The family of Shifin Kummali, a delivery rider left paralyzed after a horrific road accident, has been awarded Dh5 million ($1.36 million) in compensation. The payout, finalized by a Dubai court last year, was delivered to the family in seven instalments.
Shifin, a 24-year-old from Kerala, India, was delivering groceries in Al Ain on March 26, 2022, when a car driven by a UAE citizen crashed into his bike. He sustained severe brain injuries and was treated at three hospitals in the UAE before being flown to India for further care.
In addition to the compensation, the family received Dh73,000 to cover legal fees and medical expenses. While they acknowledged that the payout will bring some financial relief, they expressed that they will “never fully recover from this terrible tragedy.”
Landmark Legal Victory
In November 2022, the Insurance Authority Court initially awarded Dh2.8 million in compensation to Mr. Kummali. His family then appealed to the Dubai Court of First Instance, which increased the amount to Dh5 million in January 2023, citing his “complete loss of mental and intellectual abilities due to head injuries, brain damage, permanent disability, and paralysis.”
Although the insurance company challenged the ruling, the Appeals Court rejected the bid in June 2023, and the UAE Supreme Court upheld the Dh5 million compensation in August.
Easa Anees, director of Frangulf Advocates and Legal Consultants, who handled the case, called the ruling a landmark victory. “This case highlights the transparency and fairness of the UAE judicial system,” he said. “The courts took into consideration that Mr. Kummali was the sole provider for his elderly parents and awarded compensation accordingly. He will need assistance and medical care for the rest of his life.”
A Family’s Heartache
Shifin had moved to the UAE after completing grade 12 and had worked as a delivery rider for an Al Ain supermarket for a year before the accident. Following the incident, his father, Ummer Kummali, 58, quit his job in a restaurant in Jeddah to care for his son.
“My son used to tell me, ‘Baba, you can stop working because I have a job and will take care of you,’” his father recalled. “It breaks our hearts to see him unable to move. He no longer recognizes anyone and relies on us for everything, including feeding him.”
The compensation will help the family manage medical expenses and ensure Shifin receives the best care possible, but they acknowledge that no amount of money can undo the suffering. “We are grateful for the funds, but nothing can make up for this life of misfortune that Shifin now faces,” his father added.
In a significant legal decision, the family of a delivery rider who was left paralyzed following a tragic road accident two years ago has been awarded Dh5 million in compensation. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by delivery workers and the need for stronger road safety measures.
The Incident
The accident occurred in Dubai, where the delivery rider was struck by a speeding vehicle while on duty. Despite wearing all necessary safety gear, the impact left him with life-altering injuries, rendering him paralyzed from the waist down. He has been under constant medical care since the incident, unable to return to work or provide for his family.
Legal Battle and Compensation
For the rider’s family, the accident not only resulted in emotional trauma but also severe financial hardships. The lengthy legal battle that followed, while challenging, finally concluded with the awarding of Dh5 million. This amount will cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for the injured rider. It also serves as financial security for his family, who have struggled without his income.
Road Safety and Delivery Riders
This case sheds light on the precarious nature of delivery work, especially in cities with heavy traffic like Dubai. Delivery riders often face high risks, navigating through congested roads to meet tight deadlines. The incident also calls attention to the lack of protection for workers in the gig economy, where job security and insurance coverage are often inadequate.
The Need for Change
The compensation offers some relief to the family, but it also signals a pressing need for better safety measures and insurance coverage for delivery workers. Employers should ensure that their workers are provided with comprehensive health insurance and additional coverage in the event of accidents. Authorities are also urged to enforce stricter road safety laws to protect vulnerable road users, including cyclists and motorbike riders.
The Dh5 million compensation serves as a reminder of the risks that delivery workers face daily. While the rider and his family can now access the care they need, the broader issue of delivery rider safety remains a concern that requires urgent attention. This case should motivate both authorities and employers to enhance the safety and welfare of delivery workers across the UAE.
Represented by Emirati lawyer Fareed Al Hassan, Mr. Kummali’s case received one of the highest compensation amounts ever awarded to an Indian national in the UAE for an accident case. “The UAE follows the rule of law. While Dh250,000 could have been the standard compensation, the court took into account Shifin’s age and the fact that he has dependents, ultimately approving the Dh5 million amount,” Mr. Al Hassan explained.
Given the lifelong medical care Shifin will require, the compensation provides critical financial support for ongoing treatment and recovery.