Sheffield schools see £2.2million in personal injury claims
Posted: July 6, 2015
Posted in: Public Place Accidents School Accidents Workplace Injuries Workplace Slip
Recently released figures have revealed that schools across Sheffield have received compensation claims totaling £2.2million from injured pupils and teachers in a five-year window. Of this total, £1m was actually paid out, with £54,000 going to a staff member who slipped, and £17,900 to a pupil who was exposed to chemical fumes.
The claims were logged between 2009 and 2014, with Ecclesfield School having the most claims (10 claims, at a total value of £155,275). City School had the second highest number of claims, with nine claims totaling £116,807, followed by Gleadless Primary with £61,481 and Long Learning, Skills & Communities with £59,997.
The successful claims included £2,893 paid-out to a teacher for ‘stress’, despite the initial claim of £32,000. £17,038 was paid out to a pupil who was assaulted, and £44,583 was awarded to a teacher for ‘inhalation’.
“we work closely with schools to identify any lessons from these”
Chief executive of the Taxpayers Alliance, Jonathan Isaby, said: “One of two things is happening – either the council isn’t providing a safe space, or they are paying out too quickly on spurious claims.”
Sheffield Council strongly denied claims that its schools were unsafe, with the authority continuously monitoring and managing risks, and said that all compensation was paid out through the insurance service.
A Sheffield Council spokesman said: “incidents can happen in schools as they happen elsewhere, and we work closely with schools to identify any lessons from these.”
If you have suffered an injury at work or in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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