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Schools are supposed to be places where kids learn and become productive members of society. You should not have to worry about their safety when they leave your home to attend classes. Unfortunately, not all schools take their responsibility to provide a safe and secure learning environment seriously.
As we have seen in the recent news, school shootings are becoming a disturbing trend in secondary schools and at the university level. For years now, school administrators have been on notice that their campuses can be a hotbed for violence and bloodshed. But what happens when a school ignores the warning signs and negligently fails to provide a safe atmosphere for its students?
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to file a lawsuit if you or your child are harmed due to the school failing to provide appropriate security.
George Law is highly experienced in litigation as well as legal issues involving schools. Our team of expert Michigan litigation attorneys has the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best representation possible for your claim.
What Is Negligent Security?
Your child’s school is responsible for providing a safe place to learn. When the school knows of a dangerous condition but fails to address it, then they may have committed negligence. Negligent security is when the school was aware of a security issue but failed to take the appropriate steps to address it and provide a safe environment. An example would be if the school knew of a violent predator hanging around the school’s grounds but did not call the police or attempt to remove that person through its security personnel. Negligent security may also occur if the school fails to install cameras after a rash of assaults in the school’s parking lot. In both examples, the school had a duty to protect its students, knew of a security risk, and failed to do something about it. If your child suffers harm because of the school’s failure, then you may be able to sue the school for damages.
Who Can Sue?
Not everyone injured or otherwise harmed may file a negligent security lawsuit. You must be able to establish that the school had a duty to provide security, that it knew of the danger, and that it failed to take the necessary steps to address it. Indeed, if your child is a student at the school, then the school has a responsibility to protect them. But it may be difficult to show that the school knew of the specific danger that caused the harm. School shootings often occur at random and without warning. Additionally, even if there were signs that a student may be having thoughts of violence, the school may not be in a position to keep tabs on that student the entire time they are on school grounds. Still, a school that doesn’t take adequate steps to address a security issue may be found liable if they could’ve prevented the tragedy.
Suing The School
If you are considering suing your child’s school, then how you will move forward will depend on whether it is a private or public institution. Private schools generally have less protection under the law than public ones. This means that if your child attends a public school and is harmed while on campus, then there may be laws that limit your ability to sue successfully. Some states have caps on how much you can get in a lawsuit brought against a public school. Even if the school was at fault, there might even be laws that prohibit you from making specific claims. Whether you are thinking about suing a public or private school, you will want to first consult with an attorney to determine the applicable laws in your state and to decide if your case is worth pursuing at all.
Do I Have A Case?
If your child has been harmed while at school, then it is natural to want to understand why it happened and hold those who are responsible accountable. You deserve to be compensated for the trauma and harm that your child has suffered. Figuring out if you have a case and who is responsible are questions that are best left up to an experienced attorney. The specific facts surrounding what happened and the applicable laws will determine whether you have a case worth pursuing. Only a qualified attorney will be able to analyze your case and develop a strategy to hold those responsible accountable and secure justice for you and your family.
Michigan Negligent Security Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a school’s failed security measures, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who is well versed in negligent security cases. At George Law, our attorneys have extensive experience with these types of lawsuits and are prepared to aggressively pursue all remedies against those responsible so that you get the compensation that you are entitled to. Reach out to George Law by calling (248) 470-4300 or contacting us online to consult with a negligent security lawyer about your situation.