At Maison Law, our California premises liability lawyers have handled many types of claims for victims of crimes on various properties. Negligent security is a reality that affects individuals every day throughout California. If you were the victim of an attack or another type of crime on university grounds, you may have the right to bring a negligent security claim against a liable party. Please contact us for more information on your options and a completely free case consultation.
Security Measures Universities Should Take to Protect Students
Crime at university and college campuses is a reality that is all too common in some areas of California. According to statistics from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), approximately 13% of all university students experience rape or sexual assault and 5.8% have experienced events of stalking after entering college.
Because universities are a hotspot for crimes, universities are expected to take precautions and safety measures that protect their students at all times. University property can be appealing to criminals due to the fact that there are high concentrations of young students, as well as many types of technology for criminals to steal.
Universities are supposed to keep certain security measures in place, which can include any of the following:
- Alarm strips along universities, such as in bathrooms and in elevators
- Security cameras in stairwells, classrooms, and other areas
- Security guards all over campus
- Lighting in various areas, including parking lots
- Security codes to access certain areas
- Panic buttons on campus
Even with measures in place on campus, individuals are still hurt all the time in universities due to the acts of criminals. When universities take precautions, these events can be prevented.
Pursuing a Negligent Security Claim After a University Attack
If you have been hurt on a university campus and believe that the incident happened due to negligent security, you may have a claim against a liable party. Bringing any type of premises liability claim can sometimes be difficult, especially because liability is not always clear. To be successful in a claim, you must be able to show the following aspects:
- The property owner failed to abide by the duty of care to use security measures on campus
- They did not warn students about on-campus dangers
- You, as a student, were on campus lawfully
- There was no security on campus
- You sustained injuries due to a crime on campus
You must be able to show more than just the fact that an attack occurred and that you sustained injuries. You also have to show that the attack occurred due to the negligence of a university or property owner.
Receiving Damages in a University Negligent Security Claim
Depending on the circumstances of your claim and if you have received injuries due to an on-campus attack, you may be able to request damages through a personal injury claim. After liable parties have been identified, you can file a claim for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damage
- Property damage
If a loved one’s life has been lost in a negligent security incident on campus, a family has the right to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. This can cover damages such as funeral costs, burial expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more. No matter what type of claim, it is crucial that you seek legal help, as these claims can be incredibly complex in nature.
Contact a Negligent Security Lawyer in California Today
From protecting your rights to negotiating on your behalf with the big-name insurance companies, a California negligent security lawyer can ensure that you have the help you need to move forward after a premises liability-related incident on campus. You should never have to deal with the stress of a claim on your own.
At Maison Law, our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys are here to help you every step of the way during the legal process. We want you to take time to physically recover from your injuries as we handle the difficult parts of your claim. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a completely confidential and free case consultation.
