In one of the first cases of its kind, a 13 year old schoolboy has been awarded compensation topping a four figure sum after suffering at the hands of a classroom bully.
Jed Winfindale was attacked with a wooden drawing board and suffered arm and shoulder injuries whilst trying to defend himself against the bully. He suffered flashbacks and nightmares after the incident, which occurred at Maltby Comprehensive School near Rotherham in South Yorkshire.
Jed’s attacker was known for disruptive behaviour and on this occasion had been verbally abusing him and the teacher. The teacher left the classroom to seek trained help and that’s when the pupil attacked Jed.
The boy’s mother took the matter to the local council which admitted liability for breach of statutory duty and negligence. They agreed to an undisclosed compensation payout.
The school excluded the attacker, saying: “We take any incident involving violent or threatening behaviour extremely seriously indeed.”
This decision could well open the floodgates for a number of similar cases and may be used as a benchmark for future compensation awards in comparable circumstances.
If your child has suffered an injury at the hands of a disruptive peer and you would like help in pursuing the local council for compensation, Stephensons can offer expert guidance. Our personal injury compensation lawyers have extensive experience in achieving large sum awards from local authorities under a variety of circumstances. You can speak directly to one of our specialists by calling 01616 966 229 and your enquiry will of course be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
By personal injury solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Kate Sweeney
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