When a child slips, trips, or falls at school or daycare, parents often face two emotions at once — relief that it wasn’t worse, and frustration that it happened at all. Falls in these environments are more common than people realize, and they can lead to real injuries: broken bones, concussions, sprains, and long-term developmental concerns.
But here’s the question many Oklahoma parents ask: Can my child sue for a slip and fall at school or daycare? The answer is… it depends. Liability is more complex when a school district, government entity, or licensed childcare facility is involved.
At Aldridge Teasdale, we help families understand their rights and navigate the unique challenges that come with injuries to children in supervised settings.
When a School or Daycare May Be Legally Responsible
Schools, daycares, and childcare centers have a legal duty to provide a safe environment. They can be held liable if a dangerous condition or lack of supervision caused your child’s fall. Common examples include:
- Wet floors with no warning sign
- Broken or uneven sidewalks
- Loose carpeting or tiles in classrooms and hallways
- Unsafe playground equipment or poor maintenance
- Cluttered walkways or poorly maintained common areas
- Inadequate supervision during recess, transitions, or playtime
If a hazard was known — or should have been known — the school or daycare may be responsible for your child’s injuries.
Public Schools vs. Private Daycares: The Rules Are Different
In Oklahoma, claims involving children can fall under different legal categories depending on where the injury occurred.
Public Schools (Government-Owned)
These claims fall under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act (GTCA), which has strict rules, including:
- Short deadlines — often only one year to file
- Formal notice requirements before a lawsuit can begin
- Damage caps that may limit compensation
Missing a GTCA deadline can bar the claim entirely — even in clear negligence cases.
Private Schools & Licensed Daycare Centers
These cases typically follow standard premises liability rules. You may have a claim if the facility:
- Failed to maintain safe flooring or play areas
- Didn’t supervise children appropriately
- Ignored known hazards
- Breached childcare safety regulations
These cases often allow for greater flexibility and more complete recovery options.
Common Injuries in School and Daycare Slip and Fall Cases
Children are resilient, but they are also vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including:
- Fractures (especially wrists, arms, and ankles)
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Facial injuries from impact with furniture or playground equipment
- Knee, hip, or back injuries
- Growth-plate injuries requiring long-term monitoring
Even small injuries can require follow-up care, imaging, physical therapy, or specialist visits.
What Parents Should Do After a Slip and Fall at School or Daycare
- Get medical care right away — even if the injury seems minor.
- Request an incident report from the school or daycare.
- Take photos of the hazard if possible.
- Document symptoms over the following days.
- Do not sign any waivers or statements without legal advice.
- Talk to an attorney — especially if the facility downplays the incident.
Strong documentation early on can make a major difference in your child’s case.
How Aldridge Teasdale Protects Families
When a child is injured, the legal and emotional stakes are higher. Our team:
- Investigates how the fall happened
- Reviews safety policies and supervision protocols
- Identifies all responsible parties
- Handles communication with the school, daycare, or insurer
- Helps families pursue full and fair compensation
We approach every childhood injury case with care, compassion, and a fierce commitment to doing what’s right.
Get Help Today — Your Child’s Case Matters
If your child slipped and fell at a school or daycare in Oklahoma, you deserve clear answers and strong support. Don’t try to navigate this alone — especially when strict deadlines may apply.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT. You don’t pay unless we win.
Internal Link: Slip and Fall Overview
