Park 'Geokkuri' Use Leads to Quadriplegia... District Office Must Pay 580 Million Won

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The district office was ordered to pay 580 million KRW in compensation to a citizen who became paralyzed in all four limbs while using sports facilities in a park managed by the district.

On the 19th, the 12th Civil Division of Daegu District Court (Presiding Judge Chae Seong-ho) ruled partially in favor of Mr. A, who filed a damages lawsuit against Buk-gu, Daegu, after becoming paralyzed in all four limbs while using exercise equipment installed in a park, ordering the defendant to pay 580 million KRW to the plaintiff.

On October 19, 2019, Mr. A was using an inversion exercise device, commonly called a 'Geokkuri', installed in a sports park in Guam-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, when he fell backward and hit the ground, injuring his cervical spine.

As a result of the accident, Mr. A suffered incomplete paralysis of all four limbs and sensory abnormalities. After undergoing surgery at a university hospital, he received outpatient treatment until October 11 of last year.

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Mr. A demanded 890 million KRW, stating, "Since there is a risk of falling when using the exercise equipment, safety devices that can minimize the risk and severity of injuries to users must be installed."

The court held that Buk-gu Office, responsible for installing and managing the exercise equipment, must install notices detailing precautions for using the equipment in places easily visible to residents so that they can use the equipment safely. The court also pointed out that the office has a duty of care to implement safety measures such as shock-absorbing devices or anti-slip devices to prevent or minimize accidents and injuries during use.

The court stated, "Since there were defects in installation and management due to inadequate preventive measures, the defendant is liable to compensate the plaintiff for lost income, medical expenses, and consolation damages. However, considering the plaintiff's negligence and carelessness during use, the defendant's liability is limited to 40%."

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