AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AWARDED IN COURTS FOR GRIEVOUS INJURIES WHICH LEADS TO HEAVY DISABILITY LIKE AMPUTATION, SUSTAINED IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AWARDED IN COURTS FOR GRIEVOUS INJURIES WHICH LEADS TO HEAVY DISABILITY LIKE AMPUTATION, SUSTAINED IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

The amount of compensation awarded in courts for grievous injuries which leads to heavy disability like amputation, sustained in motor vehicle accident is discussed below. When a person sustains grievous injuries in a motor vehicle accident, he can claim compensation in motor vehicles claims tribunal. He can claim compensation against the insurance company in which the vehicle in question has been insured at the time of accident. The court enquires, and award compensation.

The amount of compensation awardable by the court is as follows:

Suppose the person who claims compensation is aged 36 years at the time of accident, no proof as to occupation, a notional income of Rs.10,000/ may be fixed. He suffers amputation of left  leg below the knee. Disability fixed by the doctor is 80%.  Functional disability may be taken as 60%. As per the recent pronouncement in National insurance co. ltd.,  Vs   pranay sethi 2017 (2) TNMAC 609 (SC) for his age 40% of the income may be added towards future prospects and multiplier of 15 may be adopted. Loss of income may be awarded for a period of 6 months. Artificial limb has to maintained.

Based on 60% functional disability, the loss of income would be as follows:

(10000 + 4000 (40% of income) x 12 x 15(multiplier) x 60% = 15,12,000

For loss of earning capacity                              ---                            Rs.15,20,000/

Compensation for continuing permanent

 Disability if any                                                ---                             Rs.  2,40,000/

 For pain and sufferings                                   ---                            Rs.       80,000/

Loss of income                                                  ---                             Rs.    12,000/

Tansportation to hospital                                ---                                 Rs.    57,600/    

Extra nourishment                                             ---                                  Rs.30,000/

Medical expenses                                              ---                              Rs. 6,45,600/

(supported by bills)

Loss of marital life                                            ---                               Rs.2,00,000/

For maintaining artificial limb                       ---                                Rs.2,00,000/                        

                                                                                                             ---------------- 

Total                                                                 ---                             Rs.29,85,200/

                                                                                                              ---------------

Normally courts award compensation in this basis in heavy injury cases like amputation and has to remain for the rest of the life not able to earn. They also order to pay the cost of the litigation and interest for the award amount from the date of petition till deposit at the rate of 7.5% pa. This is the way in which the courts award compensation in injury cases.