Eleven years ago, a simple afternoon at a nature park transformed into a living nightmare for Aiken Hei Chan. He now carries the physical and emotional scars of a snake bite to the face, and is taking legal action against those he believes are responsible.
The incident occurred on March 15, 2015, during a public reptile show held at Richmond Nature Park. Chan was handed a snake by representatives of the Richmond Nature Park Society and the Westcoast Reptile Education Society, an encounter that would irrevocably alter his life.
According to court documents, Chan received no guidance or supervision while holding the reptile. He wasn’t informed of any safety protocols, nor was anyone present to monitor the interaction. The attack, when it came, was sudden and without warning.
The snake struck, sinking its fangs into Chan’s face. The immediate physical injuries were severe, but the lasting consequences have proven far more debilitating. He continues to grapple with a cascade of symptoms, a constant reminder of the terrifying event.
Chan’s lawsuit details a profound and ongoing struggle. He suffers from persistent nightmares, crippling anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The bite has impacted his cognitive abilities, making it difficult to concentrate and connect with others.
Beyond the emotional toll, Chan experiences chronic fatigue, physical pain, and visible scarring. He alleges the defendants – the two societies, two employees, and the City of Richmond – demonstrated negligence and a reckless disregard for public safety.
The claim seeks damages for lost income, future medical expenses, and the profound impact on his quality of life. He is also pursuing compensation for pain, suffering, and the loss of experiences he can no longer enjoy.
The lawsuit asserts that the defendants had a clear responsibility to ensure the reptile show was conducted safely, with adequate supervision and instruction for the public. Crucially, they were also responsible for ensuring the snake was properly restrained and controlled during public handling.
The City of Richmond, as owner of the park, shares in the responsibility, according to the claim. It is alleged that a failure to uphold these duties directly led to Chan’s injuries and enduring trauma.
It’s important to note that these allegations remain unproven in court. The defendants have yet to file a formal response to the lawsuit, and the legal process is only beginning. However, for Chan, the fight for justice represents a crucial step towards healing and reclaiming his life.
