A hunter who was accidentally shot in the eye in a hunting accident in Egypt in December 1997 has been awarded compensation of €284,648.95 by the Civil Court.

Raymond Sammut had gone hunting in Egypt with Anthony Micallef and others.

The incident happened when Anthony Micallef fired low and accidentally hit Mr Sammut.

Mr Sammut underwent medical interventions in hospitals in Cairo, Malta and eight times in London, but lost the use of his left eye.

He sued Mr Micallef, saying the accident was caused by his carelessness and lack of observance of regulations.

The court established that the incident indeed happened because Mr Micallef fired low without taking sufficient precautions, but the victim was also partly to blame.

In liquidating the damages, the court noted how the incident affected Mr Sammut's work as a port worker who was also involved in the lashing of containers.

He used to have an average annual income of €60,000 which had to be multiplied by 25 in view of his age (€1500000). The total disability was of 25%, which meant €375,000. Since the case was being decided 13 years after it happened, the lump sum payment had to be reduced by 7% for a balance of €348,750.

Damnum Emergens (actual damages resulting from the accident) totalled €30,781.

Since the accused was found responsible for the accident at 75%, the amount due was €284,648. The court did not grant interest, saying that interest was only due when the amount  was certain.