A woman in her 20s faces a hefty compensation order after pushing her friend, resulting in severe injuries during an altercation at a hotel playground.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in December 2020 at a playground inside a hotel in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. The defendant, identified as B, allegedly shoved the victim, A, four times with significant force while A was on a slide. This caused A to fall from a height, sustaining injuries requiring 32 weeks of treatment and leading to permanent aftereffects.
Court’s Decision and Rationale
On April 12, the Cheongju District Court, presided over by a panel led by Chief Judge Kim Hyun-ryul, partially ruled in favor of A in the damages lawsuit against B. The court mandated B pay 196 million won out of the 217 million won claimed, covering medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Judges determined B acted recklessly, pushing A without regard for potential harm. Factors included A’s permanent disability and ongoing treatment needs. However, the bench assigned 10% fault to A for demanding money and failing to hold on securely, reducing the payout accordingly.
Defendant’s Prior Conviction
B had already been fined 500,000 won for negligent injury in a related criminal case.
This ruling underscores accountability in personal disputes, emphasizing the severe consequences of impulsive actions leading to life-altering injuries.
