Greenwood v Atherton The plaintiff, an infant, was injured at school during an authorised recreation period by the swinging to of a pair of iron gates, which crushed his hand. The accident happened on 8 April 1937, and on 10 November 1937, more than 6 months later, a writ was issued against the defendants, who were respectively headmistress and managers of the school, claiming damages for breach of duty.