Personal Injury Lawyer
If you experience the tragedy of losing a loved one, you’ll have a wide range of emotions. You may be angry, confused, shocked, and saddened. While some deaths are accidental, others may have been because of another party’s negligence or deliberate actions. If a loved one dies on a college campus, it’s possible that the school may be liable. If you are concerned about this, you should speak to a wrongful death lawyer, and discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Definition
A wrongful death action occurs when you file a lawsuit against another person or organization that you believe was responsible for your family member’s passing. This is a civil matter that may find resolution within or outside a courtroom. You will seek compensatory damages, which would be payment for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and loss of earning capacity. You may also seek punitive damages to punish the offender.
Security Issues
Your wrongful death lawsuit against a college may claim that the campus had poor security or law enforcement. If someone killed your family member and you felt as though there was not enough protection or security measures at the school, your lawyer may believe the college is to blame. Perhaps there are too few law enforcement officers or security personnel. Or, maybe there is a lack of proper training for these people. You may also assert that the response was too slow or ineffective.
Unsafe Conditions
If your loved one died because of an accident, the school may be at fault. For example, if your family member died in a structural collapse or from falling construction equipment, the school may not have properly inspected the area. Walkways, buildings, or even landscaping items may pose dangers to the students. If school officials knew about these problems but failed to address them, you could be justified in filing a lawsuit.
Insufficient Equipment
Safety gear is essential in some situations, especially for students who have campus jobs where they work with chemicals or heavy machinery. Teachers and administrators should provide all students with the right equipment to protect themselves against any hazards. If this is not the case, the school could be held responsible for your loved one’s death. Safety gear should be up to date and meet all industry standards.
Consult with a lawyer today if you believe your loved one’s college is liable for his or her death. Your attorney has the knowledge and training to help you build a case.