(235+)Slips and falls happen every day. However, when they occur at a school, the consequences can be especially serious.
Students, teachers, staff, and visitors can all be at risk of injury due to hazardous conditions on school grounds. If you have suffered a slip and fall at a school, it is important to know your rights and what steps to take next. As experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys, Gibbons & Crichton is here to help guide you through this difficult time.
Slip and Fall at School Meaning and Triggers
Schools have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for everyone who enters their property.
When they fail in this duty, and someone gets hurt, the school may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Many potential slip and fall hazards can exist at schools. Here are some;
- Icy walkways and parking lots in cold weather
- Uneven pavement, potholes, or cracked sidewalks
- Loose handrails or broken steps on stairways
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or recent cleaning
- Tripping hazards like electrical cords or uneven carpeting
- Poor lighting that makes it hard to see obstacles
What To Do After a Slip and Fall at School
The steps you take immediately after a slip and fall accident at a school can have a big impact on an injury claim. Here are some important things to do to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out by a doctor. Some serious conditions like concussions and soft tissue damage may not be obvious at first. Prompt medical care will ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and documented.
- Report the accident to the school. Notify a teacher, principal, or administrator about what happened. Provide details about where and how you fell and what you believe caused the accident. Ask them to create a written incident report and give you a copy.
- Document the scene. If you can safely do so, take photos of the area where you fell, including any hazardous conditions like wet floors or broken pavement. Write down the names and contact info of any witnesses.
- Save evidence. Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing when the accident occurred. If faulty equipment or school furniture plays a role, preserve it as evidence if possible.
- Watch what you say. Stick to the facts when discussing the fall with school officials and insurance representatives. Do not apologize or take the blame. Anything you say may be used against you later.
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer. School injury cases can be complex. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. A lawyer who knows the ropes can be your guide through the whole process – handling the legal stuff, going toe-to-toe with the insurance companies, and fighting in your corner for the compensation you’re owed.
When documenting the accident scene, be as thorough as possible. Take pictures from multiple angles, showing the entire area around where you fell. Capture close-up shots of any specific hazards, like torn carpeting, broken tiles, or spilled liquids. If there are any visible signs or barriers related to the dangerous condition, photograph those too.
Get the full names, phone numbers, and email addresses of any witnesses who saw you fall or were nearby when it happened. Their statements can provide valuable support for your claim. If your injuries prevent you from gathering evidence yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to do it for you. Evidence can disappear and memories can fade over time, so it is important to move quickly and decisively to build your case.
Liability for School Slip and Fall Accidents
To hold a school liable for a slip and fall, you typically need to prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The school knew or should have known about the hazard
- The school failed to fix the danger or provide adequate warning
- You suffered injuries as a result of the school’s negligence
However, there may be special rules and restrictions on injury claims against public schools and government entities. An experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can help determine who is liable in your specific situation and what legal options you have.
Compensation for School Slip and Fall Injuries
If you were hurt in a slip and fall at a school, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses if you need ongoing care
- Lost wages from missed work while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Other economic and non-economic damages
The value of a school slip and fall case depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the available insurance coverage. A knowledgeable lawyer can estimate what your claim may be worth.
Get Help from a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Attorney
At Gibbons & Crichton, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious slip and fall injury can take. When an accident happens at a school, the situation can be especially upsetting and the legal issues very complex. But you do not have to go through this alone.
Our caring Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers are here to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Let us deal with the school administrators and insurance adjusters while you focus on healing.
If you or a family member has been injured in a slip and fall at a school in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, call Gibbons & Crichton today for a free consultation. Do not delay, as strict filing deadlines may apply to school injury claims.
Contact us now to learn your rights and explore your options. Let us work to hold negligent schools accountable and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
