Admir became permanently disabled in 2012 due to an explosion at work, received no compensation from the company due to 'statute of limitations'

(Patria) - Admir Kovač from Goražde was seriously injured at work at the company Ginex on June 1, 2012, during the process of de-dusting initial fuses for anti-hail cannons.

The consequences of that unfortunate event are permanent and catastrophic – Admir underwent 17 surgeries, became permanently 100% disabled, and his life was forever changed at the age of 27.

Despite everything, his claim for damages was rejected due to, as stated, the statute of limitations.

Admir is engaged in a legal battle with the company, and together with his lawyer Alen Nakić, he appeared on the show "Dobar dan, BiH" on Hayat Television.

He spoke about all the challenges he has faced since 2012, and at the very beginning, he recalled that fateful day.

- I remember earlier that I warned that those fuses were dusty, that they needed to be cleaned. I stopped production. I remember at 10:10 AM the last fuse, the explosion, and the fire. I was conscious both in the ambulance and on the way to the hospital.

When I woke up, I immediately tried to understand what had happened. No one talked to me; the doctor forbade it so as not to shock me. I tried to figure out what I was missing and what I had lost – Admir recalls.

He points out that he was blind for the first three months.

- It was difficult, especially when my brother-in-law called and said that my hands were gone, and that we would fight for my sight. But I thanked God Almighty again that I was at least alive, that I was there, and that even if I couldn't see, someone would come to keep me company. Those were the important moments. When such moments come, everyone fights for life – says Admir Kovač.

His struggle has lasted for years, and lawyer Nakić became part of this story in mid-2022 when he learned about Admir's situation.

Admir also described his health problems and everything he had to face over the years in his fight for recovery in Belgium, Germany, and also in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At that time, he wasn't thinking about compensation; he was only focused on his health. However, the first problems soon appeared.

- The then director of the company asked me not to sue them, not to embarrass them, that I was the company's concern, and that they would take care of me as long as I lived, but it was all verbal, never written.

Later, they said to sue them anyway, but that they wouldn't delay, that they would reach an agreement, but that they wanted to remain friends because he was a good and fine worker – Kovač recalls.

In 2012, the company where he worked and had the accident first reacted by providing him with medical assistance, and he had transportation from them for check-ups. However, everything was included in his compensation.

- They were fair and correct. Whatever I needed, transportation for my treatment, they were there, but it was all included in my compensation – says Admir.

Lawyer Nakić explains that at no point was there any doubt for him that the claim was founded.

- I thought about the possible objection of the statute of limitations, but there is one thing, and I informed Admir about it, which is that our objection cannot be the statute of limitations. From 2012 until today, the company Ginex d.o.o. Goražde has been paying for Kovač's treatment.

What kind of work impact does this have on his legal position? With each payment of treatment costs, from him having no sight at all, and with medical treatments abroad and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, his sight has improved to a small but significant seven percent, making him more or less capable of taking care of himself.

We must be honest and admit that the company has spent over 400,000 KM, but with each payment, the statute of limitations was interrupted. Even if it were considered that they paid within the statute of limitations, it has the legal consequence of renouncing the statute of limitations. The costs were incurred for the improvement of health, not to reduce the damage – Nakić added.