Campus Assaults and Security Negligence at UNC Charlotte: A College Campus Injury Lawsuit Overview

May 9, 2025

Campus safety remains a critical concern at UNC Charlotte, where incidents such as assaults-including sexual offenses, aggravated assaults, and robberies-are tracked and reported under federal law through the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Despite ongoing efforts by campus police and local authorities, these crimes continue to pose significant risks to students, faculty, and staff, raising important questions about institutional responsibility and potential security negligence.

Understanding Campus Assaults and Security Obligations

The Clery Act mandates that UNC Charlotte and other institutions disclose crime statistics and maintain transparent campus safety policies. Crimes reported under the Act include sexual offenses, aggravated assaults, robberies, and other violent acts. UNC Charlotte Police Department actively monitors and reports such incidents, providing timely warnings to the campus community when threats arise.

However, even with these measures, violent crimes persist in Charlotte and on campus. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) data show fluctuations in violent crime rates, including aggravated assaults and sexual offenses, underscoring the ongoing challenges in maintaining campus safety. The university’s responsibility extends beyond reporting; it must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, such as implementing adequate security measures, lighting, surveillance, and timely response protocols.

Security Negligence and Liability

When assaults occur on campus, questions often arise about whether UNC Charlotte or associated entities failed in their duty to provide a safe environment. Security negligence can include:

  1. Inadequate lighting or surveillance in high-risk areas
  2. Failure to maintain secure access to residence halls and campus buildings
  3. Insufficient campus patrols or delayed police response
  4. Lack of proper safety warnings or failure to address known threats

If such negligence contributes to an assault or injury, the university may be held liable under premises liability or negligence theories. Victims may pursue a college campus injury lawsuit if they can demonstrate that the institution breached its duty of care and that this breach directly caused their harm.

Filing a College Campus Injury Lawsuit: Key Considerations

Victims of campus assaults or security negligence at UNC Charlotte should consider the following when pursuing a lawsuit:

  1. Proof of Negligence: Establishing that the university knew or should have known about security risks and failed to act reasonably.
  2. Foreseeability: Demonstrating that the assault was a foreseeable consequence of inadequate security measures.
  3. Causation and Damages: Showing that the security lapse directly resulted in injury or harm, including physical, emotional, or financial damages.
  4. Compliance with Procedural Requirements: Navigating any specific notice or claim-filing requirements imposed by the university or state law.

Given the complexity of these cases, victims benefit from consulting an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with campus safety laws and North Carolina’s legal standards.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

A skilled attorney can help victims by:

  1. Investigating the circumstances of the assault and campus security protocols
  2. Collecting evidence such as crime reports, security footage, and witness statements
  3. Assessing the university’s compliance with Clery Act requirements and other safety obligations
  4. Negotiating with university representatives and insurance companies
  5. Representing victims in court to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages

Conclusion

Campus assaults and security negligence at UNC Charlotte present serious legal and safety concerns. While the university is required to disclose crime statistics and maintain safety measures, failures in security can lead to preventable harm. Victims of assaults linked to security lapses have the right to seek justice through injury lawsuits. Consulting an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer is essential to navigate these claims, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure fair compensation.

Read: Can I sue a nightclub for bouncer assault in Charlotte?

Injured in a Car Accident? We're Here to Help.

If you've been injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone bet on us to win your case. At Hall & Dixon PLLC, we fight for individuals and families who are facing the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of serious auto accidents.

From medical bills and lost income to pain, suffering, and long-term care, our attorneys understand the full impact of personal injury—and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Why Choose Hall & Dixon?

✅ Aggressive representation against insurance companies

✅ Proven results in bodily injury and civil damages claims

✅ Compassionate support every step of the way

✅ No fees unless we win your case.

Contact Us Today!

Don't wait—North Carolina law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. Let us help you protect your rights and secure your future.

📞 Call us at (704) 993-6825 Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas across North Carolina

🔗 Visit Hall & Dixon PLLC