A Chinese man was sued for negligent homicide in Beijing on August 10 because he fought with his friend over the right to pay a restaurant bill, leading to the latter's death.

Cui and Zhang's family engaged in a furious quarrel on the court. [Photo/The Mirror]

On the evening of May 29, last year, a man named Cui and three friends had a hotpot dinner at a restaurant in Fengtai District, Beijing. After the meal, Cui and fellow diner named Zhang struggled over who was going to stand treat – a common occurrence in China.

During the subsequent pushing and shoving, Zhang accidentally overturned the cooking dish filled with hot water and suffered extensive burns, which led to his death one month later from acute heart failure.

According to doctors, the burns damaged Zhang's myocardium, and caused fibrous pericarditis, which leaded to his death.

Zhang's family sued Cui for negligent homicide and asked for 1.15 million yuan (US$0.18 million) in compensation for mental suffering.

However, Cui thought this unjust. His lawyer argued: "Zhang was drunk when he was stumbled into the pot. His death was due to heart disease, and the burns only hastened the condition. In addition, the restaurant should also be sued for the wrongful location of the hot pot."

Cui and Zhang's family sparked a furious quarrel on the court, but the People's Court of Fengtai District refused to make a decision due to lack of evidence. Finally, the two sides decided to settle the dispute through negotiation out of court.

When eating out in a restaurant in China, it is common to see some Chinese, especially adult men, yelling and sometimes pushing or even arm-wrestling and trying to get hold of the bill.

This is because meals play an important role in business or social connections in China. People want to show their hospitality and generosity when paying the bill.