In Brief
A seven-year-old child suffered severe, permanent injuries in a motor vehicle accident on 2 June 2009, resulting in 75% disability and moderate mental retardation (mental age of a second-standard child). She will require full-time care for life and cannot form normal relationships. The High Court awarded Rs. 11.51 lakh. The Supreme Court held that this compensation was inadequate and enhanced it to Rs. 50.87 lakh. The Court substantially increased amounts for pain and suffering (to Rs. 15 lakh), loss of marriage prospects (to Rs. 5 lakh), full-time skilled attendant charges (to Rs. 9.42 lakh), and future medical treatment (to Rs. 5 lakh), recognizing that permanent, severe disability with mental impairment warrants liberal, one-time compensation reflecting the child's lifelong suffering and lost human potential.
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