When Campus Infrastructure Fails at a Charlotte College: Personal Injury Attorney in Charlotte on Building Collapse and Injuries

May 9, 2025

Building collapses and structural failures on college campuses are catastrophic events that can cause severe injuries or fatalities. In Charlotte, incidents such as the recent building collapse at UNC Charlotte highlight the urgent need for accountability and legal recourse when campus infrastructure fails.

Overview of Building Collapse Incidents in Charlotte

A notable recent event involved a building collapse at UNC Charlotte that injured one person with non-life-threatening injuries. Historical investigations into structural failures, such as the collapse of a 17-story concrete high-rise under construction in Charlotte, reveal common causes including design flaws, construction irregularities, and inadequate adherence to engineering standards. In another tragic example, a scaffold collapse at a Charlotte high-rise construction site resulted in three worker fatalities and multiple injuries, underscoring the dangers of construction and structural failures in the area.

Causes of Campus Building Collapses

Investigations into such collapses often identify multiple contributing factors:

  1. Design and Engineering Flaws: Non-conformities to design documents, such as inadequate shoring or insufficient concrete strength, can trigger failures like punching shear at critical columns.
  2. Construction Deficiencies: Improper construction practices, failure to follow safety protocols, or use of substandard materials increase collapse risk.
  3. Progressive Collapse: Initial structural failure can lead to a domino effect, causing multiple floors or sections to fall sequentially.
  4. Equipment Failures: Collapses can be initiated by falling heavy equipment or formwork failures during construction.
  5. Negligence and Oversight Failures: Lack of proper inspections and failure to address known hazards contribute to structural failures.

Legal Implications and Personal Injury Claims

When campus infrastructure fails, injured students, workers, or visitors may pursue personal injury claims based on premises liability, negligence, or wrongful death (in fatal cases). Key legal considerations include:

  1. Duty of Care: Colleges and construction contractors owe a duty to maintain safe premises and adhere to building codes and safety standards.
  2. Breach of Duty: Failure to properly design, construct, inspect, or maintain buildings constitutes negligence.
  3. Causation and Damages: Plaintiffs must show that the breach directly caused their injuries or losses.
  4. Multiple Liable Parties: Liability may extend to universities, construction companies, subcontractors, engineers, and equipment manufacturers.

How a Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Can Assist

A skilled injury lawyer in Charlotte can:

  1. Conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the collapse, including reviewing engineering reports, construction logs, and safety records.
  2. Identify all responsible parties, including contractors, architects, and the institution.
  3. Gather evidence such as eyewitness accounts, medical records, and expert testimony.
  4. Navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks, including OSHA investigations and building code compliance.
  5. Advocate for fair compensation covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.
  6. Represent victims in negotiations or litigation to hold negligent parties accountable.

Conclusion

Building collapses on Charlotte college campuses, though rare, have devastating consequences. When infrastructure fails due to negligence or faulty construction, victims have the right to seek justice and compensation. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney in Charlotte promptly after such an incident is critical to protect legal rights and pursue accountability.

Read: Unsafe Campus Housing Conditions at Johnson & Wales Charlotte: When to Seek a Charlotte Injury Lawyer

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