In Brief
A construction worker suffered spinal and compound fractures when a centering plate collapsed during hospital construction. The lower court awarded Rs. 1,75,000 compensation (20% disability), while the High Court enhanced it to Rs. 2,19,512 (20% disability). The Supreme Court held the worker was 100% functionally disabled because her injuries rendered her unable to perform manual labor—her vocation—even though medical disability was assessed at a lower percentage. The Court clarified that functional disability must be assessed by examining the worker's ability to perform their specific job, not by mechanically applying medical disability percentages. The award was enhanced to Rs. 9,30,000 plus 9% interest, recognizing the total loss of earning capacity from the permanent injury."
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