WITH reference to your article ("£200,000 cost of payouts for county pupils hurt at school", Derby Telegraph, January 31"), it is unfair to berate parents for pursuing fair redress when their child is injured at school.

It can't be difficult to understand that a child should be able to enjoy PE without being injured by a javelin, nor can it be difficult to understand who is responsible for the child's safety.

Not every grazed knee has a price tag attached and injured people must be able to prove they have been the victim of negligence before they can succeed with a case.

Misunderstandings about the compensation system generate negative perceptions about those people who pursue their right to fair redress when they have been injured through negligence.

Participation in sport in schools should, of course, be encouraged. Schools should be able to operate without fear of litigation but, most importantly, children should be able to enjoy their school years without needless injury.

Deborah Evans

chief executive

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers