There is no question that field trips are an essential part of
strengthening the curriculum and creating an interactive learning
experience for today's students. In fact, most independent
schools pride themselves on the unconventional and unique
off-campus learning opportunities provided to their students on
both day trips and extended travel.
But before blindly embarking on these endeavors, it's
important for schools to properly safeguard themselves against
liability in case of an unfortunate event. The truth is that these
opportunities can come with a multi-million dollar price tag if
proper safeguards are not put into place.
This lesson was recently learned by a Connecticut school after a
$41.7 million verdict was entered against it when a jury found that
it was negligent in not preventing a student from contracting
encephalitis. Specifically, the jury found that the school was
negligent in not warning the student and her parents that she would
be traveling in
