A Swedish court has increased fines against Gothenburg municipality following a tragic schoolyard accident that claimed a child's life. The case centers on safety failures at Sjumilaskolan school where an eight-year-old boy fell from a steep slope in early 2022. The child sustained severe head injuries and later died at a hospital.
The court found the municipality responsible for failing to implement necessary safety measures on school grounds. Initially, the school's principal faced charges for work environment violations. A district court cleared the principal in May 2024, instead placing responsibility on their employer, Gothenburg municipality. The court imposed an initial corporate fine of 1.2 million kronor.
Both parties appealed the decision. Sweden's Court of Appeal has now ruled that the municipality's long-term neglect of work environment issues substantially contributed to the boy's death. The court increased the corporate fine to 1.5 million kronor. Judges emphasized that the child was present at the school due to compulsory education laws, heightening the municipality's responsibility for safety.
This case highlights Sweden's strict corporate liability laws for public institutions. Municipalities operate most Swedish schools and bear ultimate responsibility for student safety. The ruling sends a clear message about consequences for safety negligence in educational settings.
School safety regulations in Sweden require regular risk assessments and preventive measures. The court determined Gothenburg municipality failed these basic obligations over an extended period. The tragedy has sparked broader discussions about playground safety standards across Swedish municipalities.
Legal experts note this ruling could influence similar cases nationwide. The substantial fine reflects the severity of safety failures when children are involved. Municipalities nationwide are now reviewing their school safety protocols in response to this case.
The increased penalty demonstrates how Swedish courts treat institutional responsibility for child safety. The ruling establishes that municipalities cannot delegate away their fundamental duty to protect students in their care.