The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Delhi has awarded a compensation of ₹68.56 lakh to a man who suffered 80% permanent disability in his right leg after being hit by a speeding truck in the Bawana area in 2021.
Presiding Officer Sunil Kumar passed the order on February 4 in favour of petitioner Pawan Kumar, who filed a claim petition after losing his leg in a severe accident near Valmiki Hospital, Pooth Khurd on June 8, 2021.
Kumar was riding his motorcycle when it was hit by a rashly driven truck. The impact of the collision led to grievous injuries and the eventual amputation of his right leg. The tribunal noted that the truck driver, respondent no. 1, was driving negligently at the time of the accident.
“It stands proved that the accident in question occurred due to rash and negligent driving of the offending vehicle by the respondent no. 1, and the petitioner suffered grievous injuries,” the tribunal stated.
After reviewing the medical evidence, the tribunal concluded that Kumar had suffered 80% permanent disability in relation to his right lower limb. The functional disability was assessed at 40% of the whole body, which the tribunal held would significantly affect his ability to perform day-to-day activities and earn a livelihood for the rest of his life.
“It is of the view that such a kind of amputation would definitely hamper day-to-day activity and work for gain throughout his entire life. Hence, functional disability, percentage of loss of earning capacity in relation to disability is taken as 40 per cent qua whole body,” the order stated.
In calculating the compensation, the tribunal considered multiple heads, including:
- Loss of future earnings
- Medical expenses
- Special diet and conveyance
- Attendant charges
- Pain and suffering
- Mental shock and disfigurement
- Future hardship
On this basis, a total compensation of ₹68.56 lakh was awarded.
The tribunal noted that the offending truck was insured at the time of the accident. Consequently, it directed the concerned insurance company to deposit the compensation amount.
