Michigan Personal Injury Claims Involving College Students
An individual's college years should be filled with new friends, engaging classes, and personal growth. Unfortunately, injuries can happen at any stage in life. When a college student is injured due to another party’s negligence or recklessness on campus, he or she has the right to seek financial compensation for damages. The student may be entitled to reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and other losses associated with the incident.
Types of Injuries Suffered by College Students
College students may suffer a wide range of injuries because of another party's wrongdoing or irresponsibility. Sometimes, the at-fault party is another individual, such as a drunk driver. In other cases, the school itself is liable for a student's injury.
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Car crashes - College students are especially vulnerable to car accidents, particularly due to the prevalence of drunk driving and distracted driving on college campuses.
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Pedestrian and bicycle accidents - College campuses often have many cyclists and pedestrians, making them particularly vulnerable to accidents. Students who are injured by a reckless driver while walking or riding a bicycle may be entitled to reimbursement for their losses.
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Slip and fall - If a college student slips and falls on the school's property due to dangerous conditions, he or she may be able to file a claim against the school. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or cracked sidewalks.
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Sexual assault - College students may also be victims of sexual assault, including rape. One survey found that 13 percent of college students had experienced nonconsensual sexual contact. Sexual assault victims often struggle with significant psychological trauma in addition to physical injuries. Colleges may be held legally responsible for not protecting the victim or allowing an unsafe environment on campus.
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Hazing injuries - Fraternities and sororities often have "hazing" rituals in which a student must complete a difficult or embarrassing task. Most hazing rituals are meant to be fun, but hazing is sometimes taken too far. If hazing leads to serious injury or death, the institution, organization, or school may be liable.
Legal Representation for Injured College Students
Unfortunately, schools and other organizations are often less than cooperative when a student is injured on campus. If you or your child has been injured due to someone else's negligence while attending college, contact an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer immediately. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and may be able to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party.
Contact a Kent County Personal Injury Attorney for College Students
Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer John D. Tallman understands the financial, physical and emotional toll that an injury can take on a college student and his or her family. He is dedicated to helping those injured on college campuses recover the maximum compensation for their losses. If you or your child has been injured on campus, call 616-361-8850 for a free initial consultation.
Source:
https://www.aau.edu/sites/default/files/AAU-Files/Key-Issues/Campus-Safety/Revised%20Aggregate%20report%20%20and%20appendices%201-7_(01-16-2020_FINAL).pdf
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