A sales manager at Diageo India (United Spirits Limited) has been awarded a compensation of ₹1.39 crore by the Thane Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) after he suffered permanent disability in a luxury bus accident in 2019. The bus was owned and insured by United India Insurance Company, which was also held liable for the accident, which occurred on December 15, 2019, near Savarne Village near Tokawade. The driver of the bus, who was also found to be negligent, was also responsible for the compensation.
The accident left the victim, Mahesh Makhija, with severe injuries, including the amputation of his left hand from the arm. He claimed that he was working as a sales manager at Diageo India and earning ₹3,60,377 per month. The insurance firm initially denied the claim, stating that the driver did not have a valid license at the time of the accident. However, the MACT rejected this defense and held both the driver and the insurance company liable to compensate the victim.
The court assessed Mahesh’s future loss of income at 50% due to his 85% disability certificate, which reduced his net monthly income to ₹2,00,000. The court also awarded him ₹3,00,000 for pain and suffering and ₹50,000 for miscellaneous expenses. Considering his medical expenses, which included a ₹5,00,000 mediclaim, the court ordered the respondents to pay a total of ₹1,39,48,645 to Mahesh. The compensation amount takes into account his salary, medical bills, loss of future income, and other expenses.