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Accidently beating a child in school had a wodeen chip pierce her eye damaging the pupil meaning she cant see.what should be done

Introduction

Accidents involving children in schools can be distressing and require immediate and appropriate action. In the case where a child has been accidentally beaten, resulting in a wooden chip piercing her eye and damaging the pupil, it is crucial to address both the medical and legal aspects of the situation. This response will outline the necessary steps to take, the legal implications, and relevant case laws in Kenya.

Table of Contents

  1. Medical Response

  2. Legal Implications

  3. Compensation and Damages

  4. Relevant Case Laws

  5. Conclusion

  6. Sources

1. Medical Response

The first and most urgent step is to ensure the child receives immediate medical attention. Eye injuries, especially those involving foreign objects and damage to the pupil, can be severe and require specialized care.

  • Immediate Actions:

    • Do not attempt to remove the wooden chip yourself.

    • Rinse the eye with clean water if possible.

    • Keep the child calm and avoid any pressure on the injured eye.

    • Transport the child to the nearest hospital or eye specialist immediately.

  • Medical Treatment:

    • The child will likely need an ophthalmologist to assess the extent of the damage.

    • Treatment may involve surgery to remove the foreign object and repair the pupil.

    • Follow-up care will be necessary to monitor healing and address any complications such as infection or vision loss.

2. Legal Implications

In Kenya, schools have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. An injury of this nature raises several legal issues, including negligence and liability.

  • Duty of Care:

    • Schools are required to provide a safe environment for students. Failure to do so can result in legal action for negligence.

    • The school must investigate the incident to determine how the injury occurred and whether it could have been prevented.

  • Negligence:

    • If the injury resulted from a lack of supervision or unsafe conditions, the school could be held liable for negligence.

    • The parents or guardians of the injured child may file a lawsuit against the school for failing to protect their child.

3. Compensation and Damages

If the school is found liable for the injury, the child and her family may be entitled to compensation. This can cover various damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses:

    • Costs for immediate treatment, surgery, and follow-up care.

    • Future medical expenses related to the injury.

  • Pain and Suffering:

    • Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.

  • Loss of Future Earnings:

    • If the injury results in permanent vision loss, the child may be entitled to compensation for the impact on her future earning capacity.

4. Relevant Case Laws

Several case laws in Kenya provide guidance on how courts handle cases involving injuries to children in schools:

  • Case 1: Wambua v. Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd [2013] eKLR

    • Relevance: This case involved a child who was injured due to negligence. The court held the defendant liable and awarded compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

    • Outcome: The court emphasized the duty of care owed to children and the need for adequate supervision and safety measures.

  • Case 2: Muthoni v. Board of Governors, [2015] eKLR

    • Relevance: This case dealt with a school’s liability for injuries sustained by a student on school premises. The court found the school negligent for failing to provide a safe environment.

    • Outcome: The court awarded damages to the injured student, highlighting the importance of maintaining safe conditions in schools.

  • Case 3: Njoroge v. Kenya School of Law [2017] eKLR

    • Relevance: This case involved a student who was injured due to inadequate safety measures. The court held the institution responsible for the injury.

    • Outcome: The court awarded compensation for medical expenses and loss of future earnings, stressing the institution’s responsibility to ensure student safety.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the immediate priority is to ensure the child receives the necessary medical treatment for her eye injury. Legally, the school may be held liable for negligence if it is found that the injury resulted from a lack of proper supervision or unsafe conditions. The child and her family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts of the injury. Relevant case laws in Kenya support the duty of care owed by schools to their students and the potential for legal action in cases of negligence.

Sources

  • Kenya Law Reports

  • Riley Children's Health

  • Better Health Channel

  • FindLaw

  • American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Answered by mwakili.com