Kids across Chicagoland are heading back to school. And many parents are understandably concerned about their child’s safety and well-being regarding COVID-19 exposure. Unfortunately, this is not the only hazard that could put children in danger.
Unsafe properties could also threaten children’s safety. Being aware of these risks could help parents and children avoid them.
In the school
Parents typically worry about situations like bullying and assaults when they think about a child’s safety at school. However, they can get hurt when a school is unsafe or improperly maintained.
Some possible hazards on school grounds could include:
- Broken playground equipment
- Wet floors in the cafeteria
- Improperly stacked books or supplies
- Missing handrails or damaged flooring in stairwells
- Torn carpets
- Toxic chemicals in building or classroom materials
Schools can and should take reasonable steps to address these hazards and keep children away from them.
At the bus stop
Walking or riding to school can also present possible threats to children. Parents and students alike can be hurt in accidents involving:
- Poorly maintained premises at a bus stop
- Negligent motorists
- Uneven surfaces
- Poorly lit areas
- Unsafe location of a bus stop
When these hazards exist, they could lead to a serious injury-causing accident.
At a friend’s house
If your child is going to a friend’s house after school or to complete a homework assignment, you might want to remind them to watch out for dogs and other pets that could bite. And the same dangerous areas that can exist at school or the bus stop could also be present at a friend’s house.
Holding parties accountable
Depending on the location and nature of an accident, victims and their parents may have grounds to seek compensation from a negligent or willfully dangerous party.
We cannot protect our children from every unsafe or undesirable situation. However, we can help them identify potential risks to avoid them, and we can take action against the responsible parties if an accident does occur.