Can Students Be Compensated for College Campus Injuries?

 Posted on October 15, 2024 in Personal Injury

Many students on university campuses attend classes, sporting events, activities, and parties, enjoying the opportunities for learning, socializing, and personal growth. However, accidents that cause injuries are common, with injuries ranging from minor inconveniences to life-altering conditions.

If you are injured on a university campus, can you receive compensation through a personal injury or premises liability claim? Who is responsible for paying you? A skilled attorney from Newland & Newland, LLP can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call today for a free consultation.

Alcohol-Related Accidents

Drinking alcohol is common on many college campuses. Whether at parties, football games, fraternity or sorority houses, or in dorm rooms, students often ignore strict alcohol policies. Alcohol poisoning, drunk driving accidents, and falls caused by drinking can lead to serious harm and injuries.

If alcoholic beverages were served irresponsibly at a university event or prompt medical assistance was not provided, event organizers and the college may be liable for these injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Universities, fraternities, sororities, and other organizations must keep their premises safe. Hazards like poor lighting, wet floors, uneven walking surfaces, ice and snow buildup, and poorly maintained sports stadium walkways can cause students to slip and fall. These accidents frequently cause broken bones, head injuries, bruises, cuts, and knee or hip injuries.

If the responsible party knew about or should have known about the hazardous condition but failed to address it, they are potentially liable for your injuries.

Foodborne Illnesses

Many students eat at university cafeterias daily, and sports fans may eat at games. If unsafe food preparation and storage leads to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions, you may have a right to seek compensation.

Sports Injuries

Student athletes often get hurt while practicing or competing. While injuries are expected in some sports, some may result from faulty equipment, pushing a player to continue while hurt, inadequate training, or lack of proper medical care. If negligence caused your injury, you may have grounds for compensation.

Assaults

Campuses typically take steps to keep students, faculty, and guests safe. Unfortunately, assaults happen on university property more often than you might think. If poor security, insufficient lighting, broken door locks, or other similar conditions contributed to your assault, you may be able to hold the college accountable.

Dorm, Fraternity House, and Sorority House Accidents

Student housing should be safe for residents and guests. Hazards like unstable bunk beds, faulty electrical wiring, inadequate lighting, and poor overall maintenance can cause various accidents that injure students. If negligence is involved, you may qualify for compensation.

Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Accidents

While drivers are often at fault for these accidents, other factors may contribute. Pedestrians or cyclists may dart in front of oncoming traffic, crosswalks can be poorly designed, and university traffic control may be lacking. If negligence on the college’s part contributed to your vehicle accident, they may be liable for your damages.

Determining Your Eligibility for Compensation After a College Campus Accident

Negligence is the foundation for most personal injury claims. If you can prove that a driver, the university, event organizers, cafeteria staff, or others acted negligently and directly caused your injuries and damages, you likely qualify for compensation. To find out for sure, call Newland & Newland, LLP to discuss your accident. We will evaluate your situation, determine who is responsible, and work hard to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Call Our Dedicated Arlington Heights, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

Establishing negligence and liability is a complex process, but an experienced lawyer from Newland & Newland, LLP can help you. Call us at 847-797-8000 for your free consultation with our knowledgeable Schaumburg, IL premises liability attorneys.