Understanding Who Is Responsible for a School Field Trip Injury

Now that winter is over and spring has sprung, your child’s school may be starting to plan field trips to the local zoo or even a weekend jaunt to an amusement park. While these trips can be both educational and fun, it is important to realize that school field trips can result in injuries.

What should you do if your child is bitten by a pig at the petting zoo or if your kid falls off a ride at the amusement park and breaks an arm? No one wants to think this can happen to their son or daughter, but the reality is that these injuries have happened and can result in legal liability. In fact, depending on the specifics of the incident, both schools and the business where the injury occurred can be held liable for your child’s injuries.

First off, businesses that run any type of operation that is open to the public can be responsible for any injuries that occur on the property. Businesses have an obligation to keep their premises safe and free from dangerous situations. This may include installing safety cameras, putting up warning signs and maintaining safe equipment. So if your child is injured because of a faulty restraint system on a roller coaster, the owners of the amusement park could be held liable.

In addition to holding the business liable for your child’s injuries, you may be wondering if the school can be blamed. If your child is injured because of negligent supervision, you might be able to make a claim against the school. After all, your child is in the care of school personnel on field trips and you expect them to be looked after properly.

Lastly, you should note the value of waivers of liability. In general, before your child goes on a field trip, you will likely be asked to sign a waiver and release of liability. However, just because you sign this document does not necessarily mean you cannot file an injury claim to collect damages for a field trip injury. These waivers are not always enforceable.

If your child has been seriously injured while on a school field trip, a Citrus County Premises Liability Attorney at Whittel & Melton can help determine who is at fault for the injury and whether you are entitled to receive financial compensation. For a free case evaluation, contact us today online or call 352-726-0078.