Experts Advise What to Do if Your Child Is Injured at School
Most parents would prefer to think of their child’s school as a safe space, but accidents can and do happen.
If your child is injured at school, it’s important to keep a clear head and work out what to do next. Read on for some advice, so you are prepared if the worst does happen.
Concentrate on Your Child First
Before worrying about what happened and who is at fault, deal with your child first. They will likely be upset and want you there with them. They may even be in the hospital and you will have to deal with that before talking to the school.
If there has been an accident involving your child, the school will most likely call you. Depending on the severity of the incident, collect your child and take them for a check-up or a trip to the ER. If the accident is really bad, your child might already have been transported to hospital.
Once you are happy your child is going to be OK, it’s time to speak to the school to find out what happened.
Find Out What Went Wrong
Before you start blaming anyone and everyone, get the facts of what happened straight in your mind. Speak to your child’s teacher or principal. Try to stay calm and definitely don’t lose your temper, even if you feel the school is at fault in some way.
It’s very important to get the facts of the case. The school may not be at fault if your child was misbehaving in some way or in an area they were not supposed to access. The injury could also have been caused by another child as part of a playground fight.
It’s a good idea to record any conversations you have with the school. There are lots of apps that can do this for you. If there were any witnesses, such as other children, speak to them. If you plan on filing a lawsuit against the school for negligence, the evidence is important, so collect as much as possible in the preliminary stages while everyone is off-guard.
Once you know the facts, you can decide what to do next. If you decide to take legal action, consult a reputable attorney with experience of personal injury claims. They will be able to advise you on whether you have a legitimate claim and any hope of compensation for your child.
When is the School Likely to Be At Fault?
Schools are obliged to do everything in their power to provide a safe environment for children. This means the fixtures and fittings should be well maintained and safe, and students should be properly supervised at all times. The school’s duty of care extends to school transport if it is provided by the school, so if your child has an accident on a school bus, the school is at fault. Schools are also supposed to prevent bullying by other pupils or abuse by teachers and other adults in positions of authority.
If you have any reason to believe that your child’s school could and should have prevented your child from being injured in any way, always consult a lawyer for advice.
