Dubai Road Accident: Kottayam Native Awarded ₹62 Lakhs Compensation After Legal Battle

DUBAI: The Dubai Court of Appeal has ordered an insurance company to pay a compensation of AED 250,000 (approximately ₹62 Lakhs) to Shiney Ajith Abraham Thomas Mathai, a native of Kottayam, Kerala, who was seriously injured in a road accident in Dubai. The verdict comes following a persistent legal intervention led by Salam Pappinissery, CEO of YAB Legal Services.

The Incident The accident occurred on January 28, 2024, near the Onpassive Metro Station in the Al Quoz Industrial Area. Shiney was struck by a speeding car while she was lawfully crossing the road through a designated pedestrian crossing (zebra line). The vehicle was driven by a Turkish national who failed to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution.

Following the investigation, the Dubai Traffic Criminal Court found the driver guilty and imposed a fine of AED 2,000.

The Legal Journey Shiney sustained severe injuries to her hand and leg, significantly impacting her physical mobility. Seeking justice, her relatives approached YAB Legal Services. Under the guidance of Salam Pappinissery, a civil case was registered with the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee, supported by comprehensive medical reports, the criminal judgment, and a detailed legal memorandum.

Initially, the Dispute Resolution Committee awarded AED 150,000 as compensation and AED 4,100 for medical expenses. However, the legal team at YAB Legal Services identified that this amount was insufficient considering the severity of the permanent disabilities and the long-term physical suffering Shiney would endure.

The Appeal Verdict The legal team promptly moved the Court of Appeal, presenting further medical evidence highlighting the depth of the injuries. After re-evaluating the merits of the case, the Dubai Court of Appeal revised the earlier judgment and increased the compensation to AED 250,000.

In addition to the principal amount, the court ordered the insurance company to pay 5% interest starting from the date of the verdict until the full payment is settled.