CHAPEL HILL - Parents of a former middle school student have sued the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for negligence over an attack that left their son with a broken nose.

Ceiran Crihfield, then 12, was in line for lunch May 7, 2009, when a student assaulted him, according to the lawsuit.

He was taken to UNC Hospitals with a head injury, concussion, broken nose, bruised abdomen and bruised abdominal wall.

He will require a full reconstruction to repair his nose, according to the lawsuit.

Police reports confirm an assault at Phillips, where a "subject punched another, inflicting injury."

According to the lawsuit, Ceiran's parents, Andrew and Lori Crihfield, met with the school's police officer and principal the same day and were told the other student had been suspended for 10 days.

Eileen Tully, Phillips principal at the time, is now the principal at East Chapel Hill High School.

The Crihfields are suing the school district for failing to supervise students' conduct and the Phillips premises.

"We had hoped to resolve this matter without filing suit," said Kevin Butterfield, Crihfield's lawyer. "However, the insurance company providing coverage for the schools refused to negotiate with us, giving us no alternative but to bring the lawsuit."

The school system was served with the complaint June 22 and has 30 days to respond.

The system has received several complaints in recent months about bullying and communication at Phillips.

Former Superintendent Neil Pedersen said, "In virtually all cases, the school administration investigated and took appropriate action with students."