The Top 4 Most Common Injuries on College Campuses in Ocala, Florida

Bill Allen | November 12, 2024 | Personal Injury

The Top 4 Most Common Injuries on College Campuses in Ocala, Florida

College campuses are generally very safe for students. However, accidents and incidents on college campuses can cause severe student injuries. If you are a college student in Ocala, Florida, you should be aware of the top four most common injuries on college campuses.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries impact the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. You can sustain a soft tissue injury anywhere in your body. Examples of soft tissue injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Tendonitis
  • Contusions
  • Sprains
  • Bursitis
  • Strains

You can sustain a soft tissue injury because of a fall, car crash, bicycle accident, or similar accident. Soft tissue injuries may also be caused by exercise and sports activities. The treatment for soft tissue injuries includes RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).

Most soft tissue injuries heal with time. However, some soft tissue injuries may take longer to heal, require physical therapy, and result in permanent impairments.

Fractured and Broken Bones

Broken and fractured bones are another common injury on college campuses in Ocala. Common causes of broken bones include motor vehicle accidents, direct blows, falls, trauma, and bicycle or scooter accidents.

Some broken bones may heal with a cast after being set. However, some individuals may require surgery to repair broken bones. Do not move someone with a broken bone unless the bone is stable. Instead, call 911 for emergency medical services.

Spinal Cord Injuries

An injury to the spinal cord can cause life-altering conditions, including partial and total paralysis. A spinal cord injury can cause loss of sensation, movement, body functions, and strength. Treatment and rehabilitation can be lengthy and may never result in a full recovery.

The causes of spinal cord injury include falls, vehicle accidents, and other trauma. Additional damage can occur in the weeks following an accident as swelling and fluid accumulate in and around the spinal cord.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are common in car accidents, falls, sports activities, assaults, and other trauma. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in severe cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Any injury to the brain can impact how the brain works temporarily or permanently.

Brain injury symptoms vary considerably depending on the type and severity of the injury. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical treatment after any head injury.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured on a College Campus in Ocala, Florida?

Regardless of the type or severity of your injury, always seek medical attention as soon as possible. Report the injury to the campus authorities. If the injury involves a vehicle accident, assault, or other criminal act, report the incident to the local police.

You could be entitled to compensation for your damages if another party caused your injury. You may sue that party for personal injury to recover economic and non-economic damages. Damages for an injury claim could include:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Impairments, disabilities, and disfigurement
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
  • Rehabilitative care

A personal injury lawyer can determine if you have a personal injury case against a person, business, or school. Because injuries on a college campus may involve multiple parties and complex legal issues, seeking legal advice is in your best interest.

Can I Sue My University if I’m Injured on Campus?

A university could be liable for injuries occurring on campus if they were negligent. For example, if the university fails to maintain safe premises and someone is injured, the school may be responsible under premises liability laws. Likewise, if a university employee negligently causes an injury, the school could be responsible under vicarious liability.

However, suing a public university (or most community colleges) differs from suing a private school. A public university is part of the Florida state government, so the rules for government tort claims apply.

Under the Florida Tort Claims Act, you must give the university written notice of your claim within three years of the accident. They then have 180 days to investigate and respond to the claim before you can file a lawsuit. Different deadlines and caps on damages also apply when suing a government entity.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652