By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNIQUELLIE CITY, Nimba County — A 39-year-old man, Emmanuel Z. David, has been awarded $400,000 USD in damages against Afcons Infrastructure Limited, a subcontractor to Arcelor Mittal Liberia, after the company was found liable for causing permanent injury to David’s right leg, resulting in amputation.
Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Nimba County handed down the landmark judgment on Monday, April 20, 2026. The court ruled Afcons Infrastructure Limited must compensate David for his suffering and loss of livelihood.
Judge Garlawolu reduced the initial claim of $1 million USD in civil damages to $400,000 USD, citing Liberian law and Supreme Court precedent as her legal reliance. The ruling holds the company responsible for David’s life-altering injury, leaving him with lasting physical and emotional scars.
The court’s decision reflects a balance of justice and fairness. However, the case is not over yet, as Afcons Infrastructure Limited’s legal team has announced an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia to take advantage of the law. The appeal will be heard within ten days per law, paving the way for a final remedy.
On October 31, 2024, Emmanuel Z. David, the victim was sitting on his motorcycle at a bus stop in Zuluyee Town, Nimba County, when an Afcons Infrastructure Limited ambulance crashed into him. The ambulance, en route from Ganta to the mine in Yekepa, lost control and struck David, causing him severe wounds, a disjointed left arm, and a badly injured leg, resulting in amputation.
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Emmanuel Z. David, the 39-year-old father of five, spoke to journalists shortly after the court’s ruling, sharing his relief and gratitude — reflecting on the two-year, six-month ordeal that began on October 31, 2024.
David, a former staff member of Power System Service (PSS), another subcontractor company to Arcelor Mittal Liberia, revealed he was financially incapacitated to file a lawsuit against Afcons Infrastructure Limited when the incident occurred instead the company sued him for damages, claiming he caused the accident.
“The company sued me immediately, and the trial began with the Traffic Court and subsequently before the 8th Judicial Circuit Court,” David explained. “Justice proved me not guilty, but the court ordered the company to pay me damages.”
David recounted the morning of the incident, when he stopped at Zuluyee Town’s bus stop to chat with friends on his way to Ganta bank. An ambulance from Afcons Infrastructure Limited, traveling from Ganta to Yekepa, lost control and crashed into him from behind, causing severe injuries.
“The impact disjointed my left arm and badly wounded my leg, leading to amputation,” David said, his voice shaking. “I have lost my job, my home, and my family. My wife has left me, and my five children are not in school. It is a difficult situation for a single man with a disability.”
Despite the challenges, David expressed renewed hope for a better life, thanking God for the opportunity to win the case. “I feel good. Justice still exists for the poor, and due process has been served,” he said, welcoming the court’s ruling.
David acknowledged the uphill battle against a multi-million dollar company, crediting God and the judiciary for the outcome. “They have money to do anything to win the case, but God first and the judiciary through the presiding judge second for me to win the case,” he said, smiling.
The court’s decision has sparked hope for David and his family, who now look forward to rebuilding their lives. The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal will determine the next chapter in David’s quest for justice and a brighter future for his family.
