- My child had a burn accident at school when he was scalded by hot water
- Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
- Editor in Chief
Question:
My child had a burn accident at school when he was scalded by hot water in the showers after a games lesson. Is it possible to claim compensation for his injuries?
Answer:
When your child is at school, teachers and auxiliary school staff have a duty of care which must be extended to your child at all times. This includes any school equipment which is used, and should the equipment be faulty, and a child suffers an injury as a result, you are entitled to claim compensation.
In the case of a burn accident due to hot water in the showers, your son should have been taken to the school nurse and the burn accident correctly recorded in the school accident book. It may be possible that other children have also experienced scalds from a burn accident in the showers, and likely that there were other children in the showers after the games lesson who can act as witnesses to your child´s injury.
You best course of action is to speak with a solicitor at your earliest opportunity. A solicitor will be able to investigate your case and establish whether you have a burn accident compensation claim which is worth your while to pursue. Thereafter, acting as your son´s “next friend”, you can apply to the Injuries Board Ireland for an assessment of burn accident compensation, which will need to be approved in court when a settlement is agreed.
Copyright © 2009-2019 Eoin Campbell