Slip and Falls in Schools
Slip and fall accidents happen commonly in schools. Conditions are rife with risk factors. The number of students interacting in schools every day means walkways can be overcrowded. Slick, non-porous flooring is usually chosen for its ease of maintenance. Floors can be slippery and lead to frequent slips and falls.
In-School Slip and Fall numbers
Each year over 300 million American children are injured at school. Slips and falls represent about 12% of those injuries. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common sources of in-school injury. Parents and students should know their rights following a slip and fall.
Slips and Falls Have Serious Consequences
A slip and fall accident can change someone’s life forever. Physical injuries are commonly associated with slip and fall accidents. Some of these can create long-term health problems. Traumatic accidents also affect mental health
One-Time Injuries
Students who experience a slip and fall at school can face a wide range of injuries and outcomes. Some are more severe while others are minor. Every year 700 Americans die from slip and fall accidents. Injuries from slips and falls can include:
Contusions
Fractures
Concussions
Soft tissue damage
A slip and fall may seem like a minor incident at first. It’s important to seek medical attention directly following any slip and fall accident. It’s better to rule out any serious injury as soon as possible. The consequences of an accident could be lifelong.
Chronicle Problems
A slip and fall accident can cause any number of ongoing issues for the victim. The trauma of the incident can create a mental strain. Victims of a slip and fall may also experience chronic pain after their incident. Some may even suffer a physical disability as a result of the accident.
Preventing Slip and Falls in Schools
It’s important to take precautions against slip and fall accidents in schools. These incidents can cause serious injury and chronic disabilities. There is a lot that schools can do to lower the risk of student slips and falls. Proper prevention is the key to safety.
Regular Outdoor Maintenance
Ensuring all outdoor spaces and walkways are well maintained is important. Regular maintenance of outdoor student areas will ensure that all tripping hazards and weather events are managed. Proper maintenance of trees prevents a lot of dangerous ground cover.
Entryway Safety
School entryways take a brutal beating during inclement weather. Rainy days see hundreds of students track water inside. Rain, slush, snow, and hail all make their way inside on student shoes. Proper floor covering to provide traction is an important feature.
Proper Footwear
Many school dress codes specifically address footwear and safety. Flip Flops and other shoes that can be slid out of are typically banned. It’s important to set expectations with students as to which footwear is acceptable. Students can actively take part in preventing slips and falls by choosing safe shoes.
Regular Indoor Maintenance
Conditions inside schools must be continually supervised. Regular maintenance is a matter of safety. Damaged flooring and leaking pipes can cause the right conditions for an accident. By regularly checking for unsafe conditions, many accidents can be prevented. Student areas should be monitored frequently.
Frequent Risk Inspections
A great safety plan and policies are essential. It’s no use to have a plan if risks are allowed to develop unchecked. Regularly inspecting schools for slip and fall hazards prevents unsafe conditions from forming. Students can even be relied on to report maintenance issues.
Safety Policies
Safety policies put in place to prevent accidents benefit students and faculty. Knowing how to prevent a slip and fall and how to react after one can change the outcome of an accident. Policies about proper footwear and clothing as well as rules about horseplay can all reduce slip and fall accidents. Schools should be prepared with safety policies for accident response.
In Loco Parentis
In Loco Parentis is a Latin phrase that means schools are just as responsible for the safety of students as their parents are. Schools are obligated to provide a safe environment for children. Failure to provide this environment could lead to a tragic accident. Parents should be able to trust schools to keep their children safe. Schools are expected to:
Provide adequate access to food and water
Provide clean and safe restroom facilities
Maintain a safe environment
Monitor student activity
If parents feel their school is not properly protecting their child they have legal rights. Schools found accountable for safety violations can lose funding, face fines, and more. Parents and students should feel empowered to speak out about any safety hazards they may see. No one can learn in an unsafe environment.
What to do After a slip and fall at School
After a slip and fall at school, a victim and their family should report the incident to their local school authorities as soon as possible. Evidence should be gathered to prove that the school was liable for the accident. This proof can include witness statements, photos, and security camera footage. Parents will need to file a legal action against the school to receive compensation.
Premises Liability
A slip and fall can financially impact the victim and their family. Medical bills for treatment can be expensive. If the accident was due to the negligence of the school parents can seek compensation. Sufficient Evidence would be needed to prove liability. Parents should contact a personal injury attorney after a fall.
Compensation
A slip and fall can be expensive. If liability is proven the school may be forced to compensate families for medical bills, equipment, pain and suffering, and more. A personal injury lawyer can assess what compensation a family may be entitled to. A tragic accident shouldn’t become a financial burden.
Slip and fall injuries are serious a risk to school children. In the crowded hallways, it’s easy to lose footing. A wet, snowy foyer becomes a slippery hazard. Children can still be seriously injured from a slip and fall. Appropriate safety measures should be taken to keep kids well at school.
