If you are visiting or attending a university or college in Nevada, you may wonder at some point who is responsible for the safety of those on campus. While college students are adults and virtually all visitors to these campuses are, as well, there are still many risks that individuals are faced with when stepping foot on college or university property. Some dangers are more visible than others – like streets that have not been maintained properly. Some other dangers, however, are not so obvious. A Las Vegas personal injury attorney can help protect your rights if you or someone you care about was injured on a college or university campus in Nevada.
Premises Liability Explained
Generally speaking, most property owners and operators can be held legally responsible for harm that occurred on their property due to negligence. The injury can be the result of several factors — poor maintenance, improper security, hazardous condition, or something else. The law requires that property owners and operators be responsible for the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for guests visiting the premises. Property owners and operators must also address potential hazards. Examples of potential hazards include poor lighting, dangerous passages, or not enough security guards on post.
Just like property owners and operators, university and college campuses also have these responsibilities under the law. Whether it is ice from sidewalks, fixing dangerous locations, maintaining campus buildings, or ensuring safe stable furniture – this legal burden is on the universities and colleges. Indeed, colleges and universities are not exempt from the legal standards that apply to all other property owners and operators when it comes to keeping the premises safe for others.
Negligent Security or Insufficient Supervision
Sometimes injuries or accidents that occur on Nevada colleges or universities campuses are a result of insufficient supervision or negligent security. While there are several causes of negligent security or insufficient supervision, some examples include:
- Too few security guards on post;
- Flawed security call boxes;
- Insufficient campus lighting; or
- Broken campus locks.
What to do if Hurt on a Nevada College or University Campus
If you or someone you know has been hurt on another’s property – whether it is a college or university campus or some other premises – it is critical to protect yourself. This is particularly true immediately after you have been hurt. There are several steps you can take to protect your rights to compensation in a Nevada personal injury case. This includes documenting the incident:
- Whether this means reporting it to a property manager, campus authorities, and or local law enforcement, be sure to create a detailed paper trail of what happened;
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, being sure to capture any dangerous condition as well as any visible injuries you may have suffered;
- See a doctor or healthcare provider immediately, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. This is because symptoms can appear days or even weeks after an accident and be more severe than previously anticipated;
How We can HelpIf you or someone you care about has been hurt on a Nevada college or university campus, contact the skilled Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group. We have years of experience investigating personal injury claims and fighting for the rights of the injured. Schedule your initial, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers today to learn more about your options under Nevada law.
