Falling Over Illegal Banners Leading to Concussion... Dispute Over Responsibility Between Authorities and Companies

30s Office Worker Caught on Banner Line While Crossing Crosswalk
Authorities: "Compensate from Company or File Lawsuit Against State"
Company: "Provide Evidence of Falling Due to Banner"

A citizen crossing a crosswalk suffered a serious head injury after tripping over an illegal banner. However, as the authorities and the illegal banner company engaged in a blame game, the citizen has not received any compensation.

On the 21st, Yonhap News reported the story of Mr. A (35), who works in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. On June 4th around 2 p.m., while running to cross a crosswalk at an intersection in Pyeongtaek City, Mr. A tripped and fell backward after his neck got caught in a long stretched string of a banner. He hit his head hard on the ground and bled, but since he was wearing a safety helmet for work, he was able to avoid more serious injury. A passerby at the scene helped Mr. A to the roadside, but he lost consciousness for about 30 minutes while sitting before regaining awareness.

Illegal banner next to the crosswalk. Mr. A tried to cross the crosswalk by cutting through the flower bed where the banner was hung, but his neck got caught on the banner string, causing him to fall backward and hit his head hard on the ground.
[Photo by Mr. A, Yonhap News]

Mr. A visited a neurosurgery clinic and underwent tests including a computed tomography (CT) scan. The results confirmed that the accident caused a severe impact to his head, resulting in bleeding and symptoms of a concussion. The doctor fortunately diagnosed that the bleeding occurred externally on the head, avoiding brain hemorrhage, but noted that his life was at risk. The doctor also recommended an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for a detailed examination. However, Mr. A did not receive further treatment due to financial burdens and returned to work at the site.

Three days after the accident, on June 7th, Mr. A posted his grievance on the National Petition Board. It was confirmed that the problematic banner had been installed without permission from Pyeongtaek City. The local community service center immediately removed the banner, imposed a fine on the related company, and informed Mr. A about compensation options. The community center suggested that Mr. A either seek compensation from the illegal banner posting company or file a lawsuit against the state for damages.

However, when Mr. A contacted the illegal banner company around July, the company demanded proof that he got caught on the banner string. The company also blocked Mr. A’s contact, suspicious of his intentions since a considerable time had passed since the accident. Filing a lawsuit against the state was also challenging. Mr. A was informed that due to the high volume of cases, the process would take at least a year. Additionally, preparing documents and hiring a lawyer for the lawsuit was a significant burden for Mr. A.

Response to the civil complaint received by Mr. A through the National Sinmungo [Image source=Provided by Mr. A, Yonhap News]

A representative of the illegal banner company told Yonhap News, "We apologize for hanging the banner without permission," but added, "We receive many calls demanding money every day. We also think Mr. A’s claims are inconsistent." Regarding this, the representative claimed, "The banner was hung not over the crosswalk but on the flowerbed beside it, so isn’t it his own fault for falling? There is no evidence that he tripped over the banner."

Mr. A said, "When my neck got caught on the banner string, it felt like my neck was being cut. I have not been able to receive proper treatment due to making a living and continue to work on site, but my head keeps hurting and my memory is deteriorating, causing difficulties in my work." He added, "There is a widespread safety negligence in our society, and both the company that committed the illegal act and the administrative authorities that failed to properly regulate it are irresponsible and have taken no follow-up measures. I hope no more victims like me will emerge."