Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a parent to pay Dh10,000 in compensation after their child assaulted a classmate during a school altercation, resulting in broken teeth and a cut lip. The ruling came from the Abu Dhabi Court of Family and Civil and Administrative Cases following a lawsuit filed by the victim’s father. The plaintiff sought Dh30,000 in compensation for the material and moral damages his son sustained during the incident. Court records revealed that the defendant's minor son, who is under 16 years old, physically assaulted the victim at school, causing injuries that temporarily hindered the child’s ability to perform daily activities. A criminal case was filed against the minor, and the court found him guilty of the assault. The verdict placed the boy under judicial supervision for one year, requiring periodic reports to monitor his behavior. The court also suspended the pronouncement of the judgment for one year, given the minor's age. “The mistake of the minor caused material and moral damages to the plaintiff's son,” the court stated in its ruling. “Accordingly, the court estimates the compensation deserved for these damages at Dh10,000.” The ruling held the father of the minor liable for the payment, in his capacity as the child's legal guardian. Additionally, the court ordered the defendant to cover all related case fees and expenses. The plaintiff had initially demanded a higher amount, arguing that the injuries had caused significant distress and inconvenience for his son. However, the court deemed the Dh10,000 compensation appropriate given the nature of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the case. School officials confirmed that the altercation occurred during a break period and was quickly broken up by staff members. The injured student received immediate medical attention and has since recovered, though his family reported lingering emotional distress. Under UAE law, parents are accountable for their minor children’s actions and may be required to provide compensation if their child causes harm to others. ICA/Expat Media
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