Compensation claims hit Welsh schools
It was revealed today that £1m worth of
compensation claims is hitting councils across Wales because of accidents and injuries suffered in schools and on school trips. More than £154,000 of insurance claims has been paid out in the past 3 years for injury, loss and accidental damage.
Estimates show that a further £994,900 may be added to the bill by the time the claims are settled. Details which are obtainable under the Freedom of Information Act show that suits against schools range from
car accident claims to stolen mobiles. One council is facing an £8,000 claim from a pupil who broke an ankle after stumbling on a Lego brick and another £1,000 claim is from a child who was knocked down after getting off a bus.
Teaching Unions say that teachers are increasingly worried about arranging school trips because of the health and safety obligations and the chances that lawsuits could arise from small accidents. In an article on the IC Wales website Anglesey County Council said: “[We’re] facing a £25,000 bill for an accident on a school trip in 2006 and £21,000 for two accidents during sports and games at schools in the past three years. In total Anglesey has paid out £800 in compensation since 2005, but estimates it has £92,900 outstanding.” In the past 3 years Cardiff has spent £74,700 in both compensation claims and
legal fees.
Updated on 5/16/2008