Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | July 14, 2025 | Personal Injury
Schools are supposed to be safe places of learning and exploration for children. Unfortunately, they often contain hidden dangers that can severely hurt your child. Not every one of these hazards is immediately obvious to you or your child, which can make it difficult for them to avoid an accident. Some of these accidents can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
Just as you teach your child to be safe around the house, discuss the following risks with your child. Doing so can help them take steps to protect themselves if they encounter any of them.
1. Guns
It is a sad and grim truth that 12 children in the United States die due to gun violence every day, and 32 more are injured. Since the 1999 shooting at Columbine, there have been over 400 additional school shootings at K-12 schools and college campuses across the nation.
2. Illegal Drugs
Approximately one out of every ten high school students has reported using illegal drugs, which are sometimes distributed at school. These drugs include alcohol, marijuana, and more dangerous drugs like cocaine. These drugs can have negative short- and long-term health consequences.
3. Science Equipment
Aside from cleaning chemicals, high school chemistry laboratories can contain dangerous chemicals and equipment like acids, corrosive liquids, and combustible materials. If not handled correctly, these items can cause severe burns and other injuries.
4. Playground Equipment
Most playground sets include equipment that is elevated off the ground and is made of metal or hard plastic. Falling off a slide or from a height can cause a concussion or broken bones, and scratches or puncture wounds on exposed hardware can require hospital treatment.
5. Stairs
Stairs are no safer at schools than they are in homes or office buildings. Slips and trips while going up and down stairs can cause your child to hit their head or fall down the stairs. These terrible accidents can leave your student with head or spine trauma.
6. Doors
Modern classroom doors are reinforced, making them significantly heavier than the doors around your home. If your child’s hand or foot is caught in a closing door at school, their fingers or toes can easily be broken.
7. Power Tools
Power tools are an essential part of a school’s woodshop and related classes. Common power tools can include drills, lathes, table saws, and other sharp and dangerous machines. No matter their age, children should be carefully supervised by a qualified adult whenever using these devices.
8. Chairs
A chair may look benign and harmless. However, an inattentive student could trip over the chair’s legs. This type of accident can be especially dangerous if it happens when your child is carrying books and cannot brace themselves while falling.
9. Scissors, Pencils, and Sharp Objects
Any sharp or pointed object can cause a serious cut or puncture wound if it is handled carelessly or recklessly. These injuries can be accompanied by a risk of severe bleeding, nerve damage, or infection, making it crucial to seek prompt medical attention.
10. Carpets and Rugs
Some teachers adorn their classrooms with carpets or rugs or have carpet squares available for children to use when they sit on the floor. These can cause your child to slip or trip, especially if they are running or playing and not paying attention to their surroundings.
A School’s Responsibility for Students’ Safety
School personnel have a legal duty to look after your child’s safety whenever your child is at school. This includes actively looking out for potential dangers and taking steps to mitigate possible risks. If your child is hurt at school, you should seek immediate medical care and speak with a qualified school injury lawyer about your legal rights.
To learn more, contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a West Virginia personal injury lawyer.
Contact the West Virginia Personal Injury Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Even with West Virginia’s strict hands-free laws, distracted driving continues to put lives at risk. If you or a loved one has been injured by a driver who failed to follow these laws, you deserve justice.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
