The back-to-school season brings with it a sense of renewal and excitement—but also new risks. As children return to classrooms, playgrounds, and sports fields, schools are once again tasked with ensuring a safe environment. Unfortunately, injuries on school grounds are all too common. When negligence is involved, families may have legal options under New York’s premises liability laws.
Children spend a significant portion of their day at school, and parents trust that the staff and administrators will take appropriate steps to protect their safety. However, schools don’t always meet this standard. From inadequate supervision to poorly maintained facilities, preventable hazards can quickly lead to serious injury.
Common Causes of School-Related Injuries
While children are naturally active, not every injury is an accident. Many result from unsafe conditions or a lack of appropriate care:
- Playground injuries caused by broken or poorly maintained equipment
- Slip and falls due to wet floors, loose tiles, or cluttered hallways
- Sports injuries from a lack of supervision or unsafe conditions during gym class
- Bus-related incidents due to inadequate monitoring or unsafe vehicle operation
- Bullying and assaults that occur under staff supervision or due to a failure to intervene
In these cases, the school or school district may be held liable if they failed to provide adequate safety measures or supervision.
Legal Responsibility Under Premises Liability
Under New York law, schools are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises and protecting students from foreseeable harm. Depending on the specific circumstances, various parties may be liable:
- The school district (for public schools)
- Private school administrators
- Bus companies
- Maintenance or custodial staff
- Vendors or contractors operating on school property
Claims involving public schools require a timely Notice of Claim, typically within 90 days of the injury. This makes it essential to act quickly and consult a qualified school injury lawyer in NYC.
What To Do If Your Child Is Injured at School
In the aftermath of a school injury, parents should:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor.
- Document the scene with photos, if possible, and gather witness information.
- Report the incident to school officials and request a written report.
- Consult a child injury attorney to determine your legal options.
At Sullivan Papain, we understand how overwhelming it can be when your child is hurt due to someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys advocate for families throughout the claims process and work to hold school systems accountable when they fail in their duty of care.