What to Do If Your Child Is Injured at School
When you send your kids to school, you put faith that the administrators will keep them safe from harm. Unfortunately, there are countless incidents of children being seriously injured on campuses across the country. While some injuries are the result of pure accidents, others are caused by a failure to maintain a safe premises.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, we represent families whose children have been hurt on a school campus or while under the care of school staff. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve if their child is injured because of another person’s negligence. If your kid was hurt while at school, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 to schedule a free consultation.
What Types of Injuries Happen at School
Schools hold numerous hazards that could seriously injure a child. Teachers and staff often carefully navigate these obstacles to provide for the safety of all students on campus. However, there are times when a school’s negligence results in severe harm.
Common injuries at school include:
- Transportation and bus accidents
- Playground injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sport-related injuries
- Falling objects
- Inadequate security
School-related injuries often range in severity. Children often sustain sprains and bruises, but they can also have broken bones and brain injuries. If your child was injured while at school, you need to seek emergency medical treatment and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
When to Call an Attorney
Any time that your child is seriously injured at school, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, including your family’s right to compensation. Holding school districts accountable is often challenging due to sovereign immunity, but there are instances where you will be able to obtain a financial recovery for your child’s losses.
In order to obtain the largest recovery possible, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney will discuss your legal options, including if you can file a lawsuit against the school, district, or another entity.
Legal Liability: Private vs. Public School
Who you can hold liable and how you pursue a lawsuit will vary depending on whether your child attends public or private school. For instance, private schools are not government entities and therefore are not subject to the same immunity or privilege as public schools.
Suing a public school, however, can be more difficult since they enjoy sovereign immunity. First, you only have six months from the date of the incident to file a claim with the school district. If the district rejects the claim, you can file a claim under the California Tort Claims Act. It is imperative that you speak to an experienced lawyer as early in the process as possible to ensure that you protect your child’s rights.
School Transportation & Legal Liability
One of the most common types of injuries that happen to children during school hours is those related to bus accidents. In many instances, if the accident was caused by the school bus driver and they are employed by the district, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the school. An attorney who is well-versed in school transportation accidents can help ensure that you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Was Your Child Injured While at School in Los Angeles?
If your child was injured while at school in Los Angeles, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us get you the compensation you deserve after a school-related accident. Call now to get started.
