Driver, Insurance Firm Ordered to Pay Injured Victim BD 15,000

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Manama: A Bahraini court has ordered an insurance company and a driver to jointly pay BD 15,000 in compensation to a man who suffered permanent injuries in a traffic accident caused by the driver.

The High Civil Court ruled that the victim sustained a 30 per cent permanent disability following the crash, in addition to severe physical and emotional suffering. The court also ordered the defendants to cover legal expenses, medical committee fees, translation costs and attorney fees.

Lawyer Zuhair Abdul Latif, representing the injured plaintiff, said the driver had already been convicted in criminal court and sentenced to three months in prison along with a BD 500 fine. The verdict later became final after the appeal period expired.

Medical reports presented before the court showed the victim suffered fractures in his right leg, injuries to the ribs and joints, as well as wounds and bruises to the head and hand. He continues to undergo surgical treatment.

The insurance company argued that the compensation claim had exceeded the legal time limit. However, the plaintiff’s lawyer stated that under Bahraini law, the limitation period for compensation claims linked to criminal offences remains suspended until the criminal case is fully concluded.

The court awarded BD 14,000 for physical injuries and permanent disability, and an additional BD 1,000 for psychological harm, including fear, pain and emotional distress. It also ordered the insurance company to pay annual interest of 3 per cent from the date the lawsuit was filed until the full amount is settled.