If Your Child is Injured at School

Sarah Blumenstock Girrel wants to assure parents that the school she runs is safe and secure. Ms. Girrel's assurances come in the wake of allegations that a teacher was fired from the Goddard School in Reading, MA based on allegations of abuse. Details of the incident have not been released. However, it is known that the teacher was an early education teacher at the school and that she was allegedly fired for inappropriately disciplining a child.

Gin Schaffer, a parent with two children at the school, told Fox 25 that she was aware of the details of the case but would say only that the form of discipline used would be considered "antiquated in this day and age."

While details in this case remain sketchy, it seems that the girl's parents may have cause to sue the school if the teacher caused injury to their child. Under Massachusetts law, teachers are granted limited protection from liability for accidental injury to children under their care. This means effectively that it can be difficult, if not impossible, to collect damages when your child suffers injury at school through no fault of the teacher. On the other hand, if the teacher injured your child directly, he or she is not granted any indemnity and can be sued to the full extent of the law together with the school.

In addition, under certain circumstances, even when they were not directly responsible, teachers may be held liable for injuries students sustain. A classic example is a coach who allows a student to go out on the field while knowing that the child is injured.

If your child comes home with an injury sustained at school, it is imperative to speak with a well-qualified Boston personal injury attorney who can help you determine whether or not the school can be held liable. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Steven R. Whitman can help you to fight the school board and get the compensation you need in order to help your child recover.