Insurance claim is making me feel ill.

xxdeebeexx

Hi My son had an accident at school about 18 months ago and permenantly damaged his teeth. I have decided to make a claim against the insurance since the need for costly dentistry work will continue for the rest of his life. However, it is making me feel ill. I have found 2 witnesses (both children and in my sons lessons) that have given statements making it an almost water tight case.

I am feeling disloyal to the school. It is a fantastic school and my son is really happy there. The Teacher who was in charge when the accident happened is great and really likes my son but I am feeling disloyal to him. The boys that have given witness statements, with their parents being present, I feel as though I am using them !! I am worried about what might happen to the Teacher and I am worried that the 2 witnesses might have to go to court.

I am not looking for vengence, the teacher made a mistake and things need to be put right as best as possible.

I am feeling anxious the whole time to such an extent that I can't concentrate.

Any comments would be great

Dx

bank_of_slate

Hi, try posting this on the health part of this thread and/or PM toothsmith who I'm sure can give you some advice from a dentist's point of view.
Have you discussed this claim with your son and his dentist?
How does your son feel about it?
...Linda xx

Amanda65

You poor thing - I can sympathise completely as I too am one that worries about other peoples thoughts and feelings.

However, get this into perspective - this YOUR son. Without knowing the details it sounds as though an accident happened and the teacher had his eye off the ball and it has caused your son to have permanent damage to his teeth that will prove costly to repair.

Accidents happen - that is why insurance exists! When your son is an adult and smiling with lovely teeth you will be happy that you followed this through - I would

Savvy_Sue

The school shouldn't take it personally: that's what insurance is for.

Years ago my parents had to do this because one of us lost a fingertip in an accident in the gym. It should be straightforward.

snowmaid

Can I ask what happened?

dollydoodah

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

The school shouldn't take it personally: that's what insurance is for.

Years ago my parents had to do this because one of us lost a fingertip in an accident in the gym. It should be straightforward.

I agree completely.

My husband suffered a very bad accident at school when he was 12 and his parents were actually advised by the school to put in a claim, which they did. He was awarded money which was held in trust for him until he was 21.

Stephb1986_2

It's highly unlikly that kids will be made to go to court I think you have to be 16?

You aren't personally making a claim against the teacher so it's not coming out of his back pocket. Mistakes happen and the worst that will probably happen to him is a slapped wrist. Schools have insurance like this for a reason.

Don't worry too much

Steph xx

xxdeebeexx

Thanks everyone for your comments. Common sense tells me that if the same teacher had driven into the back of my car I would have claimed on his insurance.

I think the solicitor I'm using has added to my stress. I went to see him about 10 months ago and he has only just decided that we need witness statements......I am not very good at asking for help at the best of times.

I'm feeling a bit more relaxed now but could do with some legal advice independent of the solicitor. Any ideas where I could get that?

TIA

Dx

dollydoodah

Check your house insurance contents policy as you may have legal cover on there -if you do, they may well take on the case for you.

jenhug

Gosh, my daughter had a permanent tooth damaged at school, they didn't even bother to let me know, her teacher didn't see why I was upset and she will probably need a cap put on it when she is older, I think we have left it too late to claim now, the incident happened when she was in year 2, she is now in year 5. I had no idea we could have claimed, as a cap will be an expensive dental treatment I think when she is older.

jimexbox

Please dont feel bad or think anyone at the school will think any less of you. How many frivolous claims come before an insurance company? I would guess load, your claim is entirely justifiable to cover future dental work. I would bet it will never reach court, it will be handled between your solicitor and the legal department of the schools insurance company. If they accept liability you will be made an offer, its up to you whether you accept it or not.