Dropping your child off at school often means entrusting their safety to the hands of strangers. While most school workers can be trusted, many are neglectful or just plain negligent and endanger the well-being of countless students.
Injuries are one of the worst things that can happen to your child while at school. If your child was injured on school property or even just traveling to and from school, you could have the right to recover monetary compensation for the damages your child has suffered. A Rizk Law child injury lawyer can represent your and your child’s interests during your fight for justice.
Can the School Be Held Responsible if Your Child Is Injured?
Oregon schools have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for anyone who utilizes the property, which includes ensuring that all areas are sufficiently maintained, including the buildings themselves, as well as outdoor areas on school grounds, such as sidewalks, courtyards, and playgrounds.
While some level of roughhousing is expected with children, if teachers or other school staff fail to prevent or end dangerous activities, they could be legally at fault if a child suffers an injury. If the school fails to hire, train, and supervise responsible and qualified staff, the children in their care will not receive proper supervision, which could result in serious injuries. Oregon schools that neglect to hire enough staff or adequately oversee students may be accountable for injuries as a result of their negligence.
If the school or its staff neglected to meet the duty of care they owe your child, they can be held legally responsible for your child’s injury.
When Would an Oregon School Not Be at Fault for a Child’s Injury?
Schools can often be held responsible for child injuries suffered by kids during school hours, but if your child was not hurt while they were on school property (such as at a bus stop or an off-campus activity), there is less of a chance your child’s school can be held responsible. Although parents of children who are injured on school buses may not be able to go after the child’s school directly, the bus company and its driver may be held responsible, depending on the nature of the accident.
A student hit by a car while walking home from school may not be eligible to seek retribution from the school for damages. Schools can also often avoid responsibility for playground injuries that happen on weekends, after school has already been dismissed, or during summer or holiday breaks, provided the equipment itself is not hazardous.
An Oregon personal injury attorney can conduct a full, independent investigation into your child’s accident at school to identify the parties who played a part in your child’s injury. Once all of the at-fault parties have been identified, your lawyer will work to defend your claim and fight for your family’s interests so that you can get the settlement you need to recover damages such as medical expenses, time off of work, and your child’s pain and suffering.
Hold a Negligent Oregon School Responsible for Your Child’s Injury
Your most valuable asset is your children, and you do not take risks when it comes to caring for them, which is why you should partner with a personal injury attorney who is passionate about ensuring that children are properly supervised and protected in Oregon schools.
If your child is injured at school, a Rizk Law child injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Get started with a free evaluation of your child’s situation by calling (503) 245-5677 or filling out our convenient contact form.
