Abu Dhabi court orders domestic worker to pay compensation for child assault

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a domestic worker to pay Dh10,000 in compensation to a mother after the worker assaulted her three-year-old child. The ruling by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Court follows a prior criminal conviction where the defendant received a suspended one-month prison sentence and a Dh3,000 fine.

A medical report confirmed the child sustained multiple scratches on his chest and lower jaw. The mother had originally sought Dh25,000 for material and emotional damages, citing a breach of trust during her absence.

The defendant argued that the accusations were malicious and stemmed from a dispute over unpaid wages, further claiming her role was that of a driver rather than a caregiver. However, the court rejected these arguments, noting that the criminal judgment had already established the assault. The court awarded Dh10,000 for material and moral damages, including a 4% late-payment interest from the date the judgment becomes final.