Is a School Responsible When a Child is Hurt?

Tragically, on January 7, a seven-year-old boy was killed in an accident in New Milford during a recreational school soccer practice.

According to ABC News, a folding table attached to a wall collapsed on and killed the child in Bergen County. The freak accident took place at around 6:30 p.m., at Berkley Street Elementary School, while people were in the gym.

The child was allegedly playing soccer with six other kids when he approached an area where fold-down lunch tables and benches are stored along a wall. One of the benches, constructed of wood and steel, reportedly fell and struck the child in the head, causing him to collapse.

An off-duty police officer and coach reportedly administered CPR while parents called 911. The child was transported to Hackensack Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. An investigation into the accident is ongoing. Police said there is no evidence of criminal actions.

ABC News reported that in 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about the potential risks associated with the type of table involved in the accident, saying it received reports of deaths and injuries when the tables shifted.

“[The agency] warned that most accidents happened during after-school or during non-school activities and warned schools to not allow children to move the tables or play with them,” ABC News reported. The tables allegedly weigh 108 pounds.

Can I Speak to an Attorney About My Child’s School Accident?

This is accident is truly heartbreaking. The death of a child is something that can never be fully overcome by a family. It will be interesting to see the results of the investigation into this accident. In many at-school accidents, children are hurt or killed when adequate supervision is lacking.

Additionally, in some circumstances, objects that are not safe for children, such as sports or playground equipment, can help contribute to an accident. Schools or organizations can be held responsible when this occurs.

If your child has been hurt or killed in an accident, our experienced Bergen County personal injury attorneys can review your case and determine if you may be entitled to compensation. While the money obtained through a wrongful death case will not bring your child back, it can help you overcome the financial obstacles associated with your loss and allow you to hold the party liable responsible.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Injury Lawyers

Source: http://abc11.com/news/boy-killed-in-table-collapse-at-school/468226/