A man named Quan in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, was ordered on Wednesday to pay 120,000 yuan ($19,350) as compensation to the family of his neighbor, who died after falling from Quan's window in an attempt to reach his fourth-floor apartment, Modern Express Daily reported.

The neighbor, identified as Gao, forgot his house key when returning from work at 8:50 pm on Nov 4 and tried to get home by climbing through Quan's window on the fourth floor.

Quan warned Gao about the danger, but Gao insisted. He died after accidentally falling to the ground.

Gao's family members then filed a lawsuit against Quan and asked for 400,000 yuan in compensation, claiming that Quan failed to persuade Gao not to risk his life.

Judges from Zhangjiagang Intermediate People's Court said Quan had to bear part of the responsibility for Gao's death, as he had the ability to prevent the tragedy from taking place.

Quan agreed to pay the compensation after mediation.