School Accident Claims Solicitors
If your child or you, as a staff member or visitor was injured in an accident at school due to negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.
Schools have a responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone on the premises, and that’s backed by laws such as the Occupiers Liability Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Regular checks, risk assessments, and proper training for staff are all part of this obligation. When safety standards aren’t followed, accidents can happen, and injuries may occur as a result.
Filing a claim against a school might sound daunting, but it’s worth knowing that these claims can be brought forward if a school or governing body has failed in its duty to keep people safe.
This could mean filing a claim against the local authority in the case of state schools or directly with the governing body for private schools. For a claim to succeed, though, it’s essential to show that the school’s actions—or lack of them—were responsible for what happened.
Who can make a school accident claim?
Parents or Guardians
If your child has been injured, you can act on their behalf to make a claim, representing them throughout the process.
School Staff
Teachers and school staff can also file claims if they’re injured at work due to unsafe conditions.
Visitors
Anyone visiting the school, from parents to contractors or other members of the public, may also claim if they’re hurt due to negligence.
Early Payments Available
Where possible, we’ll push for interim payments to help cover costs, care, and rehabilitation so you’re not worrying about paying the bills while the claim is progressed.
This also helps you get started on getting your life back on track after an accident, or helping you adapt to your new circumstances in the case of serious injuries.
Common types of school accidents and injuries
Schools are busy places, and a lot can happen. Here are some common types of accidents:
- Slips, trips, and falls: These are often caused by wet floors, icy pathways, or obstacles in hallways.
- Injuries from school equipment: Faulty playground equipment, broken desks, or even defective sports gear can lead to serious harm.
- Sports and PE accidents: Accidents in physical education often stem from insufficient supervision or a lack of proper safety checks.
- School trip injuries: When schools fail to assess risks properly or don’t provide enough supervision on trips, injuries can occur.
- Bullying related injuries: If a child is hurt due to bullying, and the school hasn’t taken reasonable steps to prevent it, a claim may be possible.
- Food poisoning: Illness caused by improperly stored or prepared food could be grounds for a claim.
- Lab or art room accidents: Injuries from unsafe handling of chemicals or equipment in practical lessons may lead to liability.
Claims can range from minor injuries to serious, life-changing accidents. Whether it’s a broken bone or a more significant injury, it’s essential to look into your options if negligence was involved.
Proving negligence in a school accident
For a successful claim, there must be evidence that:
- The School Had a Duty of Care: Schools must ensure safety.
- This Duty Was Breached: The school fell short in following reasonable safety steps.
- The Breach Led to Injury: The injury must be directly linked to this negligence.
Evidence is critical to building a strong claim. You might need:
- Accident Reports: Request a copy of the report from the school to document the incident.
- Witness Statements: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.
- Photos or Videos: Any visual documentation can be valuable, especially of the accident location or faulty equipment.
- Medical Records: Get records that outline the injuries and any treatments received.
What to expect in the claims process
Consultation: First, you’ll have a free consultation with our personal injury claim solicitors to discuss your case and understand your options.
Evidence Gathering: If you decide to move forward, the solicitor will start collecting all the necessary evidence.
Negotiation: Your solicitor will present the claim to the school or its insurers and negotiate a fair settlement.
Court Proceedings: If no agreement is reached, the claim may go to court. For child claims, an “infant approval hearing” is typically required, even if both sides agree to the settlement, to ensure the outcome is fair for the child.
What can compensation cover?
Compensation can help cover several areas, such as:
- General Damages: These are awarded for pain, suffering, and the overall impact on quality of life.
- Special Damages: These cover expenses such as: Medical Costs: Including treatment, therapy, and medication.
- Lost Income: If a parent had to take time off work to care for a child, or if the injury impacts future earning potential.
- Travel Costs: Trips to medical appointments or therapy sessions.
- Home Adjustments: Funding to make necessary changes to the home, like ramps or grab bars.
- Care Needs: For professional care or help with daily tasks.
- Educational Support: Costs for any extra educational help required after an injury.
Time limits for making a school accident claim
For Children: You can make a claim on behalf of a child at any point up until their 18th birthday. After that, they have three years to claim on their own.
For Adults: There is typically a three-year time limit from the date of the accident.
No win no fee school accident claims
Most school accident claims are pursued on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront and only pay if your claim is successful. If successful, a small percentage is deducted from the compensation as agreed with your solicitor at the beginning, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Why Wolferstans?
Working with experienced solicitors in school accident claims can make a significant difference. Here’s what Wolferstans can offer:
Expert Guidance: Our team understands the complexities of school accident claims and can provide clear advice from day one.
Negotiation: We’ll handle communication with the school and its insurers to pursue a fair settlement.
Representation in Court: If the case goes to court, we’ll represent you and ensure your voice is heard.
Peace of Mind: Let us take on the legal side so you can focus on supporting your child or recovering from the accident.
If an injury at school has impacted you or your child, contact Wolferstans to discuss your options. We’re here to provide the information, support, and expertise you need to make a claim confidently.
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