Children spend a lot of time at school doing classroom work, sports, and leisure. These things are part of growing up, but they also come with risks. While some accidents are minor and heal quickly, others may have effects that last for a long time. When schools don’t make sure their buildings are safe, accidents like these can cause a lot of problems.
This is where a school injury lawyer can help. If your child gets hurt because of unsafe conditions or poor supervision, you may need legal help. A lawyer can help you figure out who is at fault and what your rights are. When hospital bills and school absences begin to pile up, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
Common Injuries Children Sustain at School
Injuries at school can happen in any room, hallway, playground, or sports area. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures can happen when you trip and fall on playground equipment or in the halls. Most of the time, kids break their arms and legs. A lot of the time, these accidents need casts, therapy, and follow-up visits. There are times when surgery is also needed.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can happen when someone falls, during collisions, or during sports activities. A lot of kids may suffer concussions or even more serious traumatic brain injuries. Some symptoms are dizziness, memory loss, or even long-term cognitive problems. These require immediate medical help and close observation.
Cuts and Lacerations
Kids can get cut from broken furniture, rough play, or sharp points. While some cuts are minor, others need stitches. If you don’t treat deep cuts properly, they can get infected. Often, these accidents are caused by equipment that isn’t safe.
Sprains and Strains
Children in sports or physical education may suffer from twisted ankles and stretched muscles. These injuries could lead to pain and swelling. It may be necessary to rest, ice, and even do physical therapy. These accidents happen more often when there isn’t enough warm-up or supervision.
Joint Dislocation
A lot of dislocations happen when children fall or play contact sports. Shoulders, fingers, and elbows are commonly affected. The child might not be able to move the limb until it’s treated. These injuries may require therapy and take weeks to heal.
Legal Options for Parents After a School Injury
It’s possible that you can sue if your child gets injured at school. But the circumstances are important.
Negligence Must Be Proven
You need to show that the school failed in its duty of care. This could be because of poor management, unsafe facilities, or not paying attention to risks. This could happen if a teacher or staff member wasn’t careful.
Who is Liable?
If the injury happened on school grounds and during school hours, the school district might be responsible. In other situations, a third party, like a maintenance company or equipment manufacturer, may be liable.
Document the Incident
Take pictures of the place where the injury happened and the injury. Get medical records and witness statements. This evidence will help your lawyer make a good case.
Time Limits Apply
In most states, you have a certain amount of time to file a claim against a school. Most of the time, these are shorter than regular injury cases. You can act quickly with the help of a lawyer who knows about school injury rules.
By: Chris Bates
