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Is a School Responsible When a Child is Hurt?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

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/

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   Kenny Perlow 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 80 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 118 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 138 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 142 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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Is a School Responsible When a Child is Hurt?

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