Though its main purpose is to educate, college should be a joyous time in a student’s life, filled with new experiences and fast friends. While this is the case for many of the teens and 20-somethings who attend institutions of higher learning across the country, some of their peers have a less pleasant time at school. Any number of injuries can befall students, be they intentional or accidental, and any number of parties can be responsible.
If you have suffered an injury on one of Temple University’s campuses, the liable parties could include the school itself, since it has a general responsibility to keep those on its property safe from harm. This extends not just to students, but also to employees, parents, and visitors, as well. However, the issue of liability is often complicated and is something best discussed with an experienced legal expert. To learn more about any potential causes of action, contact the Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 515-3913. With more than 40 years practicing law and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered, we stand ready to get you the compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries That Can Occur on Campus
With all the hustle and bustle that takes place on college campuses, situations can develop quickly; when that situation is a game of pickup soccer or ultimate frisbee, so much the better, but sometimes things take a turn for the worst. A student on a skateboard could come out of nowhere and knock you to the pavement, or a patch of black ice underfoot could lead to bruised pride or broken bones. Though some accidents are unavoidable, most should have been prevented, which means that someone is likely responsible for what happened to you.
Slips and Falls
Falling as a result of unsafe conditions is one of the most common types of accidents that lead to injuries. Though a defense attorney will likely try to paint a fall as the fault of the person who lost their footing, the reality is rarely that simple. In most cases of slip and fall injuries, the negligence of the property owner is a primary cause of the conditions that allowed the fall in the first place. Whether this is because they failed to clear snow and ice from walkways or because of uneven surfaces, the owner almost always could have taken steps to prevent the injury. If you feel that this may have been the case in your situation, contact a legal professional who can help you determine what steps you should take.
Sexual Assault
While many common injuries are the result of carelessness, some come about because of the malice or selfishness of an attacker. Sadly, sexual assault is one example of such an instance. News coverage in recent years has brought a heightened level of attention to the epidemic of sexual assaults on college campuses; in fact, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that 20 to 25 percent of women in college will be sexually assaulted during their time at school. It is also an unfortunate truth that many sexual assaults never result in convictions, effectively depriving the victim of the justice they deserve under the U.S. legal system. Other options do exist, however; in some cases, civil action can even be more satisfying because the victim has some level of control over the proceedings and can force their attacker to appear in court and detail their crimes under oath.
Hazing or Bullying
Despite the efforts of many institutions to eliminate hazing and bullying on their campuses, many student organizations still maintain a culture of intimidation and ritual humiliation. Many students who have been the victims of hazing or bullying do not wish to damage their social prospects by reporting the abuse, but these students are often eligible for compensation from the student organization and the institution because of what they endured.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured on Temple’s Campus
In the event that you have suffered a serious injury or trauma on one of Temple’s campuses, it is important that you preserve the facts of the case as best you can. Of course, you should be sure to seek medical attention if your injuries are serious, and to contact the proper authorities in the aftermath of a crime.
If you are able, however, you should attempt to gather details such as the names and contact information of all witnesses at the scene or law enforcement officers who respond. Photographs of the location can be a key part of any legal action, too; if you are unable to take pictures yourself, ask if someone can document the scene and send the photos to you.
Call a Temple University Campus Injury Lawyer Today
Dealing with the fallout of an accident or assault can put a lot of strain on a person. If you are one such individual, know that a knowledgeable legal representative can guide you through the process and take some of the weight from your shoulders. The team of attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm has decades of experience fighting for the rights of clients and a track record that proves their effectiveness and dedication. Don’t wait; call the Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 515-3913 and schedule your free consultation.
