Damages award in baby food case

A holiday firm had a duty to ensure that everything possible was done for the care of a three-month-old child whose particular…

A holiday firm had a duty to ensure that everything possible was done for the care of a three-month-old child whose particular brand of baby food went missing in transit, a judge has ruled.

Judge Michael White held that although Sunworld Holidays of Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin, was excluded from liability regarding lost luggage, a duty of care arose when the loss of the baby's food and its unavailability in the holiday resort was drawn to its attention.

Mr Breffni Gordon, counsel for baby Emma Duff, said it was not until five or six days into the holiday that a senior representative had been informed of the serious problem that had developed and had dealt with it as an emergency. Despite this belated action difficulties had continued for several more days for baby Emma and her mother, Mrs Sandra Duff, of Orwell Park Green, Templeogue, Dublin.

Judge White awarded baby Emma £1,000 damages and £2,643 and costs to Mrs Duff.