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An Indian expat, who lost both his hands and legs following an injury at worksite, has been paid more than Dh200,000 as compensation after the intervention of the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. He was offered mere Dh5,700 as final settlement before Khaleej Times had reported the incident on June 9, under the headline, 'Expat who lost hands, legs says he is as good as dead'.
Gurbinder Singh hails from north Indian state of Punjab and worked as a crane operator for a private company in Abu Dhabi. He had injured his knee at the worksite and was diagnosed with serious medical condition resulting in amputation of both his hands and legs. Even before he was discharged, Singh was terminated from his job with a final settlement of Dh5,750.
However, the Indian embassy held discussions with Singh's employer and after a series of follow-ups by embassy officials, the company raised the settlement amount to Dh202,000. On Wednesday, the company representatives presented a cheque and financial contributions from the staff to Gurbinder Singh's wife Rajwinder Kaur.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Suri said timely intervention by the embassy has helped the family. "We were shocked when we heard about the tragic circumstances of Gurbinder. We immediately contacted him and once we got all details of the situation, we approached his employer. Following our intervention, the employer offered a generous compensation package. I appreciate the company's positive response to our intervention. There should always be such system in place when someone meets with an accident."
He noted that the compensation package includes costs for artificial limbs.
"This (compensation and artificial limbs) will give Gurbinder an opportunity to look at new options to sustain his livelihood. He can now think of starting something on his own." The ambassador added the embassy is there to help every Indian in distress.
"This case also creates an important precedent for other employees who meet with difficult circumstances."
Meanwhile, Singh said the amount will help fund the education of his two children.
"My son was in Grade 8 and daughter has passed Grade 12. Without any money, we had to stop their schooling. The money will help my son to continue in the same school and also fund my daughter's higher studies. They are my support system now."
Singh is painfully adjusting to his new life of managing things without hands and legs. "I am continuing my heavy dosage medication. I have pain killers and sleeping pills as there are lots of things in mind and I don't get sleep at night."
His wife Rajwinder said the embassy has offered great help. She also appreciated the gesture from the company. "We don't have anything against the company. I am unsure about what steps needed to claim insurance amount, if any. I am not well-educated and need all support from all corners."
Rajwinder said to have received good assistance from community organisations and people.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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