California School Injury Accident Lawyer

Children, students, and young adults deserve a safe place to learn. When a student is hurt at a school, daycare, college, or university, California law may allow the injured student and their family to pursue compensation.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents children, students, and families throughout California in serious school injury accident cases involving unsafe conditions, negligent supervision, and preventable hazards. If your child was injured at school, time matters—especially when a public school or school district is involved.

Critical Information About School Injury Claims in California

When a child or student is injured at school, families are often unsure where to turn or how the legal process works. School injury cases are very different from ordinary personal injury claims, and the rules can change depending on whether the school is public or private.

In California, injuries that occur at public schools, school districts, or government-operated educational facilities are subject to special legal requirements. In many cases, a formal Government Tort Claim must be filed within six (6) months of the date of injury. If this deadline is missed, the right to pursue compensation may be lost forever—regardless of how serious the injuries are.

Private schools, charter schools, colleges, universities, and daycare facilities may follow different rules, but early legal action is still essential. Schools and their insurance carriers often act quickly to document incidents, interview staff, and preserve records in a way that protects the institution. Waiting too long can make it harder to obtain surveillance footage, maintenance records, supervision logs, and witness statements.

Parents should not assume that a school will automatically act in their child’s best interest. Understanding your legal rights early can make a meaningful difference in protecting your child’s health, educational future, and legal claim.

Common School Injury Accidents in California

School injuries can happen at every educational level, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and daycare programs. Many of these incidents are preventable when schools follow proper safety procedures and correct hazards promptly.

• Playground injuries caused by defective equipment, unsafe surfacing, or lack of supervision
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, or restrooms
• Sports and physical education injuries involving unsafe conditions or inadequate supervision
• Injuries during recess, lunch periods, assemblies, or school-sponsored activities
• Drop-off and pick-up area incidents involving vehicles, buses, or unsafe traffic flow
• School bus injuries while boarding, riding, or exiting
• Assaults, bullying-related injuries, or fights tied to negligent supervision
• Unsafe campus conditions such as broken steps, poor lighting, or unsecured areas

Who May Be Liable for a School Injury

Liability in a school injury case depends on where and how the incident occurred. Responsibility often turns on whether the school or supervising entity failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a foreseeable risk of harm.

• Public school districts and government-run educational entities
• Private schools and charter schools
• Daycare centers and childcare operators
• Colleges and universities
• School bus operators and transportation contractors
• Teachers, coaches, aides, or supervisors responsible for student safety
• Third-party maintenance, security, or service providers working on campus

Special Rules for Public School Injury Claims

When an injury occurs at a public school or other government-operated educational facility, California law imposes strict procedural requirements. In many cases, a Government Tort Claim must be filed within six months of the injury date. These deadlines are unforgiving, and missing them can permanently eliminate the right to pursue compensation.

Public school cases also require fast evidence preservation. Important proof may include incident reports, surveillance footage, maintenance records, staff schedules, safety policies, and witness statements. Schools and insurers often move quickly, making early legal action especially important.

Injuries Commonly Seen in School Accident Cases

School-related injuries range from relatively minor to life-altering. We frequently handle cases involving:

• Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck, back, and spinal injuries
• Dental and facial injuries
• Internal injuries
• Psychological trauma following assaults or serious incidents

Even injuries that initially seem minor can worsen over time, especially in children whose bodies are still developing. Prompt medical care and careful documentation are important for both recovery and legal protection.

Compensation Available After a School Injury

Depending on the circumstances and severity of the injury, compensation may be available for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Educational accommodations, tutoring, or support services
• Out-of-pocket costs related to treatment and recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About School Injury Accidents

What if my child was injured at a public school?
Public school injury cases often require a Government Tort Claim to be filed within six months. If the deadline is missed, the claim may be permanently barred.

Can a school be responsible for playground injuries?
Yes. Schools may be liable when defective equipment, poor maintenance, unsafe surfacing, or inadequate supervision contributes to an injury.

Are schools responsible for bullying or assaults?
Schools may be legally responsible if they knew or should have known about a foreseeable risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

What if the injury happened on a school bus?
School bus injury cases may involve school districts, public entities, or private transportation contractors, depending on who owned, operated, and supervised the bus.

Should I speak with the school or insurance company first?
You should report the incident, but avoid recorded statements or signing documents without legal advice. Early guidance helps protect your child’s rights and preserve evidence.

Protect Your Child’s Rights After a School Injury

If your child was injured at a school, daycare, or educational facility anywhere in California, you may be dealing with medical bills, missed school, and serious concerns about your child’s future. These cases can also involve strict deadlines—especially when a public school or school district is involved.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez is here to help. With nearly 30 years of California personal injury experience, we know how to investigate school injury cases, preserve evidence quickly, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Call now for a free consultation: 800-816-1529
Or start your case online: thepersonalinjury.com
No fee unless we win.