A shop owner in China who tried to help an elderly man after he suddenly collapsed at her business was later asked by his family to pay compensation following his death.
The family initially sought RMB 100,000 (about S$19,000), before the amount was eventually negotiated down to RMB 19,000 (about S$3,600), according to Chinese media reports.
The case has attracted widespread discussion online, with many netizens questioning why the shop owner was expected to pay money despite appearing to have tried to assist the elderly man.
Elderly man collapsed at card room
The incident reportedly took place recently in Hengyang, Hunan province.
CCTV footage showed the elderly man, identified by his surname Luo, entering the shop’s card room and sitting on a chair near the entrance.
The shop owner, surnamed Xiao, appeared to notice that something was wrong with him and approached to check on his condition. She then attempted to help him stand up.
However, shortly after she got him off the chair, Luo suddenly collapsed and slid onto the ground.
Xiao, assisted by another man, carried the elderly man outside the card room. She remained with him while waiting for emergency assistance to arrive.
According to Xiao’s son, an ambulance arrived around five minutes later. At that point, Luo’s vital signs were reportedly still stable, although he remained unconscious.
He subsequently died, although the reports did not indicate that Xiao’s actions had caused his death.
Family initially sought S$19,000
Following Luo’s death, his family reportedly sought compensation from Xiao because the incident had occurred at her business premises.
The family initially demanded RMB 100,000, equivalent to about S$19,000.
According to Xiao’s son, Luo’s family also threatened to leave the elderly man’s body outside the card room if she refused to pay.
The situation reportedly took a toll on Xiao, with her son saying that she experienced discomfort, insomnia and loss of appetite following the incident. Her business was also temporarily closed.
Concerned about her condition, Xiao’s husband eventually agreed to pay.
After negotiations, the amount was reduced to RMB 19,000, or approximately S$3,600.
A mediation agreement reportedly stated that the payment was made out of “humanitarian concern”.
The compensation demand subsequently became a source of controversy on Chinese social media, with many people arguing that Xiao should not have been financially responsible simply because she had attempted to help someone who became unwell.
Family later returns the money
Local authorities investigated the circumstances and reportedly concluded that Luo’s family should return the payment to Xiao.
The authorities said the move would help encourage people to assist others in need without being discouraged by concerns over potential disputes or financial liability.
On Aug. 26, Luo’s family returned the full RMB 19,000 to Xiao’s family, transferring the money to her son’s bank account.
Luo’s son also apologised publicly following the backlash.
He reportedly acknowledged that compensation was unnecessary if Xiao had not done anything wrong, adding that the family had realised this and apologised for causing trouble for members of the public and taking up public resources.
The incident also prompted an unexpected gesture of support for Xiao’s family.
The general manager of a rice company based in Hunan reportedly visited the family and gave them RMB 20,000 (about S$3,800) to help them through the ordeal.
Xiao’s son said his family appreciated the support they had received and intended to donate some of the money to charity.
He also said the family would continue helping others, despite what had happened.
The case has since sparked renewed online discussion in China about the risks people may perceive when offering assistance to strangers who suddenly become unwell, and whether people should be financially liable simply because an emergency occurs on their premises.