Most Common Types of Accidents That Occur on College Campuses

Bill Allen | November 28, 2023 | Premises Liability

College is a time to learn, mature, and have fun. College students assume they will be safe attending school and living on campus. Unfortunately, dangers on college campuses can result in severe injuries for college students. 

There are a number of colleges and universities in North Central Florida. If you attend school or live on campus, here is what you need to know about accidents and injuries on college campuses. 

Common Accidents on College Campuses

Accidents and injuries can occur at any time and at any location. Common accidents on college campuses include, but are not limited to:

Accidents can result in a student being out of class for weeks or months. They may incur substantial medical bills and loss of income. A student injured on a college campus could be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for their injuries.

For example, if a negligent driver injures a student, the student might have a claim against the driver. If another student caused the injury, that student could be liable for damages. 

An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case to determine who is liable for your injuries. An attorney can advise you of your legal options and discuss how much your claim is worth during a free consultation.

What Injuries Do College Students Sustain on College Campuses in Florida?

College campus accidents cause injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. A student may fall down the steps and sprain their ankle. On the other hand, the fall could result in a traumatic brain injury and broken bones.

Common injuries on college campuses include:

If you are injured at college, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. It is important to document your injuries. Take photographs of your injuries throughout your recovery to document the severity of the injuries.

Avoid using social media while you are recovering from your injuries. The information and pictures you or others post about you could be used against you when you pursue a personal injury claim for your damages. 

Can a College Student Receive Damages for an Accident or Injury on a Florida College Campus?

Damages for personal injury claims include reimbursement of financial losses. You can also receive compensation for pain and suffering. 

Examples of economic and non-economic damages in a college campus personal injury case include:

Generally, the value of damages increases as the severity of an injury increases because it costs more to treat the traumatic injuries. Additionally, the victim may miss more time from work because they require a longer recovery period. 

Traumatic injuries can also increase pain and suffering damages. The injuries may cause more pain, but the person may also experience increased emotional distress because of the injuries. 

Before accepting a settlement offer, talk with an attorney. Insurance companies, college campuses, and other liable parties will try to settle the claim for the least amount of money possible. Your personal injury claim could be worth more than the offer, but if you sign a settlement agreement, you give up the right to pursue more money. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations To File a Claim for Injuries on College Campuses in Florida?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury case depends on the claim type. Since Florida changed their statute of limitations, it may also depend on when the claim originated. 

Claims arising from intentional torts, strict liability, and other non-negligence claims are generally four years from the injury date. If a general negligence case occurred before March 24, 2023, the statute of limitation should also be four years.

However, general negligence claims occurring on or after March 24, 2023, now have a two-year statute of limitations. 

It is important to note that exceptions to the statute of limitations could change the deadlines. Also, the facts of a case could change the deadline to file a lawsuit. Therefore, do not assume you have ample time to file a claim without speaking to a personal injury lawyer. 

Contact Our Gainesville Premises Liabilty Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville premises liability lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258