KOCHI: It seems that the people of Kerala are not fully aware of the procedures for getting compensation in dog-bite cases.
Statistics show a huge difference between the number of applications claiming compensation for dog-bite and the number of incidents reported. While the average number of dog-bite cases is more than one lakh every year, the Supreme Court-appointed Justice S Siri Jagan Committee for handling dog-bite cases received only 20 applications last year.
“More than one lakh dog-bite cases are reported every year, but the Committee has received only 20 applications for claims. It is disproportionate. The victim or the legal heirs can apply for claim, irrespective of the year of occurrence,” states Justice Siri Jagan.” The committee had published advertisements with details of its functioning and information for public to claim compensation. “The Committee will examine in detail the applications it receives. Law Secretary B G Harindra Nath and Health Service director R Ramesh are the other members. The Committee will hold sittings in every district to consider the claim applications,” says Justice Siri Jagan. The Committee will look into the gravity of the injury suffered from dog-bite and fix the probable compensation. After the sitting, the Committee will prepare a report on the persons eligible for compensation, and submit the same to the Supreme Court. The State Government is responsible for distribution of compensation based on the Supreme Court directive.
The Committee was constituted on April 5 to probe the various aspects of dog-bite cases, including injuries to persons; nature and gravity of the injury; availability of medicines; treatment given to victims; effectiveness of the treatment; and treatment failures, in any, and particulars of the deceased. The Supreme Court had also made it clear that persons seeking compensation for dog-bite should approach the Committee instead of approaching the SC or the High Court.
Know the Law:
1) Claimant should produce medical records and all related documents to prove that the injury occurred due to stray dog attack
2) Compensation can also be claimed for loss of livestock due to stray dog attack.
3)The application can be sent to Justice S Siri Jagan Committee. 1st Floor, UPAD building, Paramara Road, Kochi
4) Claims for compensation are settled through a procedure that is similar to Motor Accidents Claim. No deadline has been fixed for filing application.
5) The committee will hear the Local self-government institutions concerned before fixing compensation.
6) SC made it clear that persons seeking compensation should approach the Committee instead of the SC or the High Court.