Skip to Content
Top
Were You Injured at College in Buffalo?

Injured at a Buffalo College? Here’s How to Fight for Justice!

You went to college to build your future—not to get hurt. Whether you slipped in a poorly maintained dorm, got assaulted at a campus event, or were injured during a hazing ritual, the consequences are serious. Unfortunately, schools don’t always step up to make things right. That’s where personal injury attorneys come in.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys help students and families in Buffalo take legal action when colleges fail to keep campuses safe. You deserve more than apologies. You deserve answers, accountability, and real compensation.

A group of people walking in a hallway

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Can You Sue Your Buffalo College for an Injury?

Yes, under certain circumstances, you can. Colleges are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. When they cut corners or ignore warning signs, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable. But going up against a university isn’t easy. It takes evidence, strong legal support, and a clear understanding of New York law.

When Schools Fail to Protect Students

Colleges in Buffalo, like any institution, have a duty of care. That means they must:

  • Maintain buildings, dorms, and facilities
  • Provide adequate lighting and security
  • Vet staff and student organizations properly

If a university knew about a risk and didn’t act—or failed to set safety policies at all—it may be considered negligent under New York Education Law § 6430, which outlines campus safety obligations.

Your Legal Options Against Negligent Universities

Depending on the situation, you may be able to file a lawsuit for:

  • Premises liability
  • Negligent security
  • Hazing or harassment-related injuries
  • Negligent hiring or supervision

Colleges aren’t immune to lawsuits. If they acted negligently, they can—and should—be held responsible.

Buffalo Campus Assaults: Are Schools Liable for Negligent Security?

Campus safety isn’t just about locks on doors. It's about systems that prevent violence and respond to danger. When schools drop the ball, students pay the price.

The Shocking Reality of Unsafe Campuses

Buffalo-area schools have seen incidents involving:

  • Poor lighting in parking areas
  • Broken locks in residence halls
  • Unmonitored access to dorms and academic buildings

Negligent security can create opportunities for assaults, robberies, and other violent acts. When that happens, universities can be held liable under New York General Obligations Law § 11-100 for failing to prevent foreseeable harm.

How to Hold Universities Accountable for Violent Crimes

To build a case, you need to prove:

  • The crime was foreseeable
  • The school didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent it
  • The injury occurred due to their lack of action

Campus police reports, prior complaints, and gaps in security logs can all support your claim.

Hazing Nightmares in Buffalo Fraternities: Who’s Responsible?

What’s passed off as “tradition” in Greek life can quickly turn into a nightmare. Hazing has no place on campus—and when it leads to injury, someone needs to answer for it.

When Initiation Turns Deadly or Dangerous

From forced alcohol consumption to physical abuse, hazing rituals can have devastating outcomes. Buffalo colleges have seen:

  • Hospitalizations from alcohol poisoning
  • Broken bones from physical stunts
  • Psychological trauma from harassment or humiliation

Under New York Penal Law § 120.16, hazing is a criminal offense. But victims can also pursue civil action against the individuals involved, the fraternity, and in some cases, the college.

The Legal Fallout of Greek Life Gone Wrong

If the school knew about past hazing or failed to supervise Greek organizations, they may share responsibility. Lawsuits may involve:

  • Negligent supervision
  • Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Lack of disciplinary action against prior offenders

Colleges can’t turn a blind eye to dangerous traditions and pretend they had no control.

Injured in a Buffalo Dorm or Campus Event? Know Your Rights!

Dorms and student events are supposed to be safe spaces. But when safety gets overlooked, students end up with serious injuries and expensive medical bills.

The Hidden Dangers of Dorm Life and Student Activities

Injuries happen when schools ignore maintenance, overcrowd events, or fail to train staff. We’ve seen:

  • Slip-and-falls from leaks or uncleaned spills
  • Burn injuries from outdated dorm kitchen appliances
  • Falls from broken stair rails or faulty elevators
  • Injuries at overcrowded concerts or poorly managed sports events

These aren’t just accidents—they’re preventable hazards.

Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Campus Accident?

You might be stuck with bills for ER visits, follow-ups, physical therapy, or even surgeries. A personal injury claim can help you recover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost tuition if you have to withdraw
  • Costs of rehabilitation or counseling
  • Pain and suffering

Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim—but the sooner you act, the better your case.

Missing Classes Due to an Injury? Get the Compensation You Deserve!

When you're hurt, your education can fall apart. Missed exams, falling grades, withdrawn classes—it all adds up. And the emotional toll is just as real.

The Financial and Academic Impact of a Serious Injury

In Buffalo, students who suffer injuries may lose:

  • Housing deposits or rent
  • Tuition payments for incomplete semesters
  • Scholarship eligibility

When your injury wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to carry the cost alone.

How to Fight for Medical and Tuition Reimbursement

With the help of experienced personal injury attorneys, you can seek reimbursement for:

  • Lost tuition and fees
  • Medical and mental health care
  • Academic accommodations and tutoring support

And in some cases, schools may offer settlements to avoid going to court—but don’t accept anything before speaking to a lawyer.

Your Buffalo Legal Team for College Injury Lawsuits

Colleges should protect your future—not ruin it. If you’ve been injured because your Buffalo campus failed you, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to fight back. Our personal injury attorneys help students recover medical costs, tuition losses, and emotional damages when schools don’t do their job.

Let’s hold them accountable—together. If you’re ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, our team is ready to get to work.

What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Horn Wright, LLP is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

  • Client-Focused Approach
    We’re a client-centered, results-oriented firm. When you work with us, you can have confidence we’ll put your best interests at the forefront of your case – it’s that simple.
  • Creative & Innovative Solutions

    No two cases are the same, and neither are their solutions. Our attorneys provide creative points of view to yield exemplary results.

  • Experienced Attorneys

    We have a team of trusted and respected attorneys to ensure your case is matched with the best attorney possible.

  • Driven By Justice

    The core of our legal practice is our commitment to obtaining justice for those who have been wronged and need a powerful voice.