Occupiers' Liability And Child Safety

With parents' demanding, varied and ever-changing work schedules, the need for alternative child care arrangements is on the rise, with many parents becoming reliant upon childminders, family and friends now more than ever. The recent decision of Craig Anderson v John Imrie and Antoinette Imrie highlights the importance of considering the "what if" scenario in terms of parental supervision whilst other children are in your care.

In June 2003 Craig Anderson, a then eight-year-old schoolboy, was seriously injured in an accident whilst playing on his five-year-old friend's family farm. 13 years on, the Court of Session awarded him £325,000 in compensation for Mr and Mrs Imrie failing to take reasonable care for his safety.