Mirror dancer left with ‘catastrophic disabilities’ awarded HK$6.29m in damages
Judge Phillis Loh grants 31-year-old Mo Li, who needs three carers to provide round-the-clock assistance, maximum compensation under various headings
A Hong Kong court has awarded HK$6.29 million (US$802,698) in damages to a dancer left paralysed after being struck by a falling giant screen during a concert by Cantopop boy band Mirror four years ago.
In a written judgment on Monday, the District Court ruled that Mo Li Kai-yin was entitled to substantial damages from his employer, Studiodanz, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance after suffering from “catastrophic” injuries in the accident at Hong Kong Coliseum on July 28, 2022.
Judge Phillis Loh Lai-ping granted the 31-year-old the maximum compensation under various headings, including permanent total incapacity, care and attention by another person, periodic payments and medical expenses.
She noted that Li, once an energetic dancer and instructor, now required three carers to provide round-the-clock attention and assistance in personal care and daily activities.
“[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 was absent from the present proceedings, was also required to pay interest and bear Li’s legal expenses. The firm was previously fined HK$132,000 for violating occupational safety regulations.