WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS INJURED AT SCHOOL
Millions of children are injured in accidents every year, and many of these incidents take place on school grounds. In some cases, negligent acts on the part of teachers, staff or other students can be the cause of those injuries.
Injuries on school grounds can result in personal injury claims, but these types of cases can be difficult to prove in court. Preserving any evidence of a negligent act or injury can be challenging when the event happened at school. While family often visits educational facilities for sporting, chorale, band, and other events, they’re not typically there to witness what’s going on during an average school day.
There are some things to do if your child is injured at school to help strengthen your case by documenting any and all available evidence. These precautions can help a personal injury claim of this type from becoming a “he said, she said” situation.
- School Reports: As a parent, you are entitled to a copy of any report or document filed by a teacher, staff member, or other school employee anytime a child is injured at school.
- Photographs: As soon as your child returns home or is in your custody, photograph their injuries and make sure you take them from as many angles as possible. In addition, try to photograph or take video of any dangerous condition(s) at the school or school property that contributed to the injury as soon as possible. The school district may try to hurry up and fix the issue, which would eliminate potential evidence.
- Witness Statements: It is very important to have witnesses who are willing to testify in the event that your case goes to trial. Even if they know otherwise, school administrators may try to claim that a child’s own negligence resulted in an accident. It can be very helpful to find unbiased witnesses such as a teacher or school nurse anytime a child is injured at school.
- Security Cameras: You or your attorney may be able to access security cameras in the hallways, common areas, outside grounds, at sports facilities, or in the cafeteria. Many schools have these systems installed throughout the property and these videos could show exactly how your child’s injury occurred.
FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS INJURED AT SCHOOL, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL MATTER, WE OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION AND DETAILED CASE EVALUATION.
When a child is injured at school, a parent’s first priority is their health, followed immediately by preserving information about what happened. Get them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as you can, even if the injury seems minor, and keep all records, bills, and follow‑up instructions together in one place. Once they’re safe, let the school know about the injury in writing, ask for a copy of any incident report, and request a clear explanation of where it occurred, what your child was doing, and which adults were responsible for supervision at the time.
Next, focus on evidence. Take photographs of visible injuries and the location where the incident took place—such as a playground, classroom, hallway, or athletic field—and note down the names of staff, students, and parents who saw what happened or can describe conditions beforehand (like broken equipment or ongoing bullying). Save emails, notes, and messages from teachers or administrators, and jot down changes you notice in your child’s mood, pain levels, sleep, or school performance after the injury. Be cautious about giving statements to insurance adjusters, posting details on social media, or signing any “resolution” documents from the school or its insurer before you’ve had a chance to understand the legal implications.
Because public and private schools in Florida have legal duties—but also special protections and time‑sensitive notice requirements—it’s smart to consult a lawyer who regularly handles school‑related injury cases if you think the harm was preventable. An attorney can help determine whether the school failed to act reasonably (for example, by ignoring hazards, providing poor supervision, mishandling sports activities, or failing to address bullying), explain how sovereign immunity and damage caps might limit recovery, and make sure any required notices to the district are filed on time. That support allows you to concentrate on your child’s recovery while someone else works to preserve your rights and pursue compensation for medical care, emotional distress, and any long‑term effects.
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With a combined legal experience of over 50 years in both State and Federal courts, the Tampa Lawyers at Fernandez Law Group are committed to providing quality service to clients while maintaining a high level of respect, integrity, and appreciation for each individuals’ legal needs. If you have questions about the new Florida Supreme Court DUI ruling, or any other legal matter, we’re here to help.
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