In Brief
A motorcyclist injured in a 2016 head-on collision sued for accident compensation. The victim suffered severe head injury, facial injuries, leg fracture, partial blindness, and cognitive impairment. A medical board certified 63% permanent disability. The trial court awarded Rs 65.5 lakh in damages based on this disability rating. The high court reduced the award to Rs 35.6 lakh, claiming only 30% functional disability for earning capacity purposes. The Supreme Court reversed the high court, holding that the cumulative physical and neurological impairments—including memory deficits and mild intellectual disability—warranted 100% functional disability assessment. The court enhanced compensation to Rs 97.7 lakh, emphasizing appellate courts must thoroughly evaluate medical evidence when modifying trial court awards in accident cases.
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