Bradshaw & Bryant

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Minnesota College Accident Attorneys

Skilled legal help when you or your student experiences an accident at college

Heading off to college is an exciting time. It’s a chance for young adults to gain independence, pursue their education, and start building their futures. But with this new freedom also comes new risks. College campuses, whether in the Twin Cities or small towns across Minnesota, are not immune to accidents, injuries, or even serious harm. At Bradshaw & Bryant, our Minnesota college accident attorneys are here to help when students suffer injuries due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or wrongful actions. We understand that parents trust schools to provide a safe learning environment, and students expect to be treated fairly. When that trust is broken and someone is hurt, legal action may be necessary to ensure accountability and get the injured person the compensation they need to recover.

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Understanding college accidents in Minnesota

Accidents can happen anywhere, and college campuses are no exception. From the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to St. Cloud State, Carleton College, and smaller community and technical colleges, students live, study, and work in environments that should prioritize their safety. Common types of accidents on or around Minnesota college campuses include:

  • Slip and falls in dorms, cafeterias, or academic buildings
  • Bicycle or pedestrian accidents near busy campus streets
  • Auto accidents involving student drivers or shuttles
  • Injuries at on-campus events or athletic facilities
  • Assaults or hazing incidents involving other students
  • Negligent security incidents
  • Accidents involving school-owned equipment or property

In some cases, these accidents result from bad luck. But often, they’re the result of someone’s negligence, whether that’s a school’s failure to fix a hazard, supervise activities, or provide security. When that happens, our job at Bradshaw & Bryant is to hold the responsible party accountable and help students and families get justice.

Who can be held liable after a college accident in Minnesota?

Figuring out who is legally responsible for an injury on campus isn’t always easy. It depends on where the injury happened, how it occurred, and who was involved. Some of the potentially liable parties might include:

  • Schools have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises and provide adequate security, lighting, supervision, and emergency procedures.
  • If the accident occurred off-campus (e.g., at a bar, apartment complex, or rented house), the property owner may be liable under Minnesota premises liability law.
  • In cases of assault, hazing, or reckless behavior, the responsible person can be held legally accountable.
  • If a cleaning company leaves a spill or a food vendor causes food poisoning, the business involved may be at fault.

Colleges often try to limit their liability through waivers or internal procedures. But Minnesota law doesn’t always allow institutions to escape responsibility if they acted negligently.

What are some common injuries in Minnesota college accidents?

Some college accidents result in minor injuries like sprains or bruises. Others lead to more serious personal injuries, including:

These injuries can disrupt a student’s education, mental health, social life, and long-term career plans. They may require medical treatment, therapy, or even time away from school. That’s why it’s so important to seek legal help right away.

What should I do if my college student is injured?

If your child is hurt at college, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Here are some steps you can take to protect their health and their legal rights:

  • Even if injuries seem minor, always get checked out by a doctor. Some conditions, like concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
  • Take photos of the scene, write down witness names, and save any communications with school staff or campus security.
  • Most colleges will document accidents or safety incidents. Get a copy of the report as soon as possible.
  • Colleges may ask students to sign waivers or statements. Don’t sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
  • Contact a Minnesota college accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can investigate the case, explain your legal options, and protect your family’s interests.

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we’ve worked with families all over Minnesota to help them through difficult times. We know the laws, the system, and how to get results.

Can you sue a college for an injury?

Yes, under certain circumstances, you may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against a college or university in Minnesota. But the process can be complicated.

If the school is a public institution (like the University of Minnesota), it may have limited legal immunity under the Minnesota Tort Claims Act. That means you must follow specific rules when filing a claim against a government entity, including shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements.

If the school is private (like Hamline University or Macalester College), you may have more flexibility. Still, it can be a challenge to prove negligence and navigate the school’s internal legal teams or insurers.

That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands these issues. At Bradshaw & Bryant, we take pride in standing up for students and families when institutions fail to do the right thing.

How can your Minnesota college accident lawyers help with my case?

Our firm has decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases throughout Minnesota. When you choose us as your legal team, you can expect the following:

  • We look at evidence, speak with witnesses, and consult experts to understand exactly what happened.
  • We keep you informed and explain every step of the legal process in plain English.
  • Whether negotiating with insurers or going to trial, we fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
  • We treat every client with respect and care, knowing how stressful these situations can be.

We’ve helped countless Minnesotans recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses after serious injuries.

How can schools prevent college accidents?

Colleges and universities in Minnesota have a responsibility to protect students. Here are just a few of the safety practices schools should be implementing:

  • Regular inspections and maintenance of buildings and walkways
  • Proper lighting in dorms, parking lots, and common areas
  • Effective campus security and emergency response systems
  • Clear anti-hazing and anti-harassment policies
  • Safety training for staff and resident assistants (RAs)
  • Enforcement of alcohol and drug policies
  • Safe transportation programs for students without cars

When schools fail in these duties and someone gets hurt, that’s not just unfortunate. It may be legally actionable.

How long do I have to file a Minnesota college accident claim?

If your student is injured, time is limited to take legal action. In most Minnesota personal injury cases, you have six years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But if the injury involves a government-run school, you may have as little as 180 days to file a notice of claim under the Minnesota Tort Claims Act. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to recover any compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

Do you have a Minnesota college accident lawyer near me?

Bradshaw & Bryant proudly serves clients throughout the state from our offices located at 1505 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387, and 701 Xenia Ave. S., Suite 565, Golden Valley, MN 55416. We also offer virtual consultations or travel to meet with seriously injured clients if needed. If you’re in Minnesota and injured, reach out to us.

Talk to an experienced Minnesota college accident attorney today

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we believe in justice, accountability, and helping people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own. If you or your child has suffered an injury while attending college in Minnesota, don’t try to handle it alone. These cases can be complex and emotional, and schools often have powerful legal teams protecting their own interests. Schedule a free consultation. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide what to do next. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule your case evaluation today.