Man Claims Depression After Needle Prick on Flight
A Chinese passenger, identified as Fu, is seeking 130,000 yuan (approximately $18,000) in compensation from China Southern Airlines. He claims that a needle prick during a flight caused him emotional distress and depression. The incident occurred when Fu reached into his seat pocket to retrieve his phone and felt a sharp sting on his finger. He later found that he had been pricked by a syringe needle, which he suspected was used for insulin injection.
Immediate Response by Airline
Flight attendants promptly disinfected Fu’s finger and reported the incident. After an investigation, it was revealed that the needle had been left behind by a passenger on a previous flight. Following the incident, China Southern Airlines initially offered Fu 1,800 yuan ($250) as a ticket refund and an additional 1,000 yuan ($140) as compensation. However, he declined the offer, stating that it was inadequate.
Health Concerns and Emotional Distress
Fu sought multiple medical tests to check for possible infections, fearing potential health risks. He also reported experiencing anxiety and insomnia due to the uncertainty surrounding his health condition. Doctors informed him that infections could take time to manifest, requiring several tests over the next six months. On February 10, he was diagnosed with moderate depression at Sichuan Modern Hospital, adding to his distress despite negative test results so far.
Legal Action and Airline’s Apology
Frustrated with the airline’s response, Fu requested them to investigate the health status of the passenger who left the needle behind. However, the airline refused, citing privacy concerns. Consequently, he filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Following the lawsuit, China Southern Airlines issued a public apology, stating that they had reinforced their cleaning and inspection protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. By March 1, Fu confirmed that the airline had personally apologized and agreed to cover his medical and psychiatric treatment costs. They also assured him that any future medical expenses related to the incident would be taken care of.
Conclusion
The airline identified the passenger responsible for leaving the needle on the flight. Fortunately, medical checks confirmed that the person had no infectious diseases. However, the reason for bringing the needle onboard remains undisclosed. With the airline’s commitment to covering his medical expenses, Fu’s legal battle may come to a resolution soon. This case highlights the importance of thorough aircraft cleaning and passenger safety measures.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
