When your child is at school, you rightfully assume the teachers and other staff are watching out for them. Schools are generally safe, but children can suffer injuries when teachers and administrators do not protect the children in their care.
If your child was injured at school, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation for the harm they suffered. To learn more about schools’ duty to protect children, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free consultation.
Common Causes of School Injuries
Some of the most common incidents that cause school injuries include the following:
- School bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sports injuries
- Playground injuries
- Bullying and fights among students
- Food poisoning
- Exposure to toxic substances
Common Types of School Injuries
School injuries can be severe, depending on the circumstances. Some common types of injuries that happen at schools are:
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Bruises and black eyes
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Illnesses related to food poisoning or exposure to toxic substances
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Emotional distress and other mental health disorders
In Loco Parentis: The Duty Schools Have to Protect Your Children
School teachers and administrators are legally obligated to protect students when they are on school property or participating in school-related activities. This duty is called in loco parentis, a Latin phrase that means “in the place of a parent.” Essentially, schools are required to care for students like a parent would anytime students are at school. A school that fails to uphold this duty may be liable for injuries a child suffers on school grounds.
What Actions Are Considered to Be Negligent by a School?
If a student is injured because a school doesn’t follow standards of care, the school could be considered negligent. Various actions may be deemed to be negligent, including the following:
- Not fixing broken sidewalks or other hazards on school grounds
- Incorrectly installing or not maintaining handrails or other safeguards
- Exposing children to asbestos or other toxic substances
- Not adequately supervising students
- Improperly or inadequately training school bus drivers
- Not preparing or storing food properly to mitigate food-borne illnesses
- Not maintaining playgrounds or other outdoor equipment
- Not preparing for emergencies
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured at School
If your child is injured at school, here is what you should do to protect them and your legal rights:
- Take pictures of your child’s injuries and, if possible, the scene of the accident
- Look for eyewitnesses or nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident
- Take your child to the doctor immediately and make copies of their medical records
- Contact a personal injury lawyer for help pursuing compensation
Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer to Demand the Compensation You Deserve
If your child was injured at school, you have legal rights that could entitle you to seek the compensation your family needs. The team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can help you pursue justice and accountability. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
