Fujairah Pedestrian Accident: Court Orders 30 Lakh Rupee Compensation for Pakistani National
Fujairah Pedestrian Accident: Court Orders 30 Lakh Rupee Compensation for Pakistani National
SHARJAH: In a significant legal victory, the Insurance Compensation Court has ordered AED 40,000 (approximately PKR 3 million) be paid as compensation to Pakistani national Abdul Rahim Zar Dad Khan, who was injured in a road accident in Fujairah. The favorable ruling came following the intervention of Salam Pappinissery, CEO of YAB Legal Services.
The incident occurred on June 2, 2024, in the Qidfaa – Murbeh area of Fujairah, on the road heading towards Khorfakkan. Mr. Abdul Rahim was attempting to cross the road with a group of pedestrians when two vehicles stopped to allow them passage. However, a third vehicle, driven by an Arab national, struck Mr. Khan as he proceeded.
He was immediately transferred to Khorfakkan Hospital. The accident resulted in severe injuries to his hands and legs, along with cuts to his head and neck. Forensic reports confirmed a 15% loss of function in his upper limb and a 20% loss of function in his lower limb. Due to the lasting damage, Mr. Khan continues to rely on a walking stick.
The Traffic Criminal Court determined that the accident was caused by the driver's failure to consider the pedestrians. Although the driver was initially fined AED 5,000 in the criminal case, this amount was later reduced to AED 2,000 on appeal.
Following the criminal verdict, Mr. Abdul Rahim's relatives approached Salam Pappinissery to pursue compensation. A comprehensive case was filed with the Insurance Compensation Court, naming the vehicle's insurance company as the respondent, supported by necessary forensic reports and the criminal case judgment.
The court not only ordered the insurance company to pay AED 40,000 in compensation but also mandated an additional 5% interest per annum until the full amount is settled, along with AED 4,100 to cover the cost of medical tests. The insurance company challenged the ruling in the Court of Appeal, but their appeal was ultimately dismissed, solidifying the victim's right to compensation.