Campus Housing Accidents – Who is Liable?

Going to college can be an emotional time for students and their parents/guardians.  Most parents feel that their child will be well protected and safe while attending college and living in campus dorms or in off campus housing. Young adults also are experiencing their new found freedom to make their own choices, but with that freedom comes a new level of responsibility.  While the majority of college campuses (on or off) have security and safeguards in place, accidents do happen, and when they do, students should be aware of  what they should do if an accident happens that results in their being injured.

off campus fire safety tips

Premises liability accidents on college campuses cover a wide range. Some of the most common college premises liability accidents include:

  • Slip and fall accidents

    The basic types of premises liability accidents involve slip and falls on wet, icy or slippery substances on a floor, parking lot or sidewalk. A trip and fall can occur as a result of an uneven sidewalk, an elevator which is not level or where an object blocks or impedes a person’s path. A step and fall accident occurs when someone falls into a hole in the ground which they could not reasonably expect.

  • Parking lot injuries, including:

  • Negligent security injuries, including:

    • Assault
    • Rape
    • Robbery

    If The Property Owner Could Have Prevented Your Injury, They May Be Liable

    If it can be shown that the injuries suffered from a violent crime were reasonably foreseeable, the property owner is responsible to compensate you for your injuries, provided they could have prevented the crime by simply taking minimal precautions.  These include things like hiring sufficient security, employing security cameras, providing adequate exterior lighting, and placing emergency phones or call boxes in accessible areas. 

    The lack of basic safety measures may be grounds for claims of negligence against the property owner. If you or your loved one were injured in an incident in which security seemed faulty in New York, make sure you consult with us.  

Making Justice Work for You Since 1968

At RGLZ we’ve represented thousands of people injured in premises liability and slip-and-fall accidents since opening our doors in 1968. Our attorneys have the experience to investigate your campus accident and determine who is responsible for the conditions that led to your injury. To schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer, give us a call at 866-639-5567 or contact us by filling out our quick and easy online form. We’ll make justice work for you.