McDonald's employee shot saving a customer at work...asks for workers compensation....McDonald's.... uhhh, sorry

[Terminator]

FOX16 News obtained surveillance video of the attack at a McDonald’s on Rodney Parham that left an employee with multiple gunshot wounds. The August 2008 video shows a man wearing a white shirt hitting a woman. Seconds later, an employee runs in to break it up and the attacker is forced outside. Off camera, the employee was shot three times. He walks back inside and then collapses before medical attention arrives.

Six days after the attack, LRPD detectives arrested Perry Kennon, 27, charging him with shooting Nigel Haskett. After three surgeries, $300,000 in medical bills and six months recovery, Haskett filed a workers compensation claim for his injuries.

Claims specialist Misty Thompson with insurance company Ramsey, Krug, Farrell and Lensing responded, denying Haskett's claim.

"We've denied this claim in its entirety, it's our opinion that Mr. Haskett's injuries did not arise out of or within the course of his employment," a portion of the statement reads.

Philip Wilson is Haskett's attorney. He says the defense from McDonald's insurer is baffling.

"Seems like any employer would want a disturbance stopped and that's what this young man was simply trying to do," Wilson says.

Wilson says he is now seeking a hearing before the Workers Compensation Commission.

"Nigel is a very nice young man," Wilson told FOX16 News Thursday. "He says 'yes sir, no sir' and he was just doing what anybody would do in that situation, on or off the job."

Haskett's boss Ray Nosler called him a hero for his actions last August and contributed to a fund setup for his employee. He provided a statement to FOX16 News.

"We are all grateful to Nigel and that's why it is so unfortunate that he's having a difficult time with the insurance claim," Nosler says. "Because the insurance claim is still pending, I’m not able to say more about it, but I hope his claim will come to a quick resolution and the right thing will be done for my employee."

Wilson says the right thing is for McDonald’s insurer to pay the claim.

"Surely we want our young people to step in and break up a fight if something like that were to happen, especially on your own employers premises, I would," Wilson says.

As part of the denial, the insurer included a page that details expectations of employees during orientation. In a robbery situation it tells employees not to do anything that would put themselves or anyone else in danger. Wilson asserts that clause does not apply in this incident.

Wilson says his client has recently returned to work to pay bills. The fund setup for Haskett is still accepting donations at all area Twin City Bank locations.

[Captain America]

That's really shitty of McDonald's but not unexpected. Cox Cable did the same thing to me after I was injured working a detail for them. They even were nice enough to dock my pay for not finishing the shift. I'm surprised the bastards didn't send me a bill for the carpet I bled all over. Bottom line for big corporations is the almighty $$$$$$$$$.

[jmur5074]

What a joke


On a side note, McDonalds is planning on opening 300 new "restaurants" in China either this year or next year. You'd think they'd be able to afford to pony up the dough to cover their employee's medical bills.

[Retdetsgt]

When I was 16, I worked in a service station, usually by myself. The owner came in one day and put a .38 stubnose under the cash register. I asked him what that was for? He replied in case someone tried to rob me. I told him that if someone wanted HIS money, they were welcome to it. I'd be damned if I'd get in a shoot out with anyone back then for something that wasn't mine. He didn't like the answer, but few times do robbers shoot anyone if they get what they want right away. For his money, I was more than willing. Mine, that's something else....

Granted, this is a different situation, this kid was trying to help someone else. I hope McDonald's get their asses sued off.

[Rhino]

I think the employee has a good case. If he was on the clock, then he's entitled. Maybe he should just sue McDonald's for burning his crotch with coffee instead.

[MacLean]

I'm not going to eat there until they pay the kid.

[Captain America]

I'm not going to eat there until they pay the kid.

No Big Macs for Mac. I'm with ya. I'm going to enact a Egg McMuffin embargo.

[Rhino]

I'm not going to eat there until they pay the kid.

Oh no! Pay the kid $300,000 now or maclean will never buy a $1.99 Burger again!

[Retdetsgt]

I'm not going to eat there until they pay the kid.

I wouldn't eat there if they pay the kid or not! I'm not much of a fast food fan to begin with, but they are awful. If one of their shakes melts, it doesn't just turn to liquid, it breaks into unknown substances. I've always suspected they're composed of some sort of petroleum byproduct.....

[MacLean]

I have a weakness for breakfast burritos.

Eggs, sausage, cheese, and a tortilla.

Sadly, I can eat six of them.

[Rhino]

Mmm... breakfast burritos. Chik-fil-a time!

[10-42Adam]

That business is stumbling over loads of money, even announced that their sales have gone up in the terrible economy, and won't pay this poor guy's medical bills?! That's pretty shitty if you ask me...