The Most Common Accidents in Schools
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Can I Claim for My Child’s School Accident?
If your child has been injured at school due to negligence, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. Schools have a duty of care to protect students, and when this duty is breached, it can lead to avoidable injuries.
Our expert solicitors can guide you through the process of making a claim to ensure you get the compensation your child deserves.
Most Common Accidents in Schools
Where children are involved, there are some accidents that are just that, accidents. Children have accidents whilst playing that are unavoidable. However, there are some instances where the school may be at fault for accidents in schools.
It is crucial for schools to identify accidents and sudden illness that may occur in a learning environment. They should then minimise the relevant hazards.
Some of the most common accidents in schools include:
Playground Equipment Accidents
Schools have a responsibility to make sure that playgrounds are safe for children. Climbing equipment should not be too high, and the ground underneath the climbing equipment must be soft enough to stop a child being badly injured.
Maintenance and checks must also happen regularly on any equipment that children use. This is to ensure that children are not injured on broken equipment.
Slips, Trips and Falls on School Premises
If a child slips or trips on the school premises because of a defect in the paving or a hole in the fields, then the school may be liable.
Schools must ensure that the premises are free from broken paving, holes, or other defects. This helps to ensure both children and parents are safe.
Classroom Accidents
Accidents that happen in classrooms that can be the school’s fault include:
- Failure to supervise children
- Broken desks or chairs
- Broken equipment
- Damaged floors or carpets.
Schools must ensure that their classrooms are free from broken or faulty equipment to ensure children are safe.
Accidents on School Trips
Schools still have a duty of care to protect children on school trips. They must ensure that they supervise children adequately to prevent accidents from happening.
Sports Injuries
Physical education and extracurricular sports often carry risks. Injuries in schools may result from improper use of equipment, lack of supervision, or inadequate safety protocols.
Schools must ensure that activities are safely managed, and equipment is well-maintained.
Chemical Exposures
Hazardous chemicals in science labs or art classrooms can cause burns, respiratory issues, or other injuries. Proper storage, handling, and supervision are critical to ensuring students’ safety during experiments or projects involving chemicals.
Electrical Accidents
Faulty wiring, poorly maintained appliances, or misuse of electrical equipment can result in shocks or fires. Schools must conduct regular safety checks and address potential hazards promptly.
School Transport Accidents
Accidents involving school buses or transport vehicles can occur on the way to or from school. If the school outsources transport services, liability may rest with the bus or coach company rather than the school itself.
Claiming on Behalf of a Child for Accidents in Schools
If your child has a school accident caused by negligence, you may be able to claim on their behalf. The process can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can make all the difference.
Step 1: Safety and well-being
Ensure your child receives prompt medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. A healthcare professional can assess the injury fully and provide a medical record, which is crucial for supporting your claim.
Step 2: Document the accident
Gather as much evidence as possible about the incident, including:
- A copy of the school’s accident report.
- Photographs of the location and any visible hazards.
- Witness statements from teachers, staff, or other students
This documentation strengthens your case and helps establish the school’s liability.
Step 3: Consult a solicitor
Speak with us to gain access to a solicitor experienced in school accident claims. We can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and ensure deadlines are met.
Our team works on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you can focus on your child’s recovery without worrying about upfront costs.
How long do I have to make a school accident claim?
The time frame for making a claim is also different if the accident involves a child. Usually in personal injury cases, a person has three years from the date the accident happened to make a claim.
However, when a child has an accident, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf until they turn 18. The child then has until they turn 21 to make a claim for themselves.
However, we still recommend making a claim as soon as possible.
Understanding Safety in Schools
Children are the most prone to accidents overall. However, some common accidents in schools can happen due to negligence on the school’s part.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight the need for a sensible approach to health and safety management in schools. One that focuses on “real risks with the potential to cause harm”, rather than “trivial matters and unnecessary paperwork.”
The HSE go on to say that while traditional classrooms are typically lower risk, the risk to children may increase in:
- Design and Technology workshops
- science labs
- art studios
- textiles
- drama
- PE
They also mention higher risk situations such as vehicle and pedestrian movement, construction/refurbishment work, and adventure activities.
How We Can Help with Accidents in Schools
Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes accidents in schools. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 0800 182 2185 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.
