Slip And Fall Accidents At School: What Parents Should Know

Understanding When A School May Be Legally Responsible For Your Child’s Injury

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries in schools. Whether it’s a wet hallway, an icy sidewalk, or a loose tile in the cafeteria, these incidents can lead to sprains, broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. When a child is hurt on school grounds, parents often wonder if the school is responsible and whether legal action is possible.

Below, our friends from Hayhurst Law PLLC discuss what parents should know about slip and fall accidents that happen at school.

Schools Have A Duty To Maintain Safe Conditions

All schools are legally required to keep their property reasonably safe for students, staff, and visitors. This duty of care includes regular maintenance, cleaning, and prompt attention to known hazards. If the school fails to fix a dangerous condition or to warn about it, and a student is injured as a result, the school could be held liable for negligence.

Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Injuries

These types of injuries can happen almost anywhere on school property. Some of the most common causes include wet floors after mopping, spills that are not cleaned up quickly, icy sidewalks that were not salted, broken stairs or railings, loose carpeting, poor lighting in hallways, or debris left in walkways. If the school knew about the problem—or should have known—and did nothing to fix it in a reasonable time, they may be legally responsible for any injuries that result.

Was The Accident Preventable

The key legal question in a school slip and fall case is whether the injury was preventable. That means asking whether a reasonable school would have identified and corrected the hazard before the injury occurred. For example, if a student slipped on a puddle in the hallway five minutes after a spill, the school may not be at fault. But if that puddle had been there for an hour and staff ignored it, the school may be liable.

Government Immunity And Legal Deadlines

Because most schools are public institutions, special rules apply. Government immunity laws may limit the types of claims you can bring and may also shorten the time you have to act. In many states, parents must file a notice of claim with the school district or government agency within 60 to 90 days of the incident. If that deadline is missed, you may not be able to file a lawsuit, even if the school was clearly negligent.

Documenting The Incident

If your child slips and falls at school, report the incident immediately and ask for a written report. Take photos of the area where it happened if possible. Seek medical treatment and keep records of all doctor visits, injuries, and bills. These details are important if you decide to move forward with a claim.

Knowledge Is Power

Not every slip and fall leads to legal action, but if your child was seriously injured due to unsafe conditions at school, you may have a case. A workplace injury lawyer with experience in school-related claims can help you understand your rights and whether the school can be held accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment.