5 Mar 2020
TANG HO HEI v. CHAN PO MEI
- Citation
- [2020] HKCFI 342
- Court
- Court of First Instance
- Case number
- HCPI1114/2014
The court held that the defendant's placement and permitting of articles in the common staircase from the 5th floor to the roof materially delayed the plaintiff's escape, increased her exposure to very high temperatures (especially near the handrail due to a chimney effect) and thereby materially contributed to her burn injuries; the entire staircase from street to roof constitutes a "means of escape" within s14 Cap 95F irrespective of private ownership of the roof; damages totalling HK$3,142,235.82 were awarded including HK$1,500,000 for PSLA.