As an agency that specializes in charter school insurance, from time to time, we come across unique claims that we feel are important to share.   The following workers comp. Claim scenario happened recently to a teacher at a charter school:

A special education teacher working at a school for autistic children was interacting with the children and decided to give a six year old student a piggyback ride. With the child on her back, she felt a pop in her groin with immediate pain. She suffered a hernia that required surgery, a month away from work, and severe lifting restrictions upon her return. With the cost of surgery and lost wages, the claim totaled over $40,000 in expenses.

It’s important to remember that children can be weighty. And they shouldn’t be picked up unless necessary. It’s understandable wanting to entertain and play with students, but it should be done with caution and in a nonphysical manner to avoid injury and workers’ compensation claims.