Can I Sue If My Child Is Hurt in a School Bus Accident in Georgia?

School buses are the safest way to transport children between school and home in Georgia, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Even so, drivers are not infallible. If your child got hurt in a school bus accident in Georgia, you might wonder if you can sue or need to.

In most situations where a person gets injured during an accident, filing a claim or suing for damages is a legal right. However, the circumstances are more complicated regarding a school bus accident injury. An Atlanta school bus accident lawyer can help you understand the legal process.

School Districts Are Difficult to Sue

School districts are state agencies that provide them with special legal protection. The 1992 Georgia Tort Claims Act provided an exception, allowing for filing personal injury lawsuits against the state of Georgia, but with a shorter statute of limitations and a cap on damages according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §50-21-29.

However, the Tort Claims Act exempts governmental entities, including school districts, in this situation. So, since a school district is a government entity, you will have a tough time suing unless the district agrees to the lawsuit or a specific Georgia law statute allows it.

You can sue outright for negligence if your child got hurt on a school bus. Despite exceptions, school districts might still be liable depending on how much insurance the school’s county carries for accidents.

Suing Private Schools for a School Bus Accident

If your child’s private school owned the bus, bringing a lawsuit against them might be easier. Unless a private school gets federal funding, the sovereign immunity laws don’t protect them. Your options would be to:

• File an injury claim with the school’s insurance company.
• Bring a lawsuit for negligence.
• Or sue for breach of contract.

When bringing a case against public schools in Georgia, the statute of limitations is one year from the accident date. This falls under the state’s “ante litem” laws. Under these laws, you must bring your case within 12 months, or you will lose any chance of bringing it again.

However, with private schools, OCGA §9-3-33 applies, which means you generally have two years from the accident date to file, so there is more time to take action. Remember that circumstances surrounding your case may shorten this time, so it’s best to take action quickly.

Other Legal Options After a School Bus Accident in Georgia

If you cannot sue the school district, other options may exist. For example, you might have the right to sue a teacher or administrator directly. However, this is only an option if malicious or intentional acts exist.

After an injury involving a government entity like a school district, many facts and variables must be considered. Therefore, contacting a Georgia school bus accident lawyer is best after your child is injured as soon as possible. A lawyer can determine your options and, just as importantly, what you cannot do.

Knowing your best legal options will ensure you don’t waste time, energy, or money and can work towards the compensation you deserve. In addition, an experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to handle complicated cases involving school districts.

You Will Likely Not Need to Sue

Most counties purchase insurance for school districts that cover school bus accidents. Therefore, you could file an insurance claim without pursuing a lawsuit. A good school bus accident lawyer can help you do this.

If another driver was ultimately at fault for the school bus accident, their auto insurance policy might cover some or all of your damages. In some situations, other parties may be liable for your child’s injuries, such as the bus’s manufacturer, a mechanic working on the vehicle, or the school bus driver.

Damages You Can Recover After Filing a Claim

You can recover several damages after your child sustains injuries from a school bus accident. The small list that we provide is only a few of the most common damages that typically arise after school bus accidents:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages if you take time off work to care for your child
• Medical expenses such as prescriptions, physical therapy, hospital visits, ER visits, hospital stays, psychological services, and medical equipment
• Disability or disfigurement

Don’t worry if you don’t see some of the damages your child suffered listed above. Our experienced bus accident lawyers will calculate your damages accurately and factor them into your settlement. We won’t let the school or the insurance company get away with paying only a fraction of the financial compensation you’re entitled to.

Hire a Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Bus accidents, especially those involving injured children, are extremely complicated to navigate legally. Some so many laws and regulations exist that can make it extremely difficult for the average person to file a claim on their own. In addition, if you have no experience with bus accident law or laws surrounding sovereign immunity, winning a settlement won’t be easy.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best decision you can make to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. Unfortunately, insurance companies and the school system have no incentive to pay you the proper compensation you and your child deserve. More often than not, you’ll need to fight for a fair settlement.

However, after your child gets hurt, your attention shouldn’t be diverted from them. Instead, focus on their health and recovery while you let our school bus accident lawyers handle the rest. We always prioritize your needs first above anything else. If we can’t win compensation for your claim, you owe us nothing for our services.

Talk to a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today

If your child got injured in a school bus accident in Georgia, John Foy & Associates can help. Our lawyers have been helping injury victims for over 20 years, and school bus accidents are one of our focuses. We understand the complicated legal side of things and can help you prove the liable parties’ negligence.

We’ll thoroughly investigate the case and consider your best options. Chances are, a solution can be reached without having to sue. However, if you do go to court, we are here to support you every step of the way. For your free consultation, call us or contact us online to get started.