Hurt on a College Campus. Now What?

Drive carefully! Look both ways before you cross the street! Wear your seat belt! Keep your eyes on the road! From the moment you sent your child(ren) out onto the roadway you've been yelling these phrases as they pull away. Now they are about to, or already have, gone off to college. Have you prepared them for all that can happen, legally, there? Of course you have...Maybe!? Let's talk about what happens if your son/daughter gets hurt on campus. Share with him/her these tips:

1. Typical Accidents - College campuses, like many other people-busy settings, have several commonly occurring accidents. Slip-and-fall accidents are possible everywhere there is a walking surface. Try to be aware of where you walk, particularly where the surfaces may be slippery or less than safe (ex. after rainfall, where there is construction, etc...). Auto accidents are always of concern. Remember that Friday and Saturday nights, and holidays are some of the more dangerous times. On campus, the student parking or campus lots are often trouble spots too. There are also large numbers of pedestrian-involved accidents, on college campuses. This is because most college campuses are designed to be walked through. The best thing you can do is be careful and aware.

2. Document! Document! Document! - Should you become injured, on campus, and even if the accident was foreseeable (something that could be predicted or anticipated), you may not be responsible for the injury. The college has a duty to keep the campus safe and hazard free. You should document what led to the accident/injury. This can be later used to support a claim (premises liability). Your attorney will work to prove that the college's failure to act or its actions caused the injury. 

3. After the Accident - 
          * Seek medical attention immediately. You should put your health first and seek medical attention, as soon as possible. Not only can this ensure that you are properly treated, it can also provide documentation that may support your claim. Make sure that you share with the medical professionals any related symptoms (no matter how small). Remember that some injuries/symptoms take days, weeks and even months to fully develop. 
         * Contact Student Health and/or Campus Safety to ensure the injury is properly reported. Most campuses have a protocol for reporting injuries. If you're not sure what it is, call or visit the college website. If you are not in a position to complete the documentation you may need to seek legal assistance (if over 18 years old) or have your parents help (if still a minor). This too will support your need for injury compensation.
        *Contact an attorney. Whether the campus is a public, private or government entity will impact its liability to you. An attorney can assist you in determining liability and all possibilities for compensation.

The safety of your student is just as important to us as it is to you. Hopefully you only need these tips to prepare him/her for the legal adult world. However, if you have Kansas college premises liability questions, following an injury, don't hesitate to call Attorney T. Morton @ 913.602.7288. The initial consultation is always free.