TPFC: Teacher's Liability

The criteria for a teacher’s liability for student injuries are more clearly stated in Teachers and the Law, written by Fischer, Schimmel, & Stellman. According to these experts, there are four categories of accidents that fall within a teacher’s liability. Here they are:

1. The teachers’ failure to protect the student from injury causes the injury.

2. Negligent behavior on the teacher’s part.

3. The teacher’s carelessness in appropriating due care to ensure student’s safety.

4. The student’s persistent attestable injuries.

A discussion of the issue of teachers’ liability for student injuries is very important because cases of teachers being sued for monetary damages are common. Consequently, teachers should have some form of professional liability insurance to safeguard themselves against such situations. The coverage for such insurance is generally provided by teachers’ unions. Make sure to check with your union about what coverage you have.