Judge Phillis Loh has awarded the maximum compensation under multiple categories to 31-year-old Mo Li, who now depends on three caregivers for 24-hour support.
A Hong Kong court has ordered HK$6.29 million (US$802,698) in damages for a dancer left paralysed after being hit by a falling giant screen during a Cantopop boy band Mirror concert four years ago.
In a written ruling delivered on Monday, the District Court determined that Mo Li Kai-yin was entitled to significant compensation from his employer, Studiodanz, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, following the "catastrophic" injuries he sustained in the incident at Hong Kong Coliseum on July 28, 2022.
Judge Phillis Loh Lai-ping granted the 31-year-old the highest possible payouts under various categories, including permanent total incapacity, care and attention from another person, periodic payments, and medical costs.
She observed that Li, formerly an energetic dancer and instructor, now required three carers to provide round-the-clock supervision and help with personal care and everyday tasks.
"[The applicant] has suffered catastrophic disabilities and permanent total incapacity, and will require lifetime constant care and attention. He is incapable of ever leading or appreciating an independent adult life," the judge wrote.
Studiodanz, which did not participate in the current proceedings, was also ordered to pay interest and cover Li's legal fees. The company had previously been fined HK$132,000 for breaching occupational safety regulations.