Dubai Worker Paralyzed After Accident, Gets Dh4 Million Compensation

A civil court in Dubai has ordered several construction, insurance, and equipment companies to pay Dh4 million in compensation to a young worker who was left permanently paralyzed after a workplace accident involving falling glass panels.

Accident Leaves Worker Severely Disabled

The victim, a 26-year-old aluminium installer, suffered life-altering injuries in 2023 when large glass sheets fell on him while being loaded onto a forklift at a construction site. He was immediately taken to the hospital with severe injuries.

A forensic medical report later confirmed that the accident resulted in:

• Complete paralysis of both lower limbs
• Fractures in the lumbar vertebrae
• Loss of bladder and bowel control

Doctors assessed his disability at 95 per cent, effectively ending his ability to work.

Criminal Court Convicts Supervisors

Earlier, the criminal court convicted three site supervisors for negligence and failure to implement safety procedures during crane and forklift operations.

They were each sentenced to two months in prison and fined Dh20,000, though their prison terms were suspended for three years. One of the defendants was also ordered to be deported.

The Court of Appeal later upheld the verdict, making the decision final.

Worker Files Dh7 Million Civil Lawsuit

Following the criminal case, the injured worker filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh7 million in compensation from eight parties, including the main contractor, subcontractor, crane operator, and insurance companies.

He argued that all parties were responsible due to contractual, supervisory, or insurance obligations.

However, several defendants denied liability:

• The subcontractor claimed it had already paid Dh29,800 in statutory compensation.
• An insurance company said its policy covered only the company, not individual workers.
• The forklift owner argued it was not responsible once the equipment was leased out.
• Others maintained that the accident occurred inside a private site, outside the scope of commercial insurance coverage.

Court Holds Firms Jointly Liable

The civil court, however, ruled that the earlier criminal conviction confirmed negligence. It found that the accident occurred due to poor supervision and failure to enforce safety protocols.

Therefore, the court held all relevant companies — including the main contractor, subcontractor, equipment provider, driver, and insurers — jointly and severally liable for the damages.

Final Judgment

The defendants were ordered to pay Dh4 million in compensation for material and moral damages, along with:

• 5% annual interest from the date the judgment becomes final until full payment
• Court costs and legal fees