The end of summer is right around the corner and for many, it’s time to go back to school in Pennsylvania. That means students of all ages will be getting back into their regular routines, participating in afterschool activities, and trying to complete homework assignments on time.
Even though the normality of back to school might provide parents with a peace of mind of knowing what their children are doing, it doesn’t mean there aren’t risks involved. In fact, many unforeseen accidents happen to children when they are in school or doing extracurricular activities.
Playground Accidents
The playground is no stranger to school injuries. It is one of the few places on school property that supervision can sometimes be lacking, so it’s no wonder that injuries tend to happen here. Playground injuries can range from bumps and bruises to severe head injuries and broken bones.
Without a doubt, some of these injuries can occur without negligence playing a role. However, there are times when injuries could have been avoided. These injuries would be or should have been the school’s responsibility.
Sports Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.6 million children under the age of 19 are treated for injuries related to sports and recreational activities each year. While some of these injuries are unavoidable because of the nature of the sport being played, some can be prevented. Many of the injuries suffered because of playing sports include sprains, strains, dislocations, concussions, and fractures.
Schools must provide safe fields, courts, and practice areas where students can participate in such activities.. If someone gets hurt, the school can be liable for the student’s injury.
School Violence
School violence, such as bullying or fighting, can lead to severe injuries. Students involved in either could end up with broken bones, head injuries, and a variety of other injuries.
With bullying in particular, not only are there risks of physical harm, but also a likelihood of emotional and psychological damage as well.
Student safety falls under a school’s responsibility. If a student causes another harm, school officials should take action.
School Transportation Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 1,282 fatalities related to school transportation accidents from 2007–2016. During that time, 98 school-aged children were killed (18 and younger); sixty percent of those children died because of a school bus-related accident.
As you can see, many children’s lives can be negatively affected by school transportation. You should remind your child to be cautious inside and outside of school transportation, like school buses.
Pedestrian Accidents and School Injuries
Similar to school transportation mishaps, pedestrian accidents can prove to be deadly. Your child needs to be observant while crossing the street or when getting off the bus. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, eighty percent of child pedestrian deaths occur at non-intersection locations.
Our Back to School Injury Lawyers Can Help!
Whenever an accident affects the lives of our children, we must do whatever we can to make things right. And that’s why Fellerman & Ciarimboli is here to help. If your child was injured on or because of school property, our attorneys are ready to fight on your child’s behalf. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.