Who is Responsible if a Student is Injured in Their Dorm?

One of life’s most valuable experiences is living in a college dorm. Dorm life, allows for a college student to begin to assert their independence by taking care of themselves. They will take on a number of responsibilities by doing their own laundry and making their own food. As a parent, you trust that the college or university that your child is attending will maintain the dorm and keep it safe from hazards. If your child sustained injuries as the result of unsafe conditions in the dorm, it could be the result of the building being poorly maintained. As a result, it may make sense to speak with an attorney regarding a potential premises liability against the university.


What is Premises Liability?

Premises Liability means that a property holder can be held responsible for injuries that are sustained on their property. This is why it is so important for a property owner to ensure that their property is free from hazards. Property owners should eliminate anything that could potentially injure someone on the property including:

  • Electrical hazards
  • Tripping hazards

A student has the right to sue the university for damages if they were injured in a dorm building because the university failed to maintain the property.  


Proving Premises Liability

It will be important to prove that you suffered injuries because the university did not maintain their property and keep it free of hazards. This is vital in order to to prove premises liability, ultimately winning the case. Premises liability can be a difficult process because you will have to prove that the university was negligent. In some cases, the university will argue that due to the student’s lack of care, they were injured.


Premises Liability Lawyer

It will be vital to speak with a premises liability attorney if you are considering pursuit of a premises liability lawsuit against your child’s university. With their experience, they will be able to determine whether or not you will be able to win your case by looking over the details of your accident. An attorney will work to protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies and gather any crucial evidence. An experienced attorney such as the brain injury lawyer who practices all personal Injury areas can ensure that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or the opposing counsel. Come prepared to answer questions regarding your case when you meet with a premises liability lawyer for an initial consultation. It will be important to be as detailed and honest as possible with each question your attorney asks you.

In most cases, you have the benefit of accessing an attorney who will work on a contingency basis when it comes to premises liability. Contingency fees are a payment structure that allows for you to not be required to pay your attorney unless they win your case.