College campuses in Connecticut, like those across the United States, have a fundamental duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. This responsibility encompasses various essential measures, from maintaining secure facilities to implementing comprehensive safety protocols. Colleges failing to meet these obligations can face serious legal consequences, including personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
There is a duty of care
Colleges and universities must provide a safe environment for their students. This duty of care includes:
- Maintaining safe facilities: Schools must ensure that their buildings, dormitories and other facilities are safe and free from hazards. This includes regular maintenance, proper lighting, secure locks and promptly addressing all known dangers.
- Implementing safety protocols: Institutions must have safety protocols, such as emergency response plans, fire drills and procedures for handling natural disasters or other emergencies.
- Providing adequate security: They must provide adequate security measures, including campus police or security personnel, surveillance systems and secure building access. They should also address any reports of criminal activity promptly and effectively.
- Health and wellness services: It is crucial to provide access to health and wellness services, including mental health support. Schools should have resources available to help students cope with stress, mental health issues and other personal challenges.
- Preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination: They must have policies and procedures in place to prevent and address harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault. This includes providing training for staff and students, as well as support services for victims.
Consequences of failing to meet these obligations
Colleges can be legally accountable when they fail to meet their safety obligations. Here’s how:
- Personal injury lawsuits: If a student is injured due to the college’s negligence, they or their family can file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, when a student is hurt because of poorly maintained facilities or inadequate security, the school could be liable for the injuries sustained.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: In tragic cases where a student dies due to the college’s negligence, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can occur if the death results from inadequate safety measures, such as failure to address known hazards or insufficient emergency response.
Holding them responsible
Colleges in Connecticut have a critical responsibility to ensure the safety of their students. Unfortunately, the consequences can be catastrophic when they fail to meet their obligation. Victims and surviving families can hold Connecticut schools accountable by working with a Connecticut-based personal injury firm. These attorneys can examine the details of the case and conduct further investigations to build a convincing case. They then can represent clients in court if the school does not make a fair offer for damages. They work on contingency, meaning the firm charges no legal fees unless they win the case.
