Learning from insurance claims: practical insights for schools

Author – Emma Coghlan, Education Claims Manager May 2026

Every claim tells a story. By looking at how claims arise – and how they’re resolved – schools can identify risks early and take simple steps to reduce them.  

In this blog, Emma Coughlan, Allianz Education Claims Manager, delves into the outcomes of recent school-related personal injury claims and the factors that influenced how they were resolved. Through these examples, we aim to share practical insights that help schools manage risk effectively and the importance of adhering to protocols.

The Board of Management engaged a cleaning contractor to carry out daily cleaning duties in the school. The cleaning company had been providing services for over 15 years, with cleaners arriving at 3pm each day. One afternoon, a teacher slipped in the corridor and suffered serious injuries.  

Investigation Findings 

• CCTV footage confirmed that water had been spilled on the floor by a cleaner and wasn’t properly cleaned up, leading to the fall. 
• The Board of Management had no formal contract with the cleaning company for the entire 15-year period. 
• The cleaning company did not have valid insurance in place at the time. 
• Medical reports confirmed that the teacher sustained significant injuries. 

Outcome 

The claim proceeded to the High Court. Although the cleaning company was clearly liable for the incident, the company had no legal representation and later went into liquidation. As a result, the Board of Management was left fully exposed under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, and the school’s insurer had to settle the claim.  

Lessons Learned 

• The Board of Management must ensure that formal, written contracts are in place with all contractors, including cleaning, catering, transport, and other service providers.  
• It’s critical to request and review a Certificate of Insurance from all contractors annually, not just during the initial engagement. This ensures that contractors maintain active and adequate insurance cover throughout the duration of their service.

A parent claimed she was injured after slipping while collecting her child from school. She claimed that liquid on the floor caused her to fall in a corridor near her child’s classroom.  

Investigation Findings 

• Two witnesses were present at the time of the incident: 

1. A teacher who witnessed the fall confirmed that she inspected the floor immediately after the fall and found it to be dry and free of debris. 
2. Another parent seated in the entrance hall stated that the floor was dry and noted that the injured parent was walking briskly, accompanied by a child, and wearing high-heeled shoes. 

• An engineering assessment confirmed that the floor posed low risk of slipping when clean and dry  
• The incident was captured on CCTV and retained by the school principal. 

Legal Proceedings 

The case proceeded to the High Court, with significant claims made by the injured parent for loss of earnings, general damages, and costs. On the morning of the trial, the injured parent’s legal team requested an adjournment, citing parent’s illness. However, the judge required her presence in court the following day. The injured parent appeared and was cross-examined by the school’s senior counsel in relation to the accident and injuries sustained in a previous accident claim. 

During the trial, the injured parent’s legal team proposed withdrawing the claim on the condition that parent would not be pursued for costs. The school agreed to this proposal, resulting in a favourable outcome with no liability or financial exposure for the school. 

Lessons Learned 

• The presence of credible witnesses and CCTV footage was instrumental in defending the school’s position. 
• Immediate inspection of the accident area by the teacher and the corroboration of facts by the second witness strengthened the school’s case. 
• The engineering report confirming the low slip risk of the floor was a key factor in the school’s defence.

These examples show how strong processes can make a real difference. Clear contracts, up‑to‑date insurance checks, prompt action after incidents and strong record‑keeping all help protect schools if a claim arises. 

If you’d like to discuss risk management, or you school’s insurance cover, our Specialist Education Team are happy to help. You can contact us on 01 613 3966 or speak to your local Allianz representative.