Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | July 2, 2024
If you’re a college student in Georgia living in student housing, an injury can not only disrupt your studies but also impact your life long-term. Knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in your potential to secure compensation for any damages. Whether inadequate security, a hazardous condition, a faulty appliance, or any other condition on the property caused the injury, the attorneys at Hasner Law will identify who is liable for the incident and help fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Generally, it is best to seek medical attention immediately following the incident, even if you assume your injuries are minor. If you are able to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, ask eyewitnesses for contact information, and seek the legal guidance of an Atlanta premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Our legal team protects your rights and fights for the justice you deserve.
Your Legal Options if You Are Injured in Student Housing as a College Student
When you suffer an injury in student housing as a college student, it’s important to understand you may have legal recourse for compensation and justice. The following is an overview of the steps you can take to protect yourself and seek accountability:
Report the Incident
Immediately reporting the incident to the housing management or campus police is critical. This not only ensures that the hazard is addressed to prevent further accidents but also serves as the first step in documenting the incident officially.
Document Everything
Gather all possible evidence related to the incident. This includes photos of the hazard that caused the injury, medical reports, testimonies from witnesses, and a record of any communication with the housing authorities and medical professionals.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prioritize your health by getting prompt medical attention. Medical records are essential in linking the incident to your injuries, as well as providing insight into the severity and extent of the harm you suffered.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys can offer legal counsel on how to proceed with a legal claim, negotiate with insurance entities on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. Do not delay, as evidence may be destroyed or altered.
How to Hold Responsible Parties Liable in a Student Housing Accident Claim
When you are injured in a student housing accident, proving negligence is essential to holding responsible parties accountable for injuries. The following are several potential defendants in these types of claims:
- The University or College: If the housing is owned and managed by the educational institution, it may be held responsible for negligence in maintaining safe living conditions.
- Private Housing Management: For privately managed residences that contract with schools, these entities can also be liable for failing to uphold safety standards.
- Third-party Contractors: Companies hired to perform maintenance or repairs that were negligently done, leading to injury, could also be held accountable.
To demonstrate one or multiple parties were negligent, you must prove the following elements:
- The opposing party had a duty to ensure a safe environment.
- The opposing party breached this duty through action or inaction.
- The breach was the direct cause of your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result of the injury (e.g., medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages).
The Hasner Law attorneys will help you prove a breach of duty by thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering necessary evidence, and navigating the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Speak With the Hasner Law Student Housing Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a student housing accident, you must take action to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Hasner Law can provide the guidance and representation you need to effectively pursue your claim. We will help you gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, communicate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Don’t let the negligence of others compromise your health and academic career. Contact a personal injury attorney today at (916) 970-9100 or fill out a contact form to discuss your student housing case and explore your legal options.
