Was Your Child Hurt at School in New York? We Can Help
When your child’s well-being is at stake after an injury or accident at school, the NYC school injury attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. have had considerable success with these types of claims, including a recent $8 million settlement. We will thoroughly investigate how your son or daughter was hurt, identify who was at fault, and do everything within New York law to set things right.
Don’t take risks with your child’s recovery. Call (212) 490-5700 today or contact us online. We offer free consultations, never charge up-front legal fees, and you owe nothing unless we win you compensation.
What to do if Your Child Was Injured at School in New York?
Seeing your child injured on a school playground or with a broken arm at school is jarring. It’s understandable that you’re overwhelmed, worried, and upset. Hopefully, the guidance below will help you get your child the care they need and protect your right to seek a legal claim when necessary.
Seek Proper Medical Care
It’s likely that the school already arranged for care, either through an on-site school nurse, emergency treatment, or urgent care. However, you should still follow up with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible. You’ll want a thorough examination to ensure proper recovery.
Talk to Your Child
Though age is a significant factor in how much information you’ll get, you should speak with your child about what happened. Children may be reluctant to discuss the incident, so make sure they understand that it’s OK to talk about it. You know your child best when determining how to react, but the conversation may provide insight into whether there was negligent or intentional conduct behind the injuries.
Consult with a Lawyer for Child Injuries at School
There are additional tasks to undertake for a school-related injury, but it’s necessary to have a keen understanding of how to file a claim against a school, a district, or individual. There are different procedures for public and private schools, and there may be multiple parties responsible. Therefore, working with a lawyer from the beginning is a wise decision. A school injury attorney can tackle other key tasks, such as:
- Conducting an investigation to gather crucial evidence;
- Reaching out to witnesses;
- Filing a school injury claim according to the procedures established by New York law;
- Representing you in litigation; and,
- Providing legal support to ensure your interests are protected.
Compensation in New York School Injury Cases
By presenting compelling evidence related to the elements of a school accident case, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your losses and those of your child. Examples of compensation may include:
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- Reimbursement for medical bills
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- And other losses
Common School Injuries in New York
Various factors contribute to injury-causing accidents and incidents at school, many of which are due to carelessness, inadequate training, and subpar maintenance. The legal term for this is negligence, and if your child was injured at school in New York, you will need to establish the four elements were present to recover compensation:
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- The school or related party had a duty to exercise reasonable care regarding your child;
- The responsible party breached this duty by acting carelessly or failing to act;
- There’s a direct/causal link between the breach of duty and the accident that caused your child’s school injuries; and,
- You and your child suffered losses as a result of the accident.
Child Injuries
Negligence in New York City School Accident Cases
School accidents can happen in countless scenarios and vary in severity. It is best to consult with an experienced New York school injury lawyer, who can explain New York personal injury law and if negligence likely played a role in how your child was injured at school.
- Negligent supervision may occur when a school or employee fails to monitor children’s activities in the classroom, on the playground, in gym class, to and from buses, and other scenarios.
- Negligent hiring happens if school officials or administrators don’t take proper precautions in screening new employees, such as by conducting thorough background checks.
- Equipment injuries at school may happen due to faulty or poorly maintained school equipment, particularly with playground structures. However, failure to care for and inspect desks, chairs, science lab materials, or gym gear could also constitute negligence.
- Negligent training of employees can put children at risk, such as workers in the cafeteria who fail to ensure proper food safety measures.
- Negligent security refers to a school’s obligation to provide sufficient security for students. This includes monitoring visitors, preventing trespassers from entering, and taking action against violent acts.
Intentional Conduct and School Injuries in New York
Unfortunately, some injuries to children at school happen because of intentional conduct. In most cases, these acts are criminal, like sexual abuse or physical violence. Besides having a negligence claim against school supervisors who failed to protect children, you may also have a claim against the perpetrator. If the person who caused your child’s injury is another student, it may be possible to pursue the parents.
When intentional conduct is the cause of harm, you can recover much of the same types of compensation as a negligence-based case. In some situations, you may also be entitled to punitive damages to punish the offender.
New York School Accidents
Accidents are the top cause of fatalities and injuries for children under 18, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Considering how much time your children spend in school, there’s a decent chance that’s where your child will suffer a significant injury. The thought of your kid being hurt in a school accident is no doubt haunting, especially considering the physical, financial, and emotional losses involved. But if your child is injured at school because someone who should have known better was negligent or careless, it’s time to assert your rights as a parent, and hold them accountable. The best way to get what your child needs is to consult a knowledgeable and trustworthy New York City school injury lawyer.
Call Our NYC School Injury Attorneys Today
When your child is suffering because they suffered an injury in a preventable accident at school, we recommend calling the New York child injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. right away. Pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against a school is often more complicated than people expect. You frequently have to deal with insurance companies, bureaucratic school districts, and teams of lawyers focused on minimizing your child’s injuries. Our NYC personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling these kinds of claims.
You deserve a school injury lawyer who protects your child’s rights the way you would. With decades of experience and a history of holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause, let our NYC school accident lawyers explain your legal options and fight for everything you and your child deserve.
Speak with our school injury lawyers today. Contact us online, or call (212) 490-5700. We offer free consultations, never charge fees up-front, and you owe nothing until we recover compensation for you.
CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
Stephanie Campos, HKD CLIENT
02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
lisa kessler, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
Emily Weinstein, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
Jason Bauer, HKD CLIENT
01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
5
VIRGINIA BOOTHE GORDON, HKD CLIENT
01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
Richard Leff, HKD CLIENT
01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
Larry Schatz, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.
5
Michael nessim, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
5
Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
5
Emily Halperin, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
Didi Hutt, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
Alan Levine, HKD CLIENT
01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
peggy lamarre, HKD CLIENT
12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
Martin Munitz, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
Dan Greenberg, HKD CLIENT
12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
Ben S, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
Linda Winikoff, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
Peter Visconti, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
Kelvin Morel, HKD CLIENT
01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
David Irwin, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT