JUDGMENT

[MACA Nos.1709/2014, 1415/2014, 1416/2014, 1732/2014]

These appeals arise from a common award passed in OP(MV) Nos.956/2000 and 957/2000 on the files of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Thodupuzha. OP(MV) No.956/2000 was filed by the claimant therein seeking compensation for the injuries sustained to her in a motor accident that occurred on 13.05.2000. OP(MV) No.957/2000 was filed by the legal heirs of one Paulose who died, due to the injuries sustained in the very same accident. Even though, the deceased Paulose sustained injuries in the accident that occurred on 13.05.2000, he succumbed to the injuries on 15.04.2007 while undergoing treatment.

2. The claimant in OP(MV) No.956/2000 was the wife of the deceased. The accident occurred, when the claimant in OP(MV) No.956/2000 and the deceased for whose death, the OP(MV) No.957/2000 was filed, were travelling in a jeep, it capsized, thereby causing serious injuries to the above persons.Both the victims were working in U.S.A. The deceased was aged 46 years at the time of the accident and he passed away on 15.04.2007 after a prolonged treatment. According to the claimants, the deceased was working as a Distribution Clerk in the