{1:10 minutes to read} Going back to school is an exciting time for students, parents, and teachers alike, but it is important to be aware of dangers, and understand that schools carry a responsibility to protect their constituents.

In last year’s back-to-school newsletter we talked about how schools have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment for their students, but in fact, this responsibility also extends to the teachers employed at the school. Students and teachers both rely on schools to be good stewards of their safety as they pursue their primary focus of education. Slip- or trip-and-fall dangers, playground hazards, bullying or harassment, and unauthorized entry to the premises are all issues that could arise, and it is the school’s duty to be aware of these possibilities and take preventative measures.

Even though teachers are employed by the New York City Department of Education and are entitled to workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job, they have the right to bring a lawsuit against the Department of Education for negligence.

There is, however, a 90-day deadline to file a notice of claim. If you or your child are hurt on a school’s premises, contact Langsam Law immediately to pursue recourse. 

Case Study

Langsam Law represented a teacher who was attacked and severely beaten by a distraught parent. According to the school’s stated protocol, visitors were to be announced to both the teacher and the administration before being allowed into the school building. Langsam Law settled the case based on the school’s failure to provide a safe workplace for the teacher.

Note: Prior results do not guarantee similar results.