What are Some Common Accidents at School?

There are many common accidents at school; with hundreds of children and adults using the same site, busy times can lead to collisions, falls, and trips.

At the start of a school year, there are many concerns parents and careers have for their children. Being injured because of an accident on school premises shouldn’t be one of them.

But there is a higher risk, making it important to understand the potential risks that may arise.

Common accidents at school

Whether it be a slip, trip or a fall while on the school playground or moving around the site, with so many people using the same space the potential for collisions and accidents increases on stairs and uneven surfaces.

There may also be playground equipment that allows children to climb to heights, with the possibility of a fall.

Depending on the age of the child, the curriculum also evolves to include specialist classes like Design Technology, which varies in content from the use of cutting equipment to cookery lessons. These bring their own unique, and obvious, potential hazards.

All of these hazards should be identified by the school and assessed for risk.

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How could a school be liable?

When considering common accidents at school, the school itself should have undertaken rigorous risk assessments to mitigate hazards as much as possible.

Failure to do this, or failure to conduct checks on equipment, both in the classroom and outside, that children may use which becomes faulty could also see the school liable should an accident occur as a result.

There is a legal responsibility on the part of the school to deliver as safe an environment for those using the site as possible. If they fail, and an injury is the result, you could be eligible to make a claim on your child’s behalf

How does a claim work for your child?

If a child is under the legal age to claim by themselves, the parent or legal guardian would conduct the claim for them. Acting as a litigation friend, gives authority to the individual to handle all matters and speak on their behalf.

Usually, a person making a personal injury compensation claim has three years from the accident date to submit a claim. However, for children under 18, they have three years from their 18th birthday to do so.

We’d recommend a claim is submitted as soon as possible after an accident though as evidence gathering is easier and witness statements more thorough with the incident fresh in the memory.

Winns can help

No-one wants to consider an injury to their child while they’re at school.

When considering common accidents at school, rely on our team of legal professionals to help with the guidance and knowledge you need. We’ve decades of experience, a track record of successful claims and thousands of positive reviews from clients.

Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

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