Hong Kong couple whose son was injured after falling at playroom get cash payout
- Consumer Council says couple asked for help after entrance fee refund request to playroom operator was met with vague answers
A Hong Kong playroom operator gave ambiguous responses to a refund request from a couple whose son suffered a dislocated elbow and fractured wrist after he slipped and fell down a rope tunnel, the city’s consumer watchdog has said.
The Consumer Council on Monday added the couple had asked for help after they asked for the entrance charge to be refunded and medical costs or other types of compensation from the large-scale adventure centre but were given vague answers.
But the operator expressed its regret over the incident and offered an HK$3,000 (US$385) payment to the parents after the council stepped in.
But the parents are still considering legal action because the boy will require further medical treatment and follow-up consultations.
“The council would like to remind the industry that indoor play areas must follow stringent safety standards regarding game design and venue layout,” the watchdog said.
It emphasised that terms and conditions of use should be clearly stated and that flexible pricing policies were recommended to manage expectations and minimise disputes between traders and users.
