Ohio State Student Injury Attorney
As a bustling community with a diverse population, Ohio State University (OSU) and its surrounding areas have many wonderful benefits to offer. With such a significant population of young people, however, risks also exist. One such set of risks is the potential for students and other residents to sustain injury in various settings. Understanding common risks, and implementing preventive measures, are essential for avoiding injury and promoting health and safety within the community.
The Columbus-based personal injury law firm, Brian G. Miller Co., L.P.A., serves clients not only in the greater Columbus area but also throughout Ohio and West Virginia. While our primary aim is to promote a safe and vibrant community, we also acknowledge our role in assisting people who have fallen victim to injuries when safe environments are not promoted and maintained. We place a high value on fostering strong client relationships, and we prioritize client care and customer service both through education and effective representation. If you find yourself in a position of needing assistance due to an injury sustained due to the fault of another, our firm offers the opportunity not only to meet with your Columbus personal injury attorney at the outset, but also to maintain regular communication with the actual lawyer at every stage throughout our collaboration. We encourage the prevention of circumstances which create injury, but we stand ready to help achieve meaningful results for our clients when such injuries occur.
Sports-Related Injuries
With a vibrant sports culture, including collegiate athletics and recreational activities, sports-related injuries are prevalent among OSU students and residents. Common injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and concussions. Most sports-related injuries are not ones which lead to legal claims, unless the injury occurs during circumstances which are outside the bounds of the normal sporting event itself. Nonetheless, such injuries are ones about which to be aware and to take proper preventative measures.
Prevention: Proper warm-up exercises, using appropriate protective gear, and adhering to safety guidelines can reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. Additionally, promoting a culture of sportsmanship and fair play encourages responsible participation.
Traffic Accidents
Ohio’s busy roadways pose a significant risk of traffic accidents, including automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents, among students and residents. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving contribute to these incidents.
Prevention: Practicing defensive driving techniques, obeying traffic laws, wearing seatbelts, and using designated crosswalks and bike lanes enhance road safety. Educational campaigns on responsible driving and pedestrian/bicyclist awareness further contribute to accident prevention.
Pedestrian Injuries
Unfortunately, sometimes the victims of circumstances such as those described above are pedestrians. When there is driver inattention to the road, failure to yield at a crosswalk, speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or simply carelessness on the part of a driver, the people who are most exposed to serious injury are those walking in the roadway without meaningful protection. Often the traffic and circumstances accompanying large sports events contribute to pedestrian risk.
Prevention: Heightened attention to the road and one’s surroundings, particularly during busy times, is important for preventing pedestrian injuries. Ensuring that one stays off the phone, and that one is alert and sober while driving after Ohio State games and events is also critical.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents occur frequently in both indoor and outdoor environments, particularly when there is inattention to maintenance or failure to properly warn of hazards. These accidents can result in fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
Prevention: Maintaining clear walkways, promptly addressing spills or hazards, and installing proper lighting and handrails in stairwells and corridors reduce the risk of slip and fall incidents. Additionally, wearing appropriate footwear with good traction enhances stability.
Alcohol-Related Incidents and “Dram Shop” Claims
Excessive alcohol consumption is a concern among college students and residents in the surrounding areas, leading to alcohol poisoning, falls, and accidents. Depending upon the circumstances, personal injury claims may be pursued against intoxicated drivers responsible for causing car or pedestrian collisions. Likewise, additional claims, such as “dram shop” claims, may be pursued against Ohio State campus bars or restaurants that knowingly serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or individual under 21-years of age who subsequently causes injury or damage due to their intoxication.
Prevention: Promoting responsible alcohol consumption through education and awareness campaigns, providing safe transportation options, and fostering a supportive environment for seeking help in cases of alcohol-related emergencies are vital preventive measures. Bars and eating establishments also have to be responsible in who they employ and how they serve.
Contact An Experienced Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer
If negligence or improper conduct is involved, some of these circumstances above can create a legal right of recovery if someone is hurt. Brian G. Miller Co., L.P.A. has experience with all types of injury cases, including those on a college campus and the surrounding areas. By acknowledging the common injuries sustained by Ohio State students, proactive measures can be implemented to mitigate risks and promote a safer community. If such steps have not been properly taken, or you have questions about the circumstances involved in an injury sustained by you or a loved one, contact our firm today, and we can discuss whether our legal team is a position to help.
