New York Schools May be Liable for an Injury Sustained by a Child

While children tend to be accident-prone, due to their constant curiosity, parents are still entitled to have a reasonable expectation that his or her child is kept safe while under the care of an institution. Institutions are supposed to have safety precautions in place to ensure the safety of every child. However, according to SafeKids Worldwide, approximately two million kids under the age of fourteen suffer from a school-related injury every year, and of those injuries, forty-three percent require hospitalization. Common school-related injuries include:

• Bus accidents;
• Injuries at the bus stop;
• Sports activities;
• After school programs;
• Physical education;
• Altercations between students or teachers;
• Slip and fall; and
• Playground or recess.

The negligence of an institution’s staff members or administrators, which may result in a private or public institution being held responsible for a child’s injury include:

• Failing to establish appropriate safety policies;
• Failing to maintain the premises;
• Failing to properly hire or train staff members;
• Failing to provide adequate oversight of staff members;
• Failing to supervise the children;
• Inadequate or inappropriate medical treatment by school nurses;
• Poorly maintained equipment;
• Negligent operation of a bus;
• Inadequate oversight at bus stops; and
• Negligent selection of a transportation provider.

If a child is injured at a public or private institution either during school or at a school-sponsored activity, multiple parties may be held responsible for any injuries that a child sustained. Those who may share liability include:

• The school district;
• The school;
• Staff members;
• Equipment manufacturers;
• Outside event providers;
• Transportation companies; and
• Vehicle manufacturers.

It is important to speak with an experienced attorney who may assist in determining which parties may be held liable for a child’s injuries in order to receive the just compensation that he or she deserves. A child’s injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries that require long-term hospitalization and continued therapy sessions as a result of a traumatic event.

An experienced New York injury lawyer may help assist a family through this complex legal process in order to obtain compensation for the injuries suffered. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in handling all aspects of personal injury and wrongful death cases and is dedicated to providing compassionate and cost-effective solutions to its clients. Contact the New York personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates at (347) 497-3245 for a free phone consultation.