Thane Tribunal Awards ₹28.68 Lakh Compensation to Tailor, Domestic Help Injured in 2018 Accident

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded ₹28.68 lakh as compensation to a tailor and domestic help who suffered severe injuries in a road accident in 2018, resulting in permanent disability.

According to the tribunal’s order, the woman sustained grave injuries that led to paralysis of both her lower limbs. Medical assessments placed her permanent physical disability at 80%. However, while determining compensation, the MACT assessed her functional disability at 50%, taking into account the nature of her occupation and technological advancements in sewing equipment.

In its observations, the tribunal noted that contemporary electric sewing machines can be operated using hands and elbows, suggesting that despite the paralysis affecting her lower limbs, she may retain partial earning capacity as a tailor. Based on this reasoning, the court calculated her loss of income and future prospects accordingly.

The compensation amount includes provisions for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, future loss of income, and other incidental costs. The tribunal directed the insurance company concerned to deposit the awarded amount within a stipulated period.

The accident had significantly altered the woman’s life, impacting her ability to work both as a tailor and a domestic help. The tribunal acknowledged the physical and emotional trauma endured by her, while balancing medical evidence and occupational considerations in determining the final award.

Legal experts noted that while permanent disability percentages reflect medical assessment, functional disability — which affects earning capacity — is often calculated differently depending on the profession of the injured person.

The ruling provides financial relief to the claimant nearly eight years after the accident and underscores the role of MACTs in addressing compensation claims arising from road mishaps.