Jerusalem Student Awarded 150,000 Shekels After School Staircase Injury

A 17-year-old student who injured his teeth after slipping on gravel on school stairs on his way to a physical education class will receive approximately 150,000 shekels in compensation, a Ramla Magistrate's Court ruled recently. The incident occurred in 2018 at a school in Jerusalem. The court held both the Ministry of Education and the Jerusalem Municipality jointly responsible for the hazardous conditions that led to the accident.

The student testified that he was rushing to class when he slipped on gravel on the last step, falling and injuring his teeth. A witness corroborated the account, describing the student falling and bleeding. The boy's mother detailed the severe pain and ongoing dental issues, including four broken teeth and difficulty eating hard foods.

The Ministry of Education and Jerusalem Municipality attempted to shift blame between each other, with the municipality blaming the school's sports teacher and the ministry denying responsibility for yard maintenance. However, Judge Keren Avisror ruled that both entities were equally liable, emphasizing their duty to ensure safe conditions, especially where students regularly pass.

The judgment noted the presence of gravel and a pavement depression at the stair base as foreseeable hazards. The school administration and sports teacher were also criticized for failing to verify the safety of the route to the sports yard. The municipality was found negligent for not maintaining the schoolyard safely.

Regarding damages, the court considered the extensive dental treatments the student underwent and expert testimony indicating ongoing sensitivity and functional limitations. The total compensation awarded included medical expenses, third-party assistance, and non-material damages, amounting to about 117,000 shekels, plus legal fees of approximately 28,000 shekels.