The Petroleum Company of Jamaica (Petcom) is to pay $11.2 million with interest to a 31-year-old woman who suffered severe burns at her workplace seven years ago when a gas cylinder exploded while being refilled by Petcom workers.

Dassaiena Miller, an employee of Juici Beef (now Juici Patties), had filed a suit to recover damages for pain and suffering. Several employees at Juici Beef's Liguanea, St Andrew, branch were injured in the explosion on May 13, 2002. Some of them have already been awarded damages.

Petcom accepted liability and Miller's case was set down for assessment of damages.

Awarded for pain, suffering

Supreme Court Judge Kay Beckford heard evidence and yesterday awarded Miller $5.3 million for pain and suffering and loss of amenities.

She was awarded $600,000 for post-traumatic stress disorder and $800,000 for loss-of-earning capacity. Miller was awarded $4.5 million for future surgery and future medical care, and $331,000 in special damages.

Miller is still employed to Juici Patties but she says she cannot sit or stand for any length of time because of severe pain. Miller's forearms and legs are badly scarred from the burns and she says she can only wear trousers. She is still experiencing severe pain and will have to undergo surgery.

Petcom had been making interim payments to Miller after it accepted liability.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com