College Students Heading Off To Campus? Four Ways Personal Injuries In Naples Can Happen
Parents of college-age students are busy getting them ready to resume classes. Whether incoming freshmen or already on the path to getting a degree, you want to do everything you can to ensure their success. Unfortunately, accidents pose serious risks on college campuses and can cause potentially devastating personal injuries. Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains four common ways they happen and how students can protect themselves.
Four Common Accidents Impacting Naples College Students
Getting a college education and participating in life on campus is a major event for young people. For many, it is their first foray away from home. Whether they stay in the dorms or commute to Florida Southwestern or other schools in the area, you want them to be prepared.
Unfortunately, accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries among students between the ages of 18 to 22. On college campuses, there are four common ways they can happen:
- Sports-related injuries
Whether your child goes to college on a sports scholarship or just enjoys extracurricular sports activities, be aware of the risks. The National Institutes of Health warns that sports-related accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries.
Concussions are particularly common and can easily be prevented. Make sure athletes have proper training, safety gear, and appropriate playing surfaces, and that overly aggressive play is prohibited.
- Motor vehicle accidents
Motor vehicle crashes pose major risks to college students. They can impact drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved, often causing life-threatening harm. Excessive fatigue, being under the influence, and other reckless driving behaviors are often to blame.
Remind students to practice defensive driving and to use sidewalks and bike lanes when navigating campus. Pay close attention at intersections, avoid obvious traffic infractions, and never get in a car with someone drinking or taking drugs.
- Slips and falls
Falls can happen in dorms and other types of student housing, when walking to classes, or visiting different buildings on campus. Students are likely to be embarrassed and may not want to call attention to themselves or the situation, but should seek treatment immediately.
Even a seemingly minor fall could cause potentially severe back, neck, and head injuries. Not getting medical care increases the risk of long-term impairments that interfere with their academic career.
- Hazing and other dangerous behavior
Florida State University and other college campuses throughout the area have strict policies that prohibit hazing, but it unfortunately still happens. While certain types of dares or challenges can be fun, dangerous demands and peer pressure could end up putting your child at risk. Warn them against taking unnecessary risks that could prevent them from getting their degree.
Contact Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyer And Request A Consultation Today
Accidents are common among college students and can result in potentially devastating injuries. Cardinal Law, P.A. holds those at fault accountable and helps your child get the compensation they need to recover in a claim. Contact our office and request a consultation with our Naples personal injury lawyer today.
Sources:
fsw.edu/collier
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5596969/
hazing.fsu.edu/general-information/florida-law-on-hazing