Attorneys representing Troy Forbush and Nate Statly filed notices of intent on Monday indicating they plan to sue MSU for damages. The documents detail the “severe and permanent injuries” the two sustained when they were shot in a classroom on campus.
The filings allege prior to the shooting, the university had received complaints about unsafe building conditions. That included allowing public access in the evening and the lack of a locking system for classroom doors.
They say the school, “acted with gross negligence” by failing to protect the campus community.
Under the Michigan Constitution, government agencies like a state university can be held liable for injuries if a public building is in “defective condition” and the agency was aware of issues and failed to address them.
Since the shooting, MSU has implemented keycard requirements to enter buildings and installed door locks among other security measures. A spokesperson for the university said the school is committed to staying in contact with the families of the survivors.
