If you have been hurt on a college or university campus, either due to some act of violence or an accident, you may be able have a personal injury case. The specifics of your situation greatly impact what you can do and what you can expect in such a claim, so the best course of action is to call an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
With that in mind, however, there are a few general considerations to keep in mind after being injured at a university or college.
Who Was Negligent?
Negligence is basically an action or inaction that goes against what is generally considered “reasonable behavior.” For example, when an act of violence occurs, such as a shooting, that is certainly against reasonable behavior. As such, the shooter may be held liable for injuries that occur. Depending on the nature of the event, however, sometimes the property owners and others may be considered negligent. If the staff of a college failed to have proper procedures in place for dealing with an active shooter on campus, or failed to act appropriately during the situation, then they might have been negligent.
Who Is Liable?
Liability connects directly to who was negligent. Once negligence is proven, then it needs to be shown that the negligence directly contributed to an injury—this determines liability. For example, a college failed to properly light a stairway, which could be seen as negligent, and you were injured directly because of it. The college is very likely liable for your injuries. When it comes to something like a college campus shooting, the shooter is certainly liable, but if the college acted in a negligent way, then it may also be held liable.
What Can You Do?
After any kind of personal injury, you should speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Proving negligence and liability is not simple; you need a knowledgeable attorney to do so in a court of law. Your lawyer can review your case and explain the strengths and weaknesses of your situation, then suggest who may be held liable for your injuries and how to move forward.
Call The Husband and Wife Law Team
Filing a successful civil claim requires knowledge and an understanding of personal injury law. If you or someone you know has been injured on a college or university campus, then call us at Breyer Law Offices, P.C.