Getting a phone call from your college-aged child about an accident or injury is every parent's worst fear—especially when you live hours or states away. If your son or daughter is a student at the University of Georgia in Athens and gets hurt, it’s natural to feel helpless, anxious, and overwhelmed. But even from afar, there are steps you can take to ensure they get the care and legal support they need.
This guide is for parents of UGA students navigating injury claims remotely, with clear advice on how to stay involved, protect your child’s legal rights, and support them emotionally and financially during recovery.
Prioritize Your Student’s Immediate Safety and Medical Care
The first priority in any injury situation is your child’s health. Encourage them to seek emergency medical attention immediately after the accident, whether it occurred on campus, in an apartment, at a local business, or in a traffic-related incident.
UGA students often rely on:
- Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
- St. Mary’s Hospital
- UGA’s University Health Center (for follow-up and referrals)
Remind your student to:
- Get a full medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor
- Keep copies of discharge paperwork, test results, and prescriptions
- Follow all treatment recommendations, including referrals to specialists
As a parent, request access to medical updates (with your child’s HIPAA authorization) so you can stay informed during their care.
Help Them Preserve Evidence and Report the Incident
While you may not be on the ground in Athens, you can guide your child through critical post-incident steps. These actions will help preserve evidence for any potential insurance or legal claim.
Depending on the situation, encourage your student to:
- Take photos of the scene, injuries, and any hazards
- Get contact information for witnesses
- Save receipts and medical bills
- Report the incident to the proper authority:
- UGA Police (for on-campus events)
- Athens-Clarke County Police (for off-campus or traffic-related incidents)
- Apartment or property manager (for housing injuries)
These steps are key if the injury occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
Understand Your Student’s Legal Rights in Georgia
Georgia law protects personal injury victims, including students. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, injured parties may seek compensation if another person or entity’s carelessness caused the harm.
Your child may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages from part-time work or internships
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Because Georgia follows modified comparative negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), your child may still recover damages even if partially at fault—so long as they were less than 50% responsible.
Know When to Involve a Local Attorney
Managing an injury claim remotely can be daunting. Local laws, insurance rules, and the need for in-person representation complicate matters. That’s why having a legal advocate in Athens can make all the difference.
At Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, LLC, we:
- Handle all communication with insurers, medical providers, and campus entities
- Gather and preserve evidence from the scene
- Advise families on Georgia’s injury laws
- Represent students in all legal proceedings
- Keep parents informed throughout the process
We offer free consultations and only collect fees if we win the case.
Support Your Child Emotionally and Logistically
Recovery can be especially isolating for a student away from home. As a parent, you can provide valuable support from afar:
- Stay connected with regular calls or video chats
- Help manage doctor appointments and follow-ups
- Organize insurance paperwork and reimbursements
- Consider traveling to Athens if your child needs in-person care
- Explore accommodations or support through UGA’s Disability Resource Center if the injury impacts academics
Even simple check-ins can make a big difference in your child’s emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions from Out-of-State Parents
Do I have legal standing to act on behalf of my student?
Only with proper authorization. Your child must complete HIPAA or FERPA forms. Legal representation can also assist with limited power of attorney if necessary.
Can we file an insurance claim from another state?
Yes, but claims involving Georgia incidents must follow Georgia law. A local attorney streamlines the process and ensures full compliance.
What if the injury occurred in student housing or on campus?
Liability may fall on the university, property manager, or maintenance company. An attorney can investigate the facts and determine if sovereign immunity applies.
You’re Not Alone—Even From Miles Away
A sudden injury can disrupt your child’s semester—but with the right guidance and legal support, recovery is possible. As a parent, your involvement can bring comfort, structure, and advocacy when it matters most.
Call Hall & Collins Accident & Injury Lawyers, LLC at (706) 940-7889 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our Athens-based team support your family while your student focuses on healing.