Payout for Thane man 40 years after truck took leg

More than four decades after a truck ran over his legs and 30 years after he began his battle for compensation, a deaf and mute resident of Thane district has finally got justice. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal at Kalyan has upheld his claim against the driver and an insurance company, awarding him cash compensation of Rs 1.69 lakh plus interest.

Probably one of the oldest cases to be disposed of by the tribunal, the verdict has brought cheer to the Mhatre household in Ambernath. Dilip Baliram Mhatre’s lawyer said they are expecting a total interest not exceeding Rs 3 lakh.

At the same time, it has revived bitter memories of the accident that 10-year-old Mhatre met with. “Mhatre was born with hearing and speaking disabilities. On the morning of December 16, 1970, Mhatre was playing in the school ground in Vadole village in Ambernath when a truck speeding towards Kalyan lost control and crashed in,” said close relative Nana Patil. “All the children ran to safety, but Mhatre’s hearing disabilities precluded the realization of the danger. The truck went over his legs.”

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Payout-for-Thane-man-40-years-after-truck-took-leg/articleshow/18325753.cms