SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County – A major legal victory has been handed down by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, with Afcons Infrastructure Limited ordered to pay US$400,000 in damages to 39-year-old Emmanuel Z. David, who suffered a life-altering injury that led to the amputation of his right leg.
The judgment, delivered on Monday, April 20, 2026, by Resident Judge Serena F. Garlawolu, found the company liable for the accident that permanently disabled David and disrupted his livelihood.
According to the court, AFCONS bears full responsibility for the incident and must compensate the victim without conditions for both physical and emotional harm suffered. The ruling emphasized that the injury has left lasting consequences on David’s life, including the loss of his ability to work as before.
David had initially sought US$1 million in damages, but the court reduced the amount to US$400,000, citing existing Liberian laws and Supreme Court precedents as the basis for the adjustment.
Despite the ruling, the legal battle is not yet concluded. Lawyers representing Afcons Infrastructure Limited have announced plans to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court of Liberia. Under Liberian law, the company has a ten-day window to file its appeal.
Background of the Incident
The case stems from an accident that occurred on October 31, 2024, in Zuluyee Town, Nimba County. David was reportedly seated on his motorcycle at a local bus stop when an Afcons ambulance traveling from Ganta to Yekepa lost control and struck him.
The crash left him with severe injuries, including a dislocated arm and extensive damage to his leg, which was later amputated.
A Long Road to Justice
Speaking after the ruling, David described the decision as a turning point following more than two years of hardship. A father of five and former employee of Power System Service (PSS), he revealed that financial constraints initially prevented him from pursuing legal action. Instead, he faced a lawsuit from Afcons, which had accused him of causing the accident.
Recounting the day of the incident, David said he had briefly stopped at the Zuluyee bus stop to greet friends while heading to Ganta when the ambulance rammed into him from behind.
Now, with the court ruling in his favor, David expressed relief and renewed optimism.
“I feel good. Justice still exists for the poor, and due process has been served,” he said.
The judgment has brought a sense of hope to his family as they begin to rebuild their lives. However, the final outcome now hinges on the pending appeal before the Supreme Court, which will determine whether the compensation stands or is overturned.
