Thames Magistrates Court recently issued a £225,000 fine [plus £15,000 in costs] to one of the UK’s leading childcare providers for significant food safety and hygiene offences. There was extensive evidence of mice droppings in the kitchen, along with other issues relating to cleanliness and hygiene.
Legally speaking, all nurseries owe our children a duty of care to protect the wellbeing of their children.
We know that our little ones are curious and adventurous and that sometimes they can get injured as a result. With the weather getting warmer, our children are more likely to be in outside areas exploring. However, when an injury occurs as a result of negligence on the part of the nursery or its staff, it may well give rise to a claim. Here at Farleys, we have seen a broad spectrum of nursery claims ranging from faulty equipment or equipment which has not been properly maintained, to a lack of supervision.
If you do find yourself in this position, it is vital to make sure the relevant evidence is preserved; CCTV, for example, if it is available, and that you have access to a completed Accident Report Form. Any injuries will also be logged in medical records when attending a GP or hospital.
All claims are entirely unique, however, claims are made up of “General Damages” – that being an award for the child’s pain and suffering and accounting for the likely recovering time, and “Special Damages” – that being any out of pocket expenses incurred including any lost wages that a parent may have incurred in having to look after the child following the accident, any medical or treatment costs, and travelling expenses to name but a few.
To speak to a specialist in nursery claims, please contact our personal injury solicitors at Farleys on 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, or through the online chat below.