Delhi Tribunal Awards Substantial Road Crash Compensation
In a significant ruling, a Delhi tribunal has ordered Reliance General Insurance Company to pay ₹31.7 lakh in compensation to Husn Bano Begum, a woman who suffered life-altering injuries and subsequently lost her left arm in a 2019 road accident. The tribunal, presided over by Manish Sharma, also mandated a 9 percent annual interest on the award amount from the date the claim petition was filed.
The tragic incident occurred on May 22, 2019, when Begum was traveling from Delhi to Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The car she was in, driven by Faizan Ansari, struck a cyclist near Sangat Green Inter College on GT Road before overturning. Begum sustained severe injuries that necessitated the amputation of her upper left arm above the elbow.
Negligent Driving Confirmed
The tribunal's order, dated August 7, confirmed that the accident was a direct result of the rash and negligent driving of the offending vehicle. Evidence presented, including the First Information Report (FIR) and chargesheet, corroborated the claimant's account, establishing the driver's culpability.
Impact on Life and Livelihood
A disability board certified that Begum now lives with an 80 percent permanent locomotor disability in her left upper limb. Given her profession as an embroidery worker, the tribunal assessed her functional disability at 50 percent, acknowledging the profound impact on her capacity to earn a living. The judge emphasized that these permanent injuries would significantly hinder Begum's daily activities and diminish her overall quality of life.
Breakdown of the Award
The total compensation of ₹31.7 lakh includes several components aimed at addressing Begum's long-term needs. A sum of ₹12.44 lakh was awarded for the loss of her future earning capacity, recognizing the financial implications of her disability. Additionally, ₹17.91 lakh was allocated to cover the cost of an artificial limb and its necessary future replacements. The insurer has been given 30 days to deposit the full award amount.