Parents Can Sue for Child’s Food Poisoning Negligence, Lawyers Say
By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,
2nd OCTOBER: Parents may file lawsuits for negligence if their child suffers food poisoning, legal experts advise. This follows a case in which a seven-year-old girl contracted food poisoning after eating contaminated food from a school canteen. The child’s illness not only caused physical suffering but also resulted in significant emotional distress.
Legal experts note that the fundamental principles of negligence apply in such cases, requiring proof of duty of care, breach of that duty, and direct causation of harm. If parents can demonstrate that the school or food provider failed to maintain safe food handling practices, they may have a strong case. In recent years, there have been increasing incidences of foodborne illnesses, raising awareness about food safety standards in schools and public institutions.
Parents are urged to document the incident thoroughly, including obtaining medical reports, photographs, and any relevant communication with the school or food supplier. Such evidence will be crucial in establishing negligence. While some may hesitate to pursue legal action due to potential costs or fear of retaliation, experts emphasize that holding institutions accountable can lead to improvements in food safety practices.
In summary, parents can take legal action for their child’s food poisoning by proving negligence on the part of food providers or schools. This not only seeks justice for the child but also encourages better safety measures to prevent future incidents, as stated in Free Malaysia Today.
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