Judge values housewife’s contribution to assess disability compensation

Carmen Borg was awarded €9,467.47 over damages suffered when she was hit by a car back in May 2010.

The victim told the court that she was near her house in Hamrun when she noticed a car parking in front of her property. As the car parked, Borg tried to cross the road but the driver reversed and hit her.

Borg was taken to hospital where she had to undergo surgery for a fractured hip. After leaving hospital, the woman had to undergo lengthy physiotherapy and could not do housework, nor care for her seriously ill husband. The victim employed a maid to help her around the house. Medical court experts confirmed Borg had suffered a 15% permanent disability which precluded her from carrying out her normal routine.

Borg said that she also had to undergo physiotherapy and pay for a maid to help her at her home. Before the accident she had been an active housewife and the principal carer for her husband. But, as a result of her injuries, she could no longer carry out her normal routine.

Eric Zammit, the driver of the vehicle claimed responsibility for the woman's ordeal.

Taking in consideration the economic and financial value of housework, the fact the woman was her husband's carer and the need for a maid, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco awarded Borg €9,467.47 in damages. The amount was computed on a person's minimum wage.