What if My Child Was Hurt at School in Raleigh, NC?

As a parent, nothing is more upsetting than finding out your child was injured at school. If your child was injured at school in Raleigh, North Carolina, you may have legal options.

At The Morgan Law Group, our child injury lawyer in Raleigh helps families navigate complex child injury claims in North Carolina. If your child has been hurt on school grounds or during a school-related activity, we will help you understand what to do next.

Whether you’re unsure how to report the incident or wondering if the school can be held responsible, we explain here the legal considerations, liability rules, and how an attorney can support your case.

What to Do After a Child Is Injured at School in Raleigh

When your child is injured at school, quick action can make a significant difference in both their health and your legal case. 

Here’s what you can do after the incident:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if the injury seems minor, have your child evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, may not appear right away. Immediate care also creates a medical record that can support your child’s injury claim.

• Document Everything: Write down everything you know about the incident: time, location, names of teachers or staff involved, witnesses, and how the injury happened. Take photographs of your child’s injuries and the scene (if possible).

• Request the School’s Incident Report: In Raleigh, school administrators must complete a formal Student/Visitor Accident Report when a student is injured. Ask for a copy of this report and make sure the details accurately reflect what occurred.

• Notify School Administration in Writing: Send an email or letter to the principal describing the incident and requesting follow-up. This creates a written record of your concerns and shows that you’re taking the injury seriously.

• Inform Your Insurance Provider: Notify your health insurance provider and submit all related bills. Keep detailed records of medical costs, lost time from work, and any follow-up treatments.

Most importantly, before dealing with school district representatives or insurers, it’s wise to consult a child injury lawyer in Raleigh. An experienced child injury lawyer can help you determine whether the school may be held responsible and what compensation your child may be entitled to.

Common Causes of Injuries to Children at Schools

Schools in North Carolina have a legal duty to keep children reasonably safe during the school day. However, injuries still happen, and not always because of typical childhood accidents.

Some of the most common causes of a child being injured at school in Raleigh include:

• Playground Injuries: Poorly maintained equipment, lack of supervision, or unsafe surfaces.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, uneven walkways, or cluttered hallways can cause serious falls.
• School Bus Accidents: Transportation injuries may occur on the school bus or at the loading zone.
• Sports Injuries: Athletic events and PE classes can result in sprains, fractures, or concussions, especially when safety rules are ignored.
• Bullying and Assaults: When school staff fails to prevent or stop bullying, injuries caused by other students may lead to liability.
• Classroom Accidents: Sharp objects, heavy furniture, or science lab mishaps can pose risks if not properly monitored.
• Negligent Supervision: Any injury that could have been prevented with adequate adult supervision may involve school negligence.

While minor scrapes and bruises are part of growing up, severe or preventable injuries may warrant legal action, especially when they result from negligence or hazardous conditions.

Is the School Liable for My Child’s Injuries?

Under North Carolina law, public schools, like those in Wake County, are generally protected by governmental immunity. This means they can’t be sued unless they’ve purchased liability insurance that waives that immunity.

Fortunately, the Wake County Board of Education does carry insurance, which means they can be held liable for injuries, but only within the limits of that insurance policy. 

Whether your claim for your child’s injury  can move forward depends on:

• The nature of the injury
• Where and how it happened
• Whether the school staff were negligent
• If the incident falls under the district’s insurance coverage

For example, if a teacher failed to supervise and your child was injured on broken playground equipment, that could be considered negligence. If the school had proper supervision and the injury was purely accidental, they may not be liable.

Private schools in Raleigh are not protected by governmental immunity and can typically be sued directly for negligence. However, they may have different reporting procedures, insurance policies, or legal obligations.

Can I Sue the School for Negligence in Raleigh?

In certain circumstances, yes, you may sue the school if your child was injured due to negligence. However, the process depends on several legal rules:

Governmental Immunity and Insurance Waivers

Public schools in Raleigh are immune unless they’ve waived that immunity through an insurance policy. You can only sue up to the policy’s coverage limit. A school injury attorney can review the policy to determine if a claim is possible.

Negligence Must Be Proven

To file a child injury claim, you must prove that the school or its employees acted negligently. Negligence might include a lack of supervision, failure to fix hazards, or ignoring known bullying.

Claims Are Filed Through the NC Industrial Commission

Claims against public school employees or boards typically must be filed under the North Carolina Tort Claims Act, with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. 

Strict Time Limits Apply

You generally have three years to file a child injury claim in North Carolina. For children, this deadline is extended until three years after their 18th birthday. 

What Compensation Can I Claim for My Child’s Injury?

If your child was injured at school due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses. 

A child injury lawyer in Raleigh can help you calculate and pursue:

• Medical Expenses
• Future Medical Costs
• Pain and Suffering
• Parental Lost Wages
• Disability or Disfigurement Damages

The amount you can recover will depend on the facts of the case, the severity of the injury, and the available insurance coverage.

How Can a Child Injury Lawyer in Raleigh Help Me?

Dealing with a school district or private school after your child’s injury can be complex. An experienced school injury attorney in Raleigh can guide you through the legal process and protect your family’s rights.

Here’s how an attorney can help you and your child:

• Investigate the incident thoroughly
• Gather evidence, including security footage and witness statements
• Communicate with school officials and their insurance companies
• Navigate governmental immunity and file claims properly
• Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court

Every child deserves a safe learning environment, and every parent deserves answers when something goes wrong. An attorney can help hold schools accountable when their negligence leads to harm.

Speak with an Attorney in Raleigh About Your Child’s Injury Claim

If your child was injured at school in Raleigh, NC, don’t assume it was just an accident. In many cases, injuries are preventable, and the school may be legally responsible.

With so many legal rules and deadlines, you shouldn’t face this process alone. A knowledgeable child injury lawyer in Raleigh can help you pursue justice and compensation for your child’s injuries. 

Whether the incident happened on the playground, during class, on the school bus, or due to bullying, our team can help you take the right steps. The Morgan Law Group is here to fight for families across North Carolina. 

Help your child recover after an injury by holding negligent parties accountable. Call our Raleigh office today at (984) 468-7918 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation.