Reckless Driver Hits Child, Leaving Him with 18% Disability, Court Orders Compensation

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

A reckless driver who disregarded traffic safety rules while driving in a residential area, struck a 7-year-old child, causing severe and multiple injuries resulting in an 18% disability. Despite the child's parents' demands for compensation, the driver remained indifferent, prompting them to file a lawsuit against him and his insurance company.

As per case records, the plaintiff filed the lawsuit on behalf of himself and his minor children against the insurance company and the driver, seeking a combined compensation of 15,000 Bahraini dinars for their son's physical and emotional suffering. They also requested 5,370 Bahraini dinars for themselves and their five other children and wife, as well as 370 Bahraini dinars for the son's medical expenses. They further demanded a 10% annual interest from the date of the incident until full payment.

The lawsuit argued that the driver, while driving his vehicle insured by the first defendant, collided with the plaintiff's son due to his negligence and lack of attention. The incident resulted in severe injuries that required the child to be hospitalised in the intensive care unit for two weeks. Subsequently, the driver was prosecuted in a criminal case.

Medical reports confirmed the child's injuries, including head trauma, multiple bone fractures, facial bleeding, chest injuries, and deep cuts on his hand and neck. The injuries led to intermittent pain, headaches, memory loss, seizures, weakened eyesight, fear, and panic. The medical board estimated the child's disability at 18%. Despite the plaintiff's demands for compensation, the defendants remained unresponsive, forcing him to pursue legal action.

The court, after reviewing the case, ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The High Civil Court ordered the insurance company and the driver to jointly pay 11,380 Bahraini dinars to the plaintiff for himself and his six children, along with a 1% annual interest from the date of the incident until full payment.

They also ordered the defendants to jointly pay 2,000 Bahraini dinars to the mother of the injured child as emotional compensation, with a 1% annual interest for the insurance company. The court also ordered both defendants to cover the legal fees and expenses.