Kandivali woman awarded Rs 91 lakh damages in accident case

The Lok Adalat, organised by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), awarded a compensation of a whopping Rs 91 lakh to the widow of a Kandivali resident who was killed in a road accident in 2013.

The forum awarded an additional compensation of Rs 6.25 lakh to the family, who were also travelling with the deceased. A Madhya Pradesh family and a Kolhapur resident were also awarded damages worth Rs 55 lakh and Rs 65 lakh, respectively.

The forum, guided by MACT judge P R Bhavake, settled more than 105 cases. United India is the insurance company in all three cases.

Once the claimant decides to settle the matter before the Lok Adalat, the matter is settled there and then, and the company will have to pay the compensation within one month. Matters settled before the Lok Adalat cannot be appealed before higher courts.

Advocate Surendra Sonawane, who appeared on behalf of Pradeep Chauhan's wife (49), described the accident: "The deceased, his wife, three of his relatives and a driver, on February 3, 2013, were on their way to Pali in his car. A luxury bus rammed into the car, injuring all six. Chauhan was badly injured and he was moved to the Nanavati hospital. After a month, he succumbed to his injuries," said Sonawane.

The family approached the MACT in 2013 and sought compensation. "Finally, the insurance firm, which had insured the bus, looked at several aspects like the age, monetary support and decided to pay a compensation of Rs 97.25 lakh," he said.

The second case related to MP resident Yashwant Deshpande (44). Deshpande had come to Mumbai to visit a friend. While he was standing in a BEST depot in Borivali (E), he was hit by a private bus, killing him on the spot, on May 23, 2012.

"The deceased's wife used to come all the way from MP for the case, which took a toll on her physical and mental health. She is really happy with the decision," said advocate Pawar.

In the third case, Sanjay Utture, a resident of Kolhapur, was visiting his friend in Mumbai on November 25, 2007. While Utture was travelling in a cab to Chembur, a trailer hit the cab. Utture's knee had to be amputated. He was admitted to the Bombay Hospital for almost two months. The medical expenses came up to Rs 40 lakh. He was awarded a compensation of Rs 65 lakh.