As a University student employee, if I get injured while working can I hold the University liable?

I work at a Public University at the student center. Yesterday a customer was irate because I could not give him recreation materials. He went to the 3rd floor and threw a stinkbomb directly at me and sulfuric acid got in my eye. I flushed my out for 1.5 hours and I am getting headaches. I will be seeing a doctor in my hometown to see what is wrong. Chemicals, debris etc has been thrown down at the workers many times before. My employers did nothing to stop it from happening again. I believe the University, as my employer is liable. Do I have a claim? What should i do?