Dh200,000 compensation for UAE driver who suffered crushed foot trauma

A medical report concluded that a broken bone in the victim's foot caused him a 30 per cent disability and another injury in his joint caused a 15 per cent disability.

ABU DHABI // A lorry driver whose foot was crushed by a giant pipe was awarded Dh200,000 in compensation on Sunday.

The civil court of appeal heard that the man drove a truck loaded with pipes for a Dubai construction company.

While unloading the objects in Abu Dhabi, one of them fell on his foot, shattering the bones.

He sued one of his co-workers, his company and an insurance company for Dh500,000 in compensation.

The civil First Instance Court granted him Dh90,000, despite the two companies claiming that, because they were based in Dubai, the case fell outside the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi court.

Both sides appealed against the verdict.

A medical report revealed that a broken bone in his foot caused him a 30 per cent disability and another injury in his joint caused a 15 per cent disability.

The fracture had not healed properly, causing the man to still suffer pain and walk with a limp.

The victim said he had already paid Dh19,000 in hospital bills and still needed more treatment.

He also said the pain meant he could no longer work as a lorry driver, while he still suffered emotional trauma from the accident.

So, the Appeals Court ruled that Dh250,000 was suitable compensation. But because the driver was partially responsible for not moving away from the lorry during the unloading process, the court lowered the amount to Dh200,000.