College presents a myriad of opportunities. It allows you to expand your knowledge both in and out of the classroom. However, your experience could be marred by a slip and fall accident on unmaintained school property. Such an accident could result in injuries that could keep you away from school as you recover. The injuries could also be far-reaching or permanent.
A slip and fall on a college campus is an unfortunate event. It often happens when the responsible parties fail to maintain walkways, stairs, and floors in a safe condition. Fortunately, injured students can pursue damages for the resulting losses.
Have you been injured on campus? Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to discuss your legal rights and obligations with one of their expert Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys.
Premises Liability Laws
Accidents that happen on a college campus will fall under premises liability. In California, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a safe condition. This involves removing any safety hazards or providing sufficient warning to unsuspecting visitors. Premises liability laws stipulate this duty and the repercussions of failing to uphold it.
Although any accident can happen on school property, some like slip and falls are more common than others. A slip and fall is an incident where someone slips or trips over an obstacle or slippery condition and falls. Common causes include:
- Loose floorboards
- Liquid spills
- Loose carpeting
- Uneven flooring
- Faulty handrails
- Presence of mud, ice, or sleet on the floor
- Poor lighting
If these conditions exist on a college campus and cause an accident, the management can be held liable. They could be forced to pay damages resulting from the accident.
What Should You do After a Slip and Fall on College Campus?
The first step after an accident is to assess your injuries. Check if you are severely injured and seek medical attention immediately. Once that is done, report your accident to the campus police and file a report. Document the scene of the accident and your injuries by taking photographs. You can also collect the contact information of willing witnesses.
If you sustain an injury, the college might try to offer you compensation. Make sure you consult an attorney before you receive a settlement or sign any documents.
Seeking Reimbursement
The first and best option for seeking compensation is filing a personal injury claim. Your attorney will handle the paperwork and evidence collection to prove negligence. If the claim is successful, you will receive the reimbursement you deserve.
If not, your attorney could file a lawsuit against the college. This will mean going to trial to seek damages. It is a viable option where the college is not offering a fair settlement.
How Can a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Help?
A slip and fall on a college campus fall under premises liability. This is an area of the law stipulating the duty of care owed by property owners to visitors on their property. Generally, your best chances of receiving reimbursement lie with an attorney with knowledge of premises liability laws in your state.
If you sustain an injury on school property, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. We will evaluate your case and take the necessary steps to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us to speak to one of our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys.