Is a School Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident on its Property?

Bill Allen | November 24, 2023 | Slip & Fall Accidents

Is a School Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident on its Property?

Slips and falls can happen anywhere, including on school property. This leaves many students and parents to wonder, “Is a school responsible for a slip and fall accident on its property?” It is an important question after a child has been injured.

The short answer is that yes, a school can be held accountable if they breach their duty to your child – but recovering compensation can be complicated. Since 2007, Allen Law Firm has helped parents and children hold schools accountable for slips and falls caused by negligence.

A Duty To Ensure Safety and Well-Being

Florida law recognizes that schools have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff and visitors. This duty includes maintaining safe premises, regularly inspecting the school and grounds and warning students of known dangers. 

If the school fails to meet its duty of care and your child is injured, you may be able to hold the school liable for injuries. Under Florida Statute 768.28, parents can pursue injury lawsuits against schools under certain circumstances.

How Does a School Breach its Duty in Ocala, FL?

To substantiate a claim against a school, you need evidence that the school breached its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff and visitors. Successfully filing a lawsuit for a slip and fall will require establishing four key elements of negligence. This includes showing:

  • Your child’s school owed a duty of care to your child,
  • Your child’s school breached that duty,
  • Your child suffered an injury, and
  • Your child’s injury was directly caused by the school’s breach.

You need evidence to prove a school breached its duty in a slip and fall case. Valuable evidence includes school incident reports, witness statements, custodial records and medical records or bills connected to injuries. An Ocala slip and fall lawyer can help you compile this evidence.

What Are Examples of Negligence Causing Slip and Falls in Ocala, FL?

Schools see their fair share of negligence cases. Some are easy to recognize, while others are not. The two most common examples include:

  1. Improper Maintenance of School Grounds: Children may slip and fall when the school premises are not properly maintained. Examples include poorly maintained playground equipment, school buses, stairways, handrails and other infrastructure that, if not properly maintained, poses a risk for slips and falls.
  2. Inadequate Teacher Supervision: Teachers are trusted to supervise and care for their students. If a teacher fails to supervise your child properly, it can lead to situations where accidents, including slips and falls, are more likely to occur.

An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case to determine whether a school was negligent.

How Do I Sue a School for Negligence in Ocala, FL?

Suing a school is complicated, especially when a public school is involved. The process requires following specific procedures and time limits. For example, you will likely need to file a Notice of Claim before taking legal action within the ultimate deadline of three years. 

This notice must detail the accident, the negligence, your child’s injuries and the compensation sought. You must then wait until your claim is denied, or 180 days have passed, to file a lawsuit for slip and fall damages. A lawyer can help with this process.

Consult a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Ocala, FL

If you or your child has experienced a slip and fall accident at a school in Ocala, it is important to consult with an experienced slip and fall lawyer. Navigating the complexities of Florida’s laws regarding school liability can be challenging, especially when certain laws protect public schools. 

An Ocala slip and fall accident attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the procedures for filing a claim. Schedule a free consultation today.

Contact Our Ocala Slip & Fall Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala slip & fall accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652