Child Injuries and School Negligence

Children depend on adults to keep them safe at daycare, school, camp and play. When caregivers fail to supervise, maintain safe premises or follow safety rules, children can be seriously hurt.

We represent families of children injured through negligence, including injuries at school and daycare, on playgrounds and school buses, and from dangerous toys and products.

Case Types We Handle

Our Child Injuries and School Negligence practice includes 12 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Daycare NegligenceDaycare negligence involves inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions and licensing violations.
• Childcare Facility InjuriesChildcare facility injuries involve falls, choking, abuse and unsafe equipment.
• School Premises InjuriesSchool premises injuries involve unsafe buildings, grounds and equipment.
• School Bus InjuriesSchool bus injuries involve unsafe driving, boarding and supervision by school transportation providers.
• Playground Injuries
• Inadequate School SupervisionInadequate school supervision claims involve injuries that proper supervision would have prevented.
• Child Pedestrian Injuries
• Child Bicycle Injuries
• Defective Toys and Child ProductsDefective toy and child product claims involve hazards such as choking, strangulation and lead content.
• Swimming Pool and Drowning InjuriesSwimming pool and drowning injuries to children often involve missing fences, gates or supervision.
• Youth Camp InjuriesYouth camp injuries involve inadequate supervision, unsafe activities and poor staff training.
• Child Injury Wrongful DeathChild injury wrongful death claims help families after the preventable death of a child.

Common Causes of Child Injuries and School Negligence

• Inadequate supervision
• Unsafe playground equipment and surfaces
• Untrained or insufficient staff
• Unsafe transportation
• Pool and drowning hazards
• Defective toys and child products

Injuries and Losses We See

• Head injuries and concussions
• Fractures
• Drowning injuries
• Burns
• Emotional trauma

Special Rules for Children's Claims

Deadlines for children's injury claims may be extended until adulthood in some states, but claims against public schools may require prompt notice. Many states require court approval of settlements for minors, and compensation may be placed in protected accounts.

How We Investigate Child Injuries and School Negligence Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Incident reports and staff statements
• Supervision ratios and policies
• Facility licensing and inspection records
• Pediatric medical records

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Daycares and childcare providers
• Schools and school districts
• Camps and youth programs
• Product manufacturers

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care and follow your treatment plan
2. Report the incident to the appropriate authority
3. Preserve photos, documents and other evidence
4. Write down what happened while it is fresh
5. Avoid statements to insurers and social media posts
6. Speak with an attorney about your options

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.