CHINA national Wang Shu Xiang was walking with a friend along a pavement in North Bridge Road when branches from a tree in the compound of St Andrew's Cathedral began raining down on them.
Madam Wang, 44, a 'study mama' in Singapore with her school-going son, was struck about the head and body in the incident on Aug25 last year.
The injuries she suffered left her paralysed from the chest down, and she is now unable to move her legs.
But when she tried to get compensation from the Anglican cathedral, it initially said no. It claimed the mishap was an act of God, and beyond its control. It also blamed the landscape contractor for failing to do a proper job.
But in a closed-door hearing this week, just over a year after the mishap, the cathedral changed its mind and has now decided to compensate her.
Its lawyer, Mr K. Anparasan, told The Straits Times that the cathedral's position had never been on the issue of liability as such, but about the appropriate compensation for Madam Wang.
He added that both Madam Wang and the cathedral were now discussing the compensation amount. If they cannot reach an agreement, the High Court will decide how much the cathedral's insurers should pay.
'It is unfortunate that this freak incident occurred,' Mr Anparasan said, adding that church officials were concerned with Madam Wang's welfare.
'They understand the suffering she and her family are going through, and are hoping that a fair and reasonable financial settlement will be reached to alleviate her suffering,' he said.
The sum Madam Wang is seeking is expected to exceed $400,000 - to cover hefty medical bills, pain and suffering, and the loss of future earnings. She ran a business while in China
