It’s Back to School Time! Are You Prepared?

For many years, most of us associated the Labor Day holidays with the start of a new school year. In fact, school often commenced after the conclusion of the last summer festivities. This year, many New Jersey students are already back in the classroom. For this reason, we are pleased to offer you some back to school safety tips.

Traveling to and from School

Whether your child walks to school or takes a bus, it is important to acknowledge the potential for danger. Remind your children of the following before they head out for the first day of school:

• Cross only at marked crosswalks, preferably where a crossing guard maintains a post.
• Obey traffic signals, even if it seems that it takes a while for a light to change colors.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Know the perils of “stranger danger”.
• If traveling by bus, stay seated at all times. Listen to the bus driver or bus attendant.
• If available, utilize the safety restraints on the bus.

Communicate with Your Children

Unfortunately, safety concerns are not only related to accidental claims. Recently, we learned of a problem in a Cranford day care center. According to news reports, two of the facility’s workers decided to run a “fight club” among their four to six year old charges. They took it a step further and videographed the incident. Ask your children to review their day with you, so that you can determine if school trepidations are beyond the usual change of pace.

Schools are expected to communicate with parents concerning accidents on their premises. If your child has any unexplained bruising or other injuries, investigate their origin. Ensure that your loved one knows it is okay to report issues to you.

Document Injuries

Let’s face it. Accidents happen, and children are often susceptible to them. If your child is hurt at the school, insist on making a report. If faulty equipment potentially caused an accident, get as much information about the apparatus as possible. Take photographs if permitted.

Public schools fall under the definition of governmental entities. In order to make a claim against a public entity, there are certain time limitations. Different conditions may apply to private schools. Some may be eligible for charitable immunity. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible to discuss the feasibility of a legal action.

Contact Us

At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have many years of experience dealing with cases that involve school related injuries. Contact us to determine your legal rights and how to proceed as far as a claim. In the meantime, good luck to all students as a new school year starts!