Dh1m compensation for worker paralysed for life

abu dhabi — A construction worker who was left completely paralysed after a wall collapsed on him while on duty has been awarded Dh1 million in damages

The Abu Dhabi Appeal Court ordered two workers accused of causing permanent injuries to the Asian worker to pay him the compensation, after a medical report showed that the man suffered a broken spinal cord when the incident happened at a construction site in Abu Dhabi.

Official court documents stated that one worker jokingly pushed the other onto the newly built wall. The wall, which was not firm, suddenly collapsed on the victim, who was sitting nearby having his lunch.

A medical report said the Asian worker suffered a broken spinal cord and injuries to other body parts that resulted in 100 per cent paralysis. A supplementary forensic report said the victim suffered injuries that caused 100 per cent permanent disabilities to his body. According to the medical report, in addition to body paralysis, the victim’s inability to control his bodily functions was also 100 per cent.

Prosecutors charged the two workers with causing the accident that grievously injured the Asian man.

Officers also demanded that the worker be compensated for the damages as he was unable to do anything for himself and as he was the sole bread winner for his wife, children and parents back home. The two workers had admitted to causing the wall collapse, but stressed that they did not intend to injure their colleague. The Court of First Instance fined each of the men Dh5,000 and ordered them to pay Dh200,000 in damages after they were found guilty of causing injuries to the worker.

Prosecutors then challenged the compensation payout at the appellate court.