Justice for Liam: Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Filed After Heartbreaking Daycare Accident
In a devastating pursuit of justice and accountability, the parents of a 17-month-old boy are taking legal action following a catastrophic accident that claimed their son’s life. Behnoush Hajihossein Nouri and Masoud Riazati-Kesheh have filed a lawsuit exceeding $4 million against both the driver responsible and the daycare facility in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto.
The legal action, filed in March 2026 before the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, seeks damages for the unimaginable loss and psychological trauma suffered by the family.
The Fatal Collision: What Happened?
The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of September 10, 2025, when a SUV violently crashed through the glass facade of the First Roots Early Education Academy. The impact resulted in the death of young Liam Riazati and left three other children and seven staff members injured, requiring immediate hospitalization.
The driver, 70-year-old Vinay Kumar Gupta, has already pleaded guilty to several charges of dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm. According to court documents, the incident occurred while Gupta was attempting to park to pick up his grandchildren.
Negligence and Driver Incompetence
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of the driver’s state of mind and competence. The plaintiffs allege that Mr. Gupta was negligent and lacked the necessary skill to operate the vehicle, which was not his own but was used solely because it had child seats. Key allegations include:
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- Lack of Vehicle Control: He was unfamiliar with the SUV’s operations, including the use of the handbrake.
- Impaired Ability: Claims that his capacity to drive was altered by physical, psychological, or cognitive health issues.
- Distractions: The pursuit of a legal remedy highlights that the driver’s attention may have been diverted by an electronic device.
- Reckless Manoeuvres: The use of excessive speed and reckless movements before crashing through the sidewalk and into the building.
Questioning Daycare Safety Protocols
Beyond the driver’s culpability, the lawsuit targets the First Roots Early Education Academy for failing to ensure a safe environment. The parents argue that the facility was negligent in its infrastructure, noting a critical lack of protective barriers.
The legal filing suggests that the tragedy could have been avoided if the daycare had implemented standard safety measures, such as:
- Bollards or Protective Barriers: To separate the sidewalk from the facility’s glass windows.
- Speed Calming Measures: Including speed bumps or orange cones to slow down traffic in the immediate vicinity.
- Risk Management: The parents claim the administration knew that vehicles regularly parked in high-risk areas directly in front of the children’s play and learning spaces.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Sentencing
While the civil lawsuit progresses, the criminal proceedings for Vinay Kumar Gupta continue. Although he has pleaded guilty, he has not yet been sentenced. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for this autumn at the Newmarket courthouse.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of pedestrian safety and facility security in areas frequented by young children. For more information on road safety standards in Canada, you can visit Transport Canada.
