College campus shootings are among the most tragic and senseless acts of violence. They injure students and cut lives short right as students are preparing to enter the world and workforce.
Shootings have happened at many notable Texas colleges and universities, including:
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Lone Star College–North Harris
- Texas Tech University
Sadly, they continue to happen to this day. When they occur, investigators often examine whether the institution took reasonable steps to protect students, faculty, and visitors. In certain situations, victims may have the right to pursue compensation if inadequate security measures or internal communication breakdowns contributed to the shooting.
Security Duties on College Campuses
Universities and colleges have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe campuses for students and guests. As property owners, these institutions have a general duty to protect those on campus from foreseeable criminal activity.
Security measures apply to areas such as:
- Student housing and dormitory buildings
- Classroom buildings
- Campus parking lots and garages
- Libraries
- Student activity centers
- Outdoor walkways
- Gathering spaces
Campuses often contain large populations and open access points. Therefore, security planning is a critical part of campus operations and is often overseen by dedicated campus police or public safety offices.
Common Security Failures on College Campuses
Colleges implement many security policies intended to protect students and staff. However, keeping campuses safe requires coordination between many departments, including public safety, facilities offices, and student affairs and campus health offices with knowledge of a potentially violent student, among others.
Individual departments may fail to respond to conditions that increase the risk of violent incidents. Or, multiple departments may fail to communicate and coordinate a response to known dangers on campus.
Examples of potential security deficiencies that lead to shootings include:
- Inadequate campus police or security patrols
- Unsecured access points to dormitories or buildings
- Poor lighting in parking areas or walkways
- Broken surveillance cameras or alarm systems
- Interoffice failures to respond appropriately to prior threats
When institutions ignore these issues, they may expose students and visitors to preventable injuries and wrongful death.
Who Are the Liable Parties in a Campus Shooting Case in Texas?
Campus shooting cases focus on whether the institution failed to address known safety risks from students, staff, or other individuals with access to campus.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- College administrators
- Campus security departments
- Private security companies contracted by the school
- Property managers responsible for student housing
- Event organizers hosting campus events
In many cases, the institution itself may be the primary defendant. But determining liability often requires a detailed investigation into a college’s security procedures and other circumstances.
What Legal Avenues Are Available After a Campus Shooting in Austin?
Victims of campus shootings often suffer serious (sometimes fatal) injuries and emotional trauma. The shooter may face criminal liability for their actions. But a civil negligent security claim may allow you to pursue compensation from parties who negligently failed to prevent the attack.
An Austin negligent security attorney handling your case may:
- Investigate the campus’s history of crime or threats
- Review security policies and emergency procedures
- Obtain surveillance footage or incident reports
- Identify all parties responsible for maintaining campus safety
- Pursue financial compensation for your medical costs and other damages
If you’ve been affected by a campus shooting, you have rights. Contact Hampton & King to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.