After receiving Dh1 million in compensation for an accident, an Indian woman expressed that the funds will support her ongoing treatment and aid in rebuilding her life.
In April 2023, Indian expat Rehmathbi Mamad Sali was struck by a vehicle near the Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai’s Al Wahida area. The car was driven by a UAE national.
“I have accumulated significant debts from the months of treatment in India,” she informed Khaleej Times. “This compensation will help settle those debts and provide for my continued recovery.”
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Following the incident, Rehmathbi was admitted to Rashid Hospital in Dubai with severe injuries including a brain hemorrhage, spinal fracture, and partial paralysis in her right side.
Investigations revealed that the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence. However, Rehmathbi was also partially at fault for not paying attention while crossing the road and was fined Dh1,000. With legal help from Yab Legal Services, she filed for compensation, and the court ordered the insurance company to compensate her.
The incident
On the day of the accident, Rehmathbi was searching for a new home. “The villa I lived in was overcrowded,” she recalled. “My children had just moved to the UAE and were settling into jobs. We needed a new place. My last memory was standing on the sidewalk after getting out of the car.”
She attempted to cross the road where it was not permitted and was struck by a Nissan Patrol. She stated she doesn’t remember crossing the road. “My last memory is of standing on the sidewalk,” she said. “I woke up in the hospital five days later with no memory of the accident.”
Upon regaining consciousness, Rehmathbi was unable to sit up and was in severe pain. “After about a month and a half, I could finally sit up,” she said. “The hospital discharged me, and my children managed to wheel me out of Rashid Hospital.”
Long road to recovery
Post-discharge, Rehmathbi returned to Kerala, India, for extended treatment. “I spent nearly three months at an Ayurveda center,” she noted. “I regained mobility there and decided to return, as my children are in the UAE.”
Previously, Rehmathbi worked in various roles, including as a bus conductor and house help. “I took any job I could get,” she said. “After the accident, I can’t work due to partial paralysis and brain injury.”
She expressed gratitude for the compensation. “This money will help me continue treatment,” she said. “Maybe one day I can work again.”
