Hong Kong tradition that son pays for parents to be tested
The parents of Oxford University student Tsz Fok, who was killed by a refuse lorry are suing for the money he would have earned that would have kept them in their old age, the Telegraph reports
King Fok, 53, and his wife Anna, 50, are suing Mitsui Sumitomo the insurers of the firm.
Hong Kong-born Tsz Fok, 22, was expected to get a first in engineering when he was crushed to death by a lorry as he cycled to college.
Hong Kong tradition
His parents claim that their country’s tradition is that their son would have paid for their retirement as soon as he started work.
Stephen Warren, from Fentons Solicitors, who is fighting the case for the family, said: “This is a tradition that has been honoured for generations.
“Tsz’s parents helped finance his education, helped pay for his housing, food and living expenses and it was understood that once he had graduated and started work, he would help support them financially.
“While the loss of a child is difficult for any family to bear, in Hong Kong culture it unfortunately means the loss of your future security.
“It is our hope that this case will help establish recognition of this principle in English law.”
Driver found guilty
The driver of the refuse van, who was employed by the waste disposal firm contracted to Oxford council, has already been found guilty of careless driving, banned for eight months and fined £500.
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