As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen how negligence in schools can lead to serious harm. As parents, we trust schools to provide a safe environment for our children, but what happens when that trust is broken? 

Negligence can take many forms and it’s essential to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. Here, we look into how school negligence can manifest and what you should look out for to protect your child.

Poor Supervision: The First Red Flag

Lack of supervision is one of the most common signs of school negligence. Whether it’s during recess, lunch breaks or school outings, proper adult supervision is critical to keeping children safe. When schools fail to provide adequate supervision, children are at greater risk of injury from accidents, bullying, or even stranger danger.

A school may be considered negligent if a child is injured due to a lack of adult presence in key areas like playgrounds, hallways, or classrooms. For example, playground injuries are often a result of insufficient supervision, with more than 200,000 children treated annually for playground-related injuries in the U.S. alone. 

Schools should always ensure enough staff are present to monitor students, particularly in potentially hazardous areas.

Unsafe Facilities and Equipment

The presence of unsafe facilities or poorly maintained equipment is another clear indicator of school negligence. Broken playground equipment, damaged flooring, and faulty gym equipment all pose significant risks to students. In some cases, schools cut corners when it comes to maintaining their facilities, putting children’s safety on the line.

If your child has been injured by faulty or broken school equipment, this could be a sign that the school failed to maintain a safe environment. Schools are responsible for regular inspections and repairs to ensure their facilities meet safety standards. Neglecting this responsibility is a form of negligence that can have severe consequences.

Lack of Response to Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue, and schools have a responsibility to address it proactively. If your child is being bullied and the school is failing to take action, this can be considered negligence. Schools must have policies in place to prevent and respond to bullying incidents. If they ignore complaints or fail to investigate and resolve issues of harassment or bullying, they could be putting your child at risk of physical or emotional harm.

The effects of bullying can be long-lasting and, if untreated, can lead to severe psychological trauma. If you suspect that your child is being bullied and the school is not responding appropriately, it may be time to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Inadequate Emergency Preparedness

Another sign of negligence is when a school is unprepared for emergencies. Schools must have clear safety protocols for fires, natural disasters, or lockdown situations. If a school does not regularly conduct safety drills, maintain emergency exits, or have a plan in place, they are putting students at risk.

Parents should feel confident that their child’s school is ready to handle an emergency efficiently. Contact your personal injury lawyer now to discuss school negligence!