#Multiplier

The Supreme Court upheld a multiplier of 16 for the parents of a 33-year-old bachelor under the Sarla Verma matrix, and raised the pillion rider's functional disability to 100% based on a Medical Board report confirming total permanent incapacity from cortical blindness, pelvic fractures, and a permanent colostomy. The ₹3.77 crore award with 7.5% interest sets a precedent for catastrophic injury compensation.

Jharkhand High Court affirmed that the claimant is entitled to a loss-of-dependency award calculated on a 17-year multiplier, relying on the deceased’s post-mortem income-tax returns. The ruling clarifies that tax returns can be admitted as proof of earnings for dependency calculations under the Motor Vehicles Act, raising the compensation ceiling for families of road-accident victims.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that land situated more than ten kilometres from a municipal boundary attracts a 1.5 multiplier in compensation under the 2013 Act, and that the market-value date is the Section 4 notification. This raises the payable amount to ₹99,17,362 per acre, affecting owners and developers acquiring rural land beyond the specified distance.

The Supreme Court raised the award for a child with 90% disability to Rs 83.38 lakh, using an 18-year multiplier, functional disability assessment and 9% interest from the claim date. The ruling clarifies the calculation of ‘just compensation’ for severely disabled child victims under the Motor Vehicles Act, benefiting minors and their guardians in similar accidents.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that above-thigh amputation warrants 70% disability assessment under Schedule I of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, rejecting the tribunal’s 50% assessment. The court also mandated 40% future prospects addition to income, enhancing compensation under the Pranay Sethi framework for victims with undocumented earnings.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled that in motor accident compensation cases where the deceased's income is undocumented, courts must apply the 'unit method' to calculate dependency. This method relies on verified wage data and functional family roles, rejecting arbitrary percentage deductions or assumptions. The ruling ensures fairer compensation for claimants in cases of uncertain income.

Bombay High Court holds that contributory negligence must be proven with evidence; mere non-use of helmet or vehicle position insufficient to apportion fault.

Punjab & Haryana High Court clarifies correct deduction ratios, multiplier application, and future prospects in motor accident compensation under MV Act, 1988.

Madhya Pradesh High Court clarifies that tribunals must apply 15 multiplier and 40% future prospects for 40-year-old claimants with 50% disability, per Sarla Verma and Pranay Sethi.