The High Civil Court in Manama recently awarded BD 29,000 in compensation to an Asian man who suffered a 50% permanent disability following a traffic accident that led to the amputation of his leg. The incident occurred in September 2023 in the Tashan area, where the defendant collided with the plaintiff while reversing his vehicle without due care. This resulted in the plaintiff getting trapped between two vehicles, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to the amputation of his right leg. The compensation not only covers the victim’s medical expenses but also includes damages for emotional distress suffered by him and his family.
The victim’s lawyer, Zahraa Al Widaei, explained that under the Compulsory Insurance Law No. 3 of 1987 (amended by Law No. 7 of 1996), the plaintiff and his family were entitled to pursue compensation directly from the insurance company. The court based its decision on the findings of the criminal court, which established the defendant’s negligence and liability for both criminal and civil actions. Moreover, the medical board’s assessment of the plaintiff’s injuries and the causal link between the accident and the resulting harm were also taken into consideration during the proceedings.
The court accepted the medical board’s evaluation of the plaintiff’s 50% permanent disability and awarded BD 25,000 for the physical injury, along with an additional BD 2,000 for the emotional distress experienced by the victim. Furthermore, the court awarded BD 1,000 each to the plaintiff’s parents and BD 500 to his sister for the emotional distress they suffered as a result of the accident. Both the defendant and the insurance company were deemed jointly liable for the compensation, which included BD 27,000 for the plaintiff, as well as additional amounts for his family members.
In addition to the compensation amount, the court also granted legal interest of 3%, along with court costs and legal fees. This ruling serves as a precedent for similar cases involving personal injury and highlights the importance of holding parties accountable for negligence that leads to physical harm and permanent disability. It also underscores the significance of insurance coverage in providing financial support to victims and their families in such unfortunate circumstances.
Overall, the court’s decision to award compensation to the victim and his family reflects a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that individuals who suffer from serious injuries receive appropriate financial assistance to cover medical expenses and emotional distress. By holding both the defendant and the insurance company responsible for the compensation, the court sends a strong message about accountability in cases of negligence and the importance of having legal safeguards in place to protect victims of accidents and their families. This case serves as a reminder of the need for stringent safety measures on the road to prevent similar incidents and minimize the impact of traffic accidents.
