This website uses cookies
Required cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.
Analytical cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user.
Accidents in Schools Compensation
Children can be clumsy and accidents do happen. But if they are injured due to their school's negligence, you may have a school injury claim.
Schools have a duty of care towards the children, teachers and parents who visit the premises. This means they must take all reasonable measures to prevent harm. This should include regular risk assessments, safety inspections and training for staff members.
If you or your child has been injured on school property, you could be owed compensation.
Can I sue a school for my child’s injury?
As a parent, you’ll know that it’s not uncommon for children to suffer the occasional scrape or bruise. But if your child has been injured in an incident that could have been prevented by their school or nursery, you could have grounds to claim on their behalf.
Some of the most common reasons for people bringing an accident at school claim include:
- Falls from poorly maintained playground equipment
- Illness due to school food not being prepared properly
- Slips on unmarked wet floors
- Sporting injuries where there has been improper use of equipment or a lack of supervision
- Trips caused by uneven flooring or worn carpets
It’s important to note that school accident claims aren’t limited to children. You may also be able to take legal action if:
- You’re a parent who was injured while collecting your children or attending an event
- You’re a teacher who suffered an injury at work – in these cases, you could be entitled to make an accident at work claim
We know that making a claim can feel overwhelming. But you don’t need to go through the process alone, our team is here to support you.
How can First4Lawyers help?
We work with expert personal injury solicitors who are experienced in handling accident at school claims. They’ll work to build a claim on your behalf, gathering evidence and communicating with all the parties involved.
You might be feeling hesitant about taking legal action against a school, and this is completely understandable. But if you or your child has suffered, it’s only right that you pursue compensation and support.
For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. So there will be nothing to pay upfront and no legal fees for you to cover if the case is unsuccessful.
Only pay a fee if you receive compensation
Where we offer No Win No Fee services typically customers pay 25% of the amount recovered to our solicitors, although this may be higher or lower subject to your individual circumstances. Please note this excludes claims for Road Traffic Accidents where customers typically pay 35% + VAT due to changes introduced through the Civil Liability Act 2018.
First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.
How much school injury compensation could I receive?
Every school injury claim is unique, which means it’s difficult to say exactly how much compensation you could be entitled to. But if your case is successful, your compensation will be split into two categories:
- General damages
This part of the settlement will take into account the physical and psychological impact of the incident. - Special damages
If you’ve suffered financial losses due to the accident – such as medical expenses or lost earnings – special damages are there to cover them.
Your solicitor will speak to you in more detail about how much compensation you could be entitled to after reviewing the details of your case.
Will my child have to go to court if I make a claim?
If your child has suffered an injury, you’re able to make a claim on their behalf as a ‘litigation friend’. This means you’ll be responsible for making key decisions about the case, meeting with solicitors and attending any court hearings.
It’s increasingly rare for children to be directly involved in court proceedings, and most cases settle without going to court it all.
If a settlement is reached before your child turns 18, an infant approval hearing will be held to ensure that the compensation amount reached is fair. But this is usually a straightforward process and your solicitor will be there to support you throughout.
What happens to compensation awarded to a child?
When a final settlement has been agreed upon, the compensation will be kept in a protected account until your child turns 18. You’ll have the right to apply to withdraw some of this money early if it is to cover costs related to education, care or further treatment.
You may also consider setting up a personal injury trust. This will ensure that your child’s compensation doesn’t affect any state benefits they may be entitled to when they become an adult.
What is the time limit for school injury claims?
You’ll have until your child’s 18th birthday to make a claim on their behalf. They’ll then have three years to make their own claim.
If you’re a parent or teacher making a claim for yourself, you’ll have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action.
I think I have a school injury claim – what do I do next?
The most important thing to do after suffering an injury in a school is to seek medical attention. Whether it’s for you or your child, getting a medical opinion should be the first priority.
If you haven’t already, report the incident to the school and make sure there is a detailed record of what happened.
After this, you could consider making an accident at school claim. Our friendly team is here to talk to you about the process and answer any questions you may have.
If we think you have a strong case for compensation, we’ll ask if you’d like to be put in touch with one of our expert solicitors. It will be entirely up to you whether you’d like to go ahead with a claim, we’ll never pressure you either way.
To find out more, call us on the number at the top of the screen or fill in our quick and easy claims form today.
We’re here to help, whenever you’re ready.
