Can I Sue for Student Injuries at NYC Colleges and Universities?
Going to college or a university is an exciting time, but when an unexpected accident happens on campus, it can have life-changing consequences. College property owners have a responsibility to keep their campuses reasonably safe for students. When they fail to do so, a premises liability lawsuit may be filed to hold negligent parties liable.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured at Brooklyn College, Pratt, NYU, Columbia, or other campuses throughout NYC, it’s important to speak to an attorney to determine if you have a case for a premises liability lawsuit. The premises liability attorneys of the Brooklyn, NY, law firm of Zucker & Regev, P.C. are available to discuss whether you have a strong case for suing for student injuries.
Premises Liability and Suing for Student Injuries
All property owners have a duty to keep their property safe for visitors and people who are invited on their property. This duty applies to property owners of college campuses, universities, and dorm rooms. Property owners who fail to maintain a reasonably safe property for students may be sued under premises liability laws.
In order to seek compensation for damages through a premises liability lawsuit, you must be able to show that the college or university property owners were negligent in attending to a hazardous property condition and this negligence led to your injuries.
When Might a Campus Accident Fall Under Premises Liability?
Just because an accident happens on a college campus does not automatically make it a premises liability issue. Premises liability accidents are those that could have been avoided if the property was sufficiently maintained. For example, property owners need to fix loose stair handrails, fill potholes, and take steps to deter crime by keeping certain areas well lit or patrolled by security guards.
Brooklyn students may be able to sue for premises liability if they have been injured as a result of:
- Slip and fall accidents on unshoveled/unplowed snow or ice
- Violent crime in poorly lit areas
- Violent crime tied to a lack of security or cameras
- Illness from exposure to asbestos or other dangerous chemicals
- Slip and fall accidents from loose stairs or handrails
Recovering Damages
Students should feel safe on campus and in their dorm rooms. When property owners fail to maintain their property and allow hazardous conditions to continue, they should be held liable when an injury occurs.
Filing a premises liability lawsuit can help injured students recover compensation for:
- Hospital expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Contact Zucker & Regev, P.C.
There are many conditions that must be met in order to prevail in a premises liability lawsuit. The Brooklyn premises liability attorneys of Zucker & Regev can review the details of your claim to determine whether you have a strong case for filing a premises liability lawsuit. For more information or to discuss your claim, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.