The Observation Deck

David Lay wrote:Was this the franchisee or McD's corporate who gave the $3,000?

While I don't know for sure, I'd be willing to venture it was the franchise owner. Either way, I think that was plenty generous since they were under no obligation to give anything....whether it's a muti-billion dollar company or not.

I can't imagine that $3,000 covers the cost of any funeral. If McDonald's, franchise or corporate I don't care, was that stingy I would really like to know.

I'll reply to their form letter and see if they can give any specifics. But if that's all they gave, it is appalling. Really, how many employees per year are murdered while on the job at McDonalds? Maybe working for Mickey Dees is more dangerous than previously thought.. franchise or corporate.

Kate

I do not want to go into to much but working at McDonalds seems to be less safe than any other fast food place. But I could be wrong.

I know the family received help with the burial, and I am not suppose to say anything by the Law Department and Mayor's Office helped to expedite a check from a fund for the families of victims of violent crimes.

Not making excuses for Micky Dee's, just letting you know they have gotten a little help and the family is moving along.


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I heard the Lakewood band played at his funeral. If they did that was so touching and wonderful. He doesn't have to die in vain. This is a good time to get more domestic violence awareness going in the schools.

Ms. McCarthy,

I'm not being cold-hearted but is there a figure that you feel would be fair?

Anyone that had ever met Mr. Joslin knew him to be a kind soul. That being said, he was not murdered as a result of his employment.

As Jim O'Bryan pointed out, the family was assisted by the victim of crimes fund. Years ago my uncle was murdered in Rocky River and my aunt recd. the maximum from the state so I know the program works. The purpose of it is to cover the costs for a funeral or lost wages that cannot be recovered from the suspect.

I'm truly not trying to be mean. This was clearly a tragic event and a family was devastated. But how can it be determined where to draw the line and what price would be fair. Should the employer of every murder victim be required to pay a certain amount? What if the victim works for a small mom and pop store where the owner's are just getting by?

These questions were part of the reason that the state legislature started the victims of crime fund. A family can receive up to $50,000. If this crime had occurred because some crazy shot up McDonald's over a cold burger or during a robbery I would be right there with you. As sad as this was, it seems your are being unfair to McDonald's just because it is a large company.

I totally agree with Mr. Galvin. No, I'm quite certain that $3,000 didn't cover all the expenses. But why do you think they should cover the whole thing? Is it the norm for employers to cover funeral expenses every time there is a death or murder on the job? Naturally it depends on the circumstances, and under the circumstances at McDonald's I believe $3,000 was fair.

Sadly, this type of thing happens more often that we like to think...how many those employers pay a dime? We don't know, but I think it's unfair to crucify McDonald's becaue they didn't pick up the whole tab.

I certainly hope Mr. O'Brien is wrong about McDonald's being more unsafe than any other fast food place to work since my daughter is employed there.

Mr. Galvin,

I'm glad to hear the state program works and your aunt and the Joslin family were given assistance. And I would never expect every employer to be able to step up to the plate and assist the family of every employee that is the victim of a crime while on the job. But it is still rare that this type of tragedy occurs at the workplace. And when that workplace is a large cooperation with deep pockets I would have hoped they would have just offered right away to cover the costs of the funeral and take that burden off of the family right away. That's all.