How Much Can You Sue a School for Negligence?

If you are considering pursuing legal action against a school for negligence, it is important to know the potential outcomes and limitations of such a lawsuit. Understanding the factors that determine the amount you can sue for can help you navigate this complex legal process effectively. Pursuing legal action against a school for negligence in Florida is not an easy feat, but this is why employing a school accident lawyer is crucial for your case's outcome. At Heintz Law, we understand the nuances of school negligence cases and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

When Can You Sue a School for Negligence?

Schools uphold a duty of care to provide a safe environment for students, meaning that they are responsible for taking reasonable measures to prevent harm or injury. If a school breaches this duty and a student is injured as a result, the student or their family may have grounds to sue the school for negligence.

Here are some scenarios where you may have grounds to pursue legal action against a school:

Unsafe Premises

If your child is injured due to hazardous conditions on school property, such as broken playground equipment, slippery floors, or poorly maintained facilities, you may have a viable negligence claim against the school.

Inadequate Supervision

Schools have a duty to adequately supervise students during school hours and school-sponsored activities. If your child is injured because of a lack of supervision, such as during recess, field trips, or extracurricular events, the school may be held accountable for negligence.

Failure to Address Bullying

Schools are responsible for addressing and preventing bullying among students. If your child suffers harm as a result of school officials' failure to address bullying incidents, you may have grounds for a negligence claim against the school.

Negligent Hiring or Training

If a school employee, such as a teacher or coach, engages in misconduct that harms your child, the school may be held liable for negligent hiring or training practices if it failed to adequately screen, train, or supervise its employees.

Transportation Accidents

Schools are responsible for ensuring the safety of students during transportation to and from school-sponsored events. If your child is injured in a school bus accident or while being transported by the school, you may be able to pursue a negligence claim against the school district.

Our school accident attorneys are well-versed in Florida law and can help you evaluate your case. If the school is public, it is considered a government entity and may be protected under sovereign immunity in some cases.

Sovereign Immunity

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government entities, including public schools, from being sued without their consent. However, in Florida, the state legislature has waived sovereign immunity for claims of negligence against government entities, including school districts. This means that individuals may be able to sue a school for negligence if they can prove that the school breached its duty of care and caused harm as a result.

However, there are limitations to how much you can sue a school for negligence due to sovereign immunity.

How Much Can You Sue a School for Negligence?

If your child has been injured due to the school's negligence, you may be seeking justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered. The amount you can sue a school for negligence will depend on various factors, including the extent of your child's injuries, the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation, any emotional trauma or pain and suffering experienced by your child, and any other damages incurred as a result of the negligence.

In Florida, there is a cap on the amount of damages that can be awarded in a negligence claim against a government entity, including schools. The cap on damages for claims against a Florida public school is $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. This means that regardless of the extent of your child's injuries or the costs associated with their care, the maximum amount you can recover in a lawsuit against a school district is limited to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.

Your case is unique and deserves to be treated with an individualized approach. At Heintz Law, we meticulously prepare for your case to aggressively advocate. We are dedicated to representing victims of negligence and holding schools accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action to seek justice for your child.

What If the School Is Private?

If your child is injured due to negligence at a private school, the legal process may differ from that of a public school. Private schools are not considered government entities and do not have the same protections under sovereign immunity as public schools. This means that if your child is harmed due to negligence at a private school, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the school for damages similar to the legal process of pursuing a claim against a business.

In a negligence claim against a private school, the amount you can sue for will depend on the extent of your child's injuries, the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation, any emotional trauma or pain and suffering experienced by your child, and any other damages incurred. There may not be a cap on damages in a lawsuit against a private school, allowing you to potentially recover a higher amount based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Whether the school is public or private, our attorneys at Heintz Law are prepared to fight for justice on behalf of your child.

Pursuing Justice for You

At Heintz Law, we understand the pain and frustration that comes with seeing your child suffer due to negligence at school. We are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of you and your child. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to hold schools accountable for their actions and seek the compensation your family deserves.

When you choose us to represent you in a negligence claim against a school, you can trust that we will provide personalized attention to your case and aggressively advocate for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can help you seek justice for your child.