New Taipei post office ordered to pay woman who tripped over dog
CNA
2015-06-14
The umbrella stand which caused the injury after the woman tripped over the dog. (Photo/Chen Chun-hsiung)
A post office in New Taipei must provide a woman NT$170,000 (US$5,400) in compensation for her injuries incurred from tripping over a dog at the post office, according to a ruling by the Taiwan High Court.
The accident occurred on Dec. 26, 2012 when the woman, surnamed Wang, went to Qingshui Post Office in Tucheng to mail a letter. As she was preparing to leave, she tripped over a dog lying on the floor of the main walkway. The woman then collided into an umbrella stand, resulting in a 2 centimeter laceration to her jaw, the verdict said.
During the first trial, a district court determined that the post office should be held responsible for Wang's injuries and should pay her NT$150,000 (US$4,850) in compensation despite the post office's argument that the dog was brought in by another customer and it was in no position to deny entry to anyone with dogs much less to control the canine.
Both parties were dissatisfied with the ruling and appealed to the high court.
The high court determined that the post office was at fault and raised the compensation amount to NT$170,000 (US$5,500), including NT$20,000 (US$650) for scar removal treatment.
