The family of road accident victim Xuan Wei, affectionately known as ‘Cookie’, want compensation for her death from University bosses.
According to the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA), who are acting as a liaison between the university and the family, her family want further compensation than that already received.
Cookie was knocked down by a bus on Fylde Road on October 9 as she cycled toward the University campus.
UCLan paid for flights back to the UK for her family, also for their accommodation, the funeral costs and fully reimbursed her tuition fees, totalling around £15,000.
The CSSA claim the University should be responsible for protecting Chinese students who study here.
The president of the CSSA, Harry Zhang, said “In China if the same accident happened to a person, even if the fault was not the driver’s, the bus company and the school where he or she studied would pay something to the family.”
“The key point here is because the Chinese family send their kids to this country; they believe that the school has the responsibility to look after their children. From the Chinese point of view the University should pay.”
“Everybody is trying to do a good job by the parents, but the only problem is misunderstanding of cultures. Maybe the university can be more organised and make their responsibilities clear in future,” he said.
One student, who is vice-chairman of the CSSA, but asked not to be named, said: “The parents asked for money and an apology from UCLan, but they didn’t get one.”
A spokesman for UCLan said: “UCLan staff and students are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Xuan Wei. A funeral service was held which was very well attended by staff and students.”
“The university made all arrangements for the family to visit the UK and has been supporting them during this difficult time, financing all funeral costs, as well as travel and accommodation.”
In these exceptional circumstances and with genuine concern for the family, UCLan has also agreed to reimburse tuition fees. These arrangements have been discussed with our Chinese partner institution who believes UCLan has acted in a caring and supportive manner.”
“Xuan Wei was a talented and popular student who will be greatly missed.”
November 12th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I do not agree with the family. Public institutions cannot be held responsible for people crossing the road. UCLan has been, for once, more than reasonable in it’s goodwill gestures of £15,000.
If I ctross the road in China while attending an Academic conference say, get knocked down and break a leg, I do not expect the organisation to shell out for my medical costs, isn’t that what insurance is for?
It is awful for the family and the loss of a child is possibly one of the worst and most gnawingly grievous fear and wound, however, accidents will happen, even ones as shattering as this.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:05 am
I agree with Jonty on this one. UCLan cannot be held responsible for this, or indeed be wholly responsible for the welfare of international students. They should be able to look after themselves.
It is obviously a hard time for her family, and hopefully they will realise that UCLan has been more than reasonable in what they have done already.
I’m not quite sure why an apology from UCLan is necessary – are they to blame for this death? I’d suggest not.
November 13th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I find it rididulous that they think the university is responsible? If she scalded herself with her kettle in her accomodation or fell down the stairs, would that be the university’s fault aswell?
Adults should not need ‘looking after’. It seems very typical of this society where everything should be blamed on someone else and getting claims in is priority.
Note, I am not overlooking that this student’s death is a tragic event, but that isn’t the point of this article.
November 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Many Chinese students don’t understand the British road system and this would likely have contribute to the accident. The grieving relatives have every right to seek compensation but the cynical part of me suggests they’re trying to cash in on their daughter’s death.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
As awful as it may be to contemplate, I agree with you Rick. However, maybe this is their way of dealing with the loss of their daughter at this time. Perhaps by focusing on pointing the finger of blame at the only persons the family know would be closely involved in her life, (which is uclan) this may have caused their request for personal financial compensation as a result of their feelings of anger. And no doubt, if and when they recieved anything, they wouldn’t feel any easier for it anyway.
People deal very differently with loss, however all our thoughts are obviously with her family and friends at this time.