RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY Ltd v MUKANEZA

RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY Ltd v MUKANEZA

A victim of a motor vehicle accident who suffers permanent disability exceeding 30% is entitled to economic loss and career impairment damages under Rwandan law, regardless of whether they continued working or earning salary. Career impairment includes loss of promotion opportunities and diminished work capacity....

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RLR V.3-2025
Parties
Appellant: Radiant Insurance Company Ltd; Respondent: Mukaneza Clarisse
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
5 April 2024
Case Number
RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal (insurance Accident Compensation) / Supreme Court Review of High Court Judgment on Grounds of Injustice
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed.
Legal Topics
Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation, Permanent Disability Damages, Economic Loss, Career Impairment, Bodily Injury, Burden of Proof, Interpretation of Insurance Statutes
Source Language
rw
Insurance Law Tort Law Civil Procedure Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Permanent Disability Damages Economic Loss Career Impairment Bodily Injury +2 more

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Parties

Radiant Insurance Company Ltd

Appellant

Mukaneza Clarisse

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal (insurance Accident Compensation) / Supreme Court Review of High Court Judgment on Grounds of Injustice

  1. 1 Whether a victim with permanent disability is entitled to economic loss damages even if employment continued
  2. 2 Whether career impairment damages are payable to a victim who did not immediately lose employment
  3. 3 Whether aesthetic damages are justified based on medical evidence

Ratio Decidendi

A victim of a motor vehicle accident who suffers permanent disability exceeding 30% is entitled to economic loss and career impairment damages under Rwandan law, regardless of whether they continued working or earning salary. Career impairment includes loss of promotion opportunities and diminished work capacity. Medical evidence confirming aesthetic impairment justifies aesthetic damages. The insurer's claim for counter-damages fails absent proof of abusive litigation.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed.

Orders

  • No change to High Court judgment RCA 00266/2021/HC/KIG of 30/09/2022.
  • Radiant Insurance Company Ltd's claim for review on grounds of injustice is rejected.