus a rental car. It's a tough pill to swallow for him, but the fact is, he was more than willing to pay for the expenses of repair. But, the demand for $2,000 is no more ethical than what my boss did. Our fear is public embarassment only, the press, media leak. Which there is nothing to state that he won't turn around and do this anyway.
 
Your boss can always counter offer. He can send a letter back stating that the car is not worth that amount and here is what he is willing to pay. Your boss does not have to pay this guy just because he asks. If the guy does not like the counter offer, he can sue your boss. He then has to prove the amount of damages.

This doesn't mean that the guy still won't go the news.
 
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