Dubai: Man blinded after fight over WhatsApp message awarded Dh100,000
An Arab expat, who lost his eyesight after an altercation with an Asian man, has been granted Dh100,000 in compensation.
The incident broke out when he sent an offensive message to the Asian individual through the messaging app, WhatsApp. In response, the recipient attacked him, landing a punch to his right eye that led to a detached retina and permanent blindness. His condition was classified as a 35 per cent disability, according to a forensic medical report.
After they were referred to Dubai's criminal court, the Arab man was fined Dh1,000 for using offensive language over a digital platform, while the Asian was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to be deported.
The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeal and later confirmed by the Court of Cassation, making the ruling final, Emarat Al Youm reported.
After the criminal case concluded, the victim filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh150,000 in damages for physical injury, emotional trauma, and financial loss. He also requested 12 per cent interest from the filing until full payment.
The court reviewed medical reports, criminal judgments, and supporting documents provided by the plaintiff. With the defendant absent despite proper notification, the Civil Court ruled on the case.
In its judgment, the court found that the attack caused lasting harm to the victim's eye and head, resulting in both physical and psychological suffering. The injury disrupted the victim's ability to work and caused him pain, distress, and a sense of humiliation.
Citing legal precedent, the court noted that emotional damage includes harm to dignity, feelings, and reputation, and that determining compensation for such damage falls within the court's discretion. Based on the evidence, the court ordered the attacker to pay Dh100,000 in compensation and five per cent interest from the date the judgment becomes final.
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