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A tribunal in Maharashtra’s Thane district has awarded Rs 86.62 lakh in compensation to a 29-year-old man who suffered life-altering injuries and 90 per cent functional disability in a 2021 road accident.

Tribunal holds truck owner, insurer liable

According to PTI, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) member R V Mohite, in his judgment, held the owner of the truck and Iffco-Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd jointly and severally liable to pay the amount, along with 9 per cent interest per annum, to the claimant, Kunal Naresh Tandel.

The tribunal delivered the ruling on April 9, and a copy of the order was made available on Thursday.

Accident details

Appearing for the claimant, his counsel, Sachin Mane, told the tribunal that the accident occurred on August 12, 2021, when Tandel, then a 24-year-old engineering student, was riding his motorcycle on the Vasai-Navapur Road in Thane district. 

A speeding truck rammed into him from behind, causing crushing injuries to his abdomen and legs.

Mane represented the claimant, while advocates Abhimanyu Yadav and K V Poojari appeared for the truck owner and the insurance company, respectively.

90 per cent functional disability assessed

While assessing the severity of Tandel`s injuries, the tribunal made several significant observations regarding the victim`s future.

“The working capacity of the claimant has been reduced beyond the extent of disability assessed. Therefore, his functional disability is assessed at 90 per cent,” the tribunal noted, the news agency reported. 

Medical findings and long-term impact

Referring to the medical testimony of Dr Narendra Nana Nikam, who treated the victim, the tribunal observed: “The claimant suffered crushing injuries to the lower leg, abdomen, and lower back. Such injuries may lead to future complications such as instability, pain, difficulty in walking, soft tissue damage, disfigurement, and functional impairment.”

As per PTI, the MACT further highlighted the impact on the young man`s personal life, stating, “The claimant underwent multiple surgeries at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.”

Compensation breakdown

According to the tribunal, the total award of Rs 86.62 lakh includes Rs 29.16 lakh for loss of income, Rs 11.66 lakh for future prospects, and Rs 10 lakh towards future medical expenses.

It also awarded Rs 3 lakh for “loss of marriage prospects” and Rs 5 lakh for “cosmetic and structural disfigurement.”

Deposit and disbursement directions

The tribunal directed that out of the total compensation, Rs 20 lakh be placed in a fixed deposit, with the remaining amount transferred to the claimant`s bank account.

(With PTI inputs)