In China, a Passenger Demands 18,000 from an Airline dollars for depression after being pricked by a needle left on a plane (3 photos)

A Chinese man who was stabbed by an abandoned needle during a flight has filed a lawsuit against China Southern Airlines. He is seeking 130,000 yuan (about $18,000) in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.





The incident occurred when a man surnamed Fu took out his phone from his seat pocket during the flight and felt a sharp pain in his finger. It turned out that he had stabbed himself with a needle from a used insulin syringe left behind by a passenger on a previous flight.

The flight attendants treated the wound with antiseptic and reported the incident to ground crews. After landing, the airline offered Fu 1,800 yuan (about $250) in compensation for the ticket price and another 1,000 yuan for the incident itself. However, the passenger refused, considering the amount insufficient.

Fu began undergoing regular medical checkups out of fear of possible infection. According to him, doctors warned him that the incubation period of infections can last up to six months, and he is forced to undergo tests during this time. Due to anxiety and insomnia, the man sought psychiatric help, and on February 10, he was diagnosed with moderate depression at Sichuan Modern Hospital. Doctors also recommended that he undergo additional tests for hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, in two months.



Fu repeatedly demanded that China Southern Airlines provide health information about the passenger who left the needle, but the airline refused, citing privacy concerns. As a result, he filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

On March 1, the airline issued an official apology and promised to cover all of Fu's medical and psychiatric expenses, as well as any future treatments. It was later revealed that the passenger who left the syringe was found and underwent medical examination, which revealed no infectious diseases.

Lawyer Wang Yiyun of Zhejiang Lunhe Law Firm said China Southern Airlines is responsible for the poor cabin cleaning and should compensate the injured passenger for medical expenses. He added that if it is proven that the passenger intentionally left the needle, the airline can demand compensation from him.

The incident has caused a huge public outcry in China. Related discussions on social media have garnered more than a million views. One user wrote: “I completely understand Fu’s concerns. The airline should be held accountable for poor cleaning.”