Your child comes home hurt. You’re shocked, confused, maybe even angry. The first question racing through your mind might be: “Child X injures my child; do I sue Child X’s parent or Child X?”
It’s a situation no parent wants to face. In Singapore, injuries between children can lead to tough legal and emotional decisions. You want accountability, but you also want to understand your rights. So, who’s legally responsible — the child who caused the injury or their parent?
Understanding The Legal Responsibility In Singapore
In Singapore, children can be held liable for harm they cause, but the law looks closely at their age, maturity, and understanding. Unlike adults, young children are not automatically expected to grasp the full consequences of their actions.
If a very young child causes harm, like pushing someone at school, it may be harder to hold them personally responsible. However, once the child is older and can reasonably understand that what they did was wrong, the Court may hold them accountable.
So, when you’re asking, “Child X injures my child; do I sue Child X’s parent or Child X?” the answer depends on the circumstances.
Can You Sue The Parent Instead?
You might assume the parent should be liable. But under Singapore law, parents are not automatically responsible for everything their child does.
To hold the parent liable, you must show they were negligent in supervising their child. For instance:
- Did they leave the child unattended in a risky setting?
- Did they ignore known behavioural issues?
- Did they allow the child access to dangerous objects?
If the parents’ lack of care directly contributed to your child’s injury, the Court may hold them responsible. But this isn’t always easy to prove.
So, Who Do You Sue?
It comes back to your key question: “Child X injures my child; do I sue Child X’s parent or Child X?”
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- You can sue the child, especially if they’re old enough to understand what they did.
- You can sue the parent, but only if there’s clear evidence of negligence.
- You may sue both, depending on what happened.
Each case is unique. That’s why speaking with a lawyer can help you decide on the best legal route to take.
What If The Injury Happened At School Or A Public Place?
If the incident occurred at school, on a playground, or under adult supervision, you may have additional legal options.
The school, caretaker, or organisation could be liable if they failed to prevent the injury when they reasonably could have. For example, a lack of supervision or failure to act on repeated bullying incidents may point to negligence.
Can I Claim For Medical Bills And Emotional Distress?
Yes. If the injury was serious, you can claim for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of future earning capacity (in severe cases)
But again, the success of your claim depends on the facts and who’s proven responsible.
Conclusion About Whether To Sue The Child’s Parent Or The Child
If you’ve been asking, “Child X injures my child; do I sue Child X’s parent or Child X?”, know that you’re not alone, and that there are steps you can take.
Liability depends on age, intent, and supervision. Don’t guess your way through the legal process. Let Tembusu Law, home to some of the best criminal lawyers in Singapore, guide you with clarity and compassion.
Reach out to us today and protect what matters most — your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whether To Sue A Child’s Parent Or The Child
Are Parents Automatically Liable For What Their Children Do?
No. In Singapore, parents are not automatically responsible unless they can show they were negligent in supervising their child.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove Parental Negligence?
You need to show that the parent failed to reasonably control or supervise their child, especially if the child had a known history of aggressive behaviour.
Can I Sue Both The Child And The Parent?
Yes. If both the child and parent contributed to your child’s injury, through action and negligence, you may take legal action against both.
What If The Injury Happened During School Hours?
The school could also be held responsible if there was poor supervision or failure to act on known risks. Each situation should be reviewed carefully.
Can I Claim For My Child’s Medical And Emotional Costs?
Yes. You may be able to recover medical expenses, counselling costs, and damages for pain and suffering if your claim is successful.
