A former dim-sum packager savaged by her neighbour's pit bull terrier is to get $100,000 in compensation from the dog's owner after an out-of-court settlement was reached yesterday.
The animal savaged Lee Lai-yeung, 62, biting off part of the flesh on her left leg in a Fanling village while she was on her way to work on October 29, 1996. Ms Lee also sustained injuries to her fingers when she tried to open the dog's mouth in an attempt to stop the attack.
She sued the dog's owner, Li So-kong, who lives in the village, for personal damages in the Court of First Instance.
According to the agreement, Mr Li has to make monthly instalments of not less than $5,000 to Ms Lee starting in April this year with the outstanding balance payable by January 20, 2002. If he fails to meet the terms, Ms Lee is entitled to recover the balance as a lump sum. The order was formally approved by Mr Justice Andrew Chung On-tak yesterday.
Speaking outside the court, Ms Lee said that on the day of the accident, she walked past the dog owner's house and saw the pit bull jump out through a hole in some wire netting.
She said the dog savaged her left leg as she shouted for help. Her son came to her rescue and helped to subdue the animal.
