Schools are supposed to be a safe space where children are protected away from home. But we know accidents happen. And during a pandemic, when anxiety at an all-time high, concerns about children has reached a whole new level.
Parents are keenly aware of the dangers that lurk on school grounds. Beyond contracting the coronavirus, kids are susceptible to injuries, just like all of us. Here’s a look at the most common school-place injuries affecting students:
- Slip and fall
- Bullying
- Virus infection
- Negligent supervision
- School bus injuries
- Food poisoning
- Defective equipment injuries
- Exposure to harmful products e.g., asbestos
- School shootings
School administrators and teachers are charged with caring for your child when in their care. If harm comes to them, that injury could be their fault. Who’s to blame for your child’s illness or injury often depends on where they go to school.
Waivers
If you signed a waiver, the school and its employees might not be liable even if they really are. When playing sports, students usually sign waivers beforehand that acknowledge the risks of playing a sport. Check with an attorney to see how strong the document is and whether there are any gaps.
Private vs. Public Schools
If the school is private, you can sue the school directly. If the school is public, you’ll have to deal with the school district. That might entail filing a claim with the district. An attorney can guide you.
Before and After School Activities
If your child attends before and after-school activities, make sure to read the fine print of any agreement you sign. The school might lease its property to a third party and if that’s the case, that entity and not the school will be the focus of a claim.
COVID-19
Many school districts in the U.S. offer a combination of online and in-school classes with parents provided the option to select what’s best for their child. If you opt to send your child to school, find out what health and safety standards protocols the school has in place. If at any time you feel that your child is in danger, remove them from school.
If your child contracts the virus, report it immediately to the school directly. They will have to take precautions, some of which can include closing the school and issuing a self-quarantine for students and staff.
If you feel your school is not following safety standards, contact an attorney immediately to review your options.
Resource:
Schools and COVID-19
