To start making your claim, you will need to document everything that happened from the original accident to the gut-wrenching phone call to the medical treatment your child receives. Having thorough documentation of that day and the days following will make for a stronger case and a more streamlined legal process. Having evidence of negligence on the school’s part is crucial to ensuring that you get proper compensation. Some examples of evidence you should collect are listed below:

• Surveillance footage – Schools typically have security cameras throughout the halls, classrooms, and outside facing the playground and parking lot. Contact a faculty member about any footage that may exist of your child’s accident. Not all security footage is kept indefinitely, as many places don’t have the space to keep months’ worth of archives, so it’s best to obtain it sooner rather than later.
• Eyewitness accounts – You can interview those who saw the accidents and events leading up to it. In these kinds of investigations, it’s possible that someone nearby saw something that they don’t even know is valuable to your case. You can interview teachers or even the school nurse as they tend to your child’s injuries. However, keep in mind that school staff may not be overly willing to speak against their place of employment.
• Photos – Take as many photos as possible. It doesn’t have to be a fancy camera; your phone is fine. Take photos of your child’s injuries, both wide shots and close-up. Also take photos showing the healing process. Also, take many photos of the scene of the accident, as you can examine these later for signs of negligence.
• Bills – Make sure you keep documentation of all hospital and emergency room bills, as they are key in your fight for compensation. Gather receipts from any out-of-pocket expenses that may have resulted from the accident, like crutches or bandages.

Make sure that you present all of your evidence to your school accident lawyer for claims involving minors. You don’t have to have all of it for your first consultation, but photos and video will be helpful to your attorney in building your case.

Playground vs Classroom vs School bus