All parents know that looking after a sick or injured child can be stressful, frightening and often downright unpleasant. It can be particularly upsetting if a child becomes ill or is hurt when they are being looked after by somebody else.
As and when children are old enough to start nursery and then school, it’s perfectly normal to worry about how they are getting along. However, it’s also reasonable to expect your child to return home safe and well at the end of each day. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and sometimes children end up with bumps and scratches that are simply a result of an active and adventurous childhood.
Unfortunately though, children are sometimes injured more seriously and may require medical assistance. Again, in most cases, these injuries are caused by accidents for which there is no blame. More rarely again though, children can suffer long-term injuries which are caused through acts of negligence or omission by the people or organisation with responsibility for their safety.
Figures obtained by an employment advisory service as a result of a freedom of information request have revealed that during the past three years, more than £1.5 million was paid in compensation as a result of injuries to children in schools across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs.
The results reveal injuries including fractured bones and severed fingers, often caused by unsafe equipment in use in school classrooms and during PE.
A spokesman for the company that conducted the research commented: “These figures are shocking and clearly not enough is being done to protect children in schools from what are, in the main, preventable accidents. The statistics emerging… are only the tip of the iceberg and the total number of accidents occurring in schools across England and Wales no doubt runs into many thousands more.”
He continued “…These are quite basic health and safety failings and the government needs to invest more in training, so that accidents that put children in danger are avoided.”
If your child has been injured at school or in nursery, and their injuries required medical attention and/or continue to affect their day to day life, it may be worthwhile taking some initial advice on whether there are grounds to bring a personal injury claim on their behalf.
Can Farleys help?
Our specialist solicitors understand that the idea of bringing a claim can be daunting. However, we also believe that it’s important to understand all of the facts and to speak to an expert before deciding whether or not to proceed with a personal injury claim.
The rules and procedures for bringing a claim on behalf of a child are slightly different to those for an adult, so it’s worthwhile dealing with an expert from the outset.
Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor
Wherever possible, Farleys will pursue a child accident claim on a ‘no win no fee’ basis for your child.
For free initial advice on pursuing a personal injury claim for a child, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 564 3844 or email us today to arrange an appointment.