Student nets £36,000 after being hit by tennis racquet — following string of bizarre council compensation claims
A STUDENT netted £36,000 after he was hit by a tennis racquet — part of a string of council compensation claims.
One got £9,000 when a goal they were leaning against fell on them, while £4,500 went to a pupil pushed in the playground.
They were among 92 payouts to children last year totalling £1.3million.
Durham Council paid £5,000 to a student who fell off a chair, while Lancashire gave £12,498 to one who tumbled from playground equipment.
Christopher McGovern, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “Whilst some claims are legitimate, too many are not. Minor knocks and bruises are simply part and parcel of school life and childhood.
“Ambulance-chasing lawyers are running a money-making racket by encouraging vexatious compensation claims.
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“School and local authorities are caving in to avoid costly legal proceedings.”
Joanna Marchong, investigations manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be shocked by the amounts being paid out in compensation to students.
“While accidents happen and a certain level of payout is inevitable, the current levels are simply unsustainable.
“Schools and local authorities should make every effort to get these payments under control.”
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The Local Government Association said all cases are “thoroughly assessed”.
