[2020] KEHC 4749 (KLR)

[2020] KEHC 4749 (KLR)

The High Court found that the trial magistrate's award of Kshs.1,500,000 as general damages was inordinately high given the nature and extent of the respondent's injuries, which, while serious, were less severe than those in some of the authorities relied upon. The court determined that Kshs.750,000 was adequate...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2020] KEHC 4749 (KLR)
Parties
Appellant: Lawrence Musyoka Mulonzi; Appellant: Doris Mutheu Kisilu; Respondent: Daniel John Kato Ndambuki
Court
High Court
Court Station
High Court at Makueni
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Civil Appeal 32 of 2018
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
Appeal partially allowed. Judgment of the trial court set aside and substituted with a reduced award. Appellants awarded half the costs of the appeal.
Legal Topics
Personal Injury, Assessment of Damages, Quantum of Damages, Future Medical Expenses
Source Language
en
Tort Law Civil Procedure Personal Injury Assessment of Damages Quantum of Damages Future Medical Expenses

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 9 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 4
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Lawrence Musyoka Mulonzi

Appellant

Doris Mutheu Kisilu

Appellant

Daniel John Kato Ndambuki

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial magistrate erred in law and fact in assessing the quantum of damages awarded to the respondent.
  2. 2 Whether the award for future medical expenses was justified and supported by evidence.
  3. 3 Whether the appellate court should interfere with the trial court's discretion in awarding damages.

Ratio Decidendi

The High Court found that the trial magistrate's award of Kshs.1,500,000 as general damages was inordinately high given the nature and extent of the respondent's injuries, which, while serious, were less severe than those in some of the authorities relied upon. The court determined that Kshs.750,000 was adequate compensation for general damages. On future medical expenses, the court held that although there was a difference of opinion between the two doctors, the possibility of future complications such as seizures and headaches was acknowledged, and the award of Kshs.600,000 for future medical expenses was justified and should not be disturbed. Special damages were uncontested. The court...

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed. Judgment of the trial court set aside and substituted with a reduced award. Appellants awarded half the costs of the appeal.

Orders

  • The judgment of the trial court is set aside.
  • Judgment is entered for the respondent in the sum of Kshs.1,148,308.50 plus costs and interest.