Abu Dhabi court raises compensation for injured worker to Dhs1.5 million

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Cases Court amended a previous ruling, increasing the compensation awarded to an employee from Dhs1.1 million to Dhs1.5 million.

The employee had fallen from scaffolding seven metres high while performing his duties at a company worksite, due to the company’s negligence in providing adequate safety measures as required by law to protect workers from workplace hazards and injuries.

He filed a lawsuit against the company, demanding Dhs7 million in compensation for the physical and psychological damages he suffered, in addition to coverage of legal fees and attorney expenses. He noted that the company had already been convicted by the criminal court for its negligence.

The employee was examined by a forensic doctor to assess his injuries and determine the extent of his disability. The medical report revealed that he was confined to a wheelchair, unable to stand or walk independently, and had completely lost sensation and movement in both lower limbs. He also sustained severe injuries to his lower back and left hip, significant muscle atrophy in both legs, stiffness in all lower limb joints, and a deformity in the upper lumbar vertebrae due to a fracture.

Furthermore, he suffered complete lower-body paraplegia, resulting in a permanent disability estimated at 100% in both lower limbs, as well as the loss of bladder control, which constitutes another permanent disability.

A neurology specialist’s report confirmed that the employee required long-term, intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. The employee added that he lacked health insurance to cover his treatment costs and demanded Dhs800,000 in compensation for surgeries, future physical therapy, loss of earning capacity, and psychological damages.

The court ultimately ruled that the company must pay Dhs1.5 million in compensation for all material and moral damages suffered by the employee, increasing the amount from the initial Dhs1.1 million awarded in the previous ruling.