Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Support Assistant Injured at Work by Aggressive Pupil
31st May 2007
A special support assistant suffered an injury at work when she was attacked by a pupil with a history of violent behaviour. Our expert lawyers were able to secure compensation on her behalf in respect of her personal injury.
Attacked at Work
The claimant worked at a school for children with educational and behavioural difficulties. There was a pupil at the school who was known to have exhibited violent and intimidating behaviour in the past. He was supposed to be under supervision at all times during school hours.
At the time of the incident, the claimant was supervising a different pupil in a locked classroom. The teacher had taken the other pupils in the class away due to that pupil behaving in a disruptive manner and requested that the claimant sit in a chair against the door.
At this point the pupil with a history of violent behaviour saw the claimant alone in the classroom with the other pupil, having left his own class. He began to kick and bang on the door repeatedly, swearing and shouting to be let in.
Personal Injury
For approximately 5-10 minutes, the pupil continued to kick the door and the other pupil then unlocked it. The aggressive pupil subsequently forced his way through the door, pushing it into the claimant and causing her injuries.
At no point during the incident did any other member of staff come to see what was occurring or assist the client.
Compensation Claim
The claimant’s employer argued that, given the nature of the school, this type of incident was something that staff should simply have to endure.
On hearing the evidence however, the Judge decided in favour of the claimant. It was decided that the pupil posed a foreseeable risk to others if left alone for such a period of time.
Specialist Lawyers
If you or someone close to you has suffered a personal injury due to an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Contact The Legal Line for cost free, risk free advice and assistance on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online claim enquiry form.
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