Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

A school in Abu Dhabi has been ordered to pay Dh100,000 in compensation to the family of a girl who suffered severe burns after a food container fell on her in the cafeteria. The ruling comes after a lawsuit filed by the girl’s father citing negligence. The incident occurred during lunchtime when the student accidentally caused a food container to tip over. The resulting burns covered parts of her abdomen, with doctors diagnosing first and second-degree burns. Following the accident, the child underwent multiple surgeries and was absent from school for over a month. Medical reports indicate permanent scarring, raising concerns about her long-term psychological well-being. The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court found the school guilty of failing to implement adequate safety measures. The school was also fined Dh10,000 in a separate criminal trial for negligence. The child’s father initially sought Dh400,000 in damages, citing the extensive physical and emotional trauma his daughter endured. The court reduced the amount but acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The court-appointed forensic doctor reported that the girl's condition had stabilized but confirmed permanent deformities. The ruling emphasizes the importance of safety protocols in schools, particularly in high-risk areas like cafeterias. ICA/Expat Media
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