Hazing Lawyers in Carroll County, New Hampshire – Protecting Students and Families

Carroll County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice After Hazing Abuse

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a college, university, or Greek organization near Carroll County, New Hampshire, you’re not alone. The same dangerous hazing culture that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025 exists right here in New England. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle nationwide – and we will fight for Carroll County families with the same aggression.

The Hazing Crisis Hits Close to Home in Carroll County

Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas or the South – it happens right here in New Hampshire. Carroll County is home to respected educational institutions where Greek life and student organizations thrive. The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing incidents operate chapters at colleges and universities near Carroll County, including:

• Plymouth State University (just 30 minutes from Carroll County)
• University of New Hampshire (Durham)
• Dartmouth College (Hanover)
• Keene State College
• Colby-Sawyer College

These institutions have active Greek systems with chapters of:

• Pi Kappa Phi (the same fraternity that waterboarded our client)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (involved in multiple hazing deaths)
• Sigma Chi (recent $10M+ settlement)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver case)
• Kappa Sigma (multiple hazing incidents)

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening to students near Carroll County.

What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in New Hampshire

New Hampshire law defines hazing as:

“Any act directed toward a student, or any coercion or intimidation of a student to act or to participate in or submit to any act, when: (a) The act is likely or would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely to cause physical or psychological injury to any person; and (b) The act is a condition of initiation into, admission into, continued membership in, or association with any organization.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
• Psychological torture (humiliation, isolation, threats)
• Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Sleep deprivation
• Sexual humiliation or assault

New Hampshire law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.

The University of Houston Case: A Warning for Carroll County Families

In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of brutal hazing.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez – And What Could Happen to Your Child in Carroll County

Leonel wasn’t even a University of Houston student yet – he was a “ghost rush,” meaning he hadn’t even enrolled. If fraternities near Carroll County are hazing non-students, how many enrolled students are at risk?

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Carroll County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority)

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.) face personal liability
• Members who participated can be sued individually

2. The National Organization

• Failed to supervise local chapters
• Knew about hazing risks (pattern evidence from other chapters)
• Have deep pockets and insurance policies

3. The University/College

• Duty to protect students from foreseeable harm
• Often own or control fraternity/sorority houses
• Can be held liable for negligent supervision

4. Individual Members and Alumni

• Any person who participated in or facilitated hazing
• Alumni who allowed hazing at their homes
• Spouses of members who enabled the environment

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi National
• University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members, including a former member and his spouse

Carroll County families can pursue the same defendants.

What Can Carroll County Families Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Total potential recovery for Carroll County hazing victims: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions

Hazing victims and their families can and do win big in court. Here are just a few examples:

1. Stone Foltz – $10.1 Million Settlement (2024)

• Victim: Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
• Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement from university and fraternity

2. Maxwell Gruver – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (2023)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University
• Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
• Cause: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” pledge event; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide

3. Timothy Piazza – $110+ Million Settlement (2017)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, Penn State University
• Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• Cause: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
• Outcome: Confidential settlement estimated at $110+ million

4. Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi (Same Fraternity as Our Case)

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, Florida State University
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (same national organization)
• Cause: Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: Chapter closed; multiple criminal convictions

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same results are possible for Carroll County families.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Carroll County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head injuries can be life-threatening
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Do NOT delete any texts, emails, or social media messages
• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used
• Save all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
• Get names and contact info of witnesses

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• They will try to control the narrative
• Their lawyers will twist your words
• Anything you say can be used against you

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Statute of limitations in New Hampshire: 3 years (but evidence disappears fast)
• Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free consultations for Carroll County families
• No upfront costs – we work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Carroll County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

• We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH in November 2025
• We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability
• We’re not just talking about hazing – we’re actively litigating it

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
• We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability
• We use their own playbook against them

3. Nationwide Reach – Carroll County Included

• Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
• Federal court admission allows us to pursue cases anywhere
• We travel to Carroll County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena

• We treat Carroll County families like family
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes
• We fight aggressively to hold institutions accountable

5. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – multi-billion dollar case experience
• $10 million hazing lawsuit – currently pending
• Multiple million-dollar personal injury settlements
• Criminal defense experience – we know how to counter fraternity defenses

Carroll County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing victims often feel:

• Shame for “allowing” it to happen
• Fear of retaliation if they speak out
• Loyalty to the organization that abused them
• Hopelessness that anything will change

But you are not powerless. The law is on your side.

• Consent is not a defense in New Hampshire
• Universities and fraternities can be held liable
• Individuals who participated can be sued personally
• Multi-million dollar verdicts are possible

Carroll County families have the same rights as families in Texas. We will fight for you with the same determination.

Next Steps for Carroll County Families

1. Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Schedule a free, confidential consultation
3. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
4. If we take your case, we’ll handle everything – you focus on healing
5. We fight for maximum compensation – no settlement is too small

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations is ticking.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

Serving Carroll County, New Hampshire and nationwide. We come to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Carroll County

Q: My child agreed to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. New Hampshire law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization and individuals liable.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are not traditions – they are assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. Juries do not accept “tradition” as a defense.

Q: The university says they didn’t know. Can they still be liable?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks (and they almost always do), they can be held liable. In our UH case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Q: We’re in Carroll County. How can a Texas law firm help us?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court admission allows us to pursue cases in any state. We offer:

• Video consultations for Carroll County families
• Travel to Carroll County for meetings, depositions, and trials
• Local connections with New Hampshire co-counsel if needed
• Nationwide expertise in hazing litigation

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand the fear of retaliation. That’s why:

• We handle all communications with the fraternity/university
• We protect your identity to the extent possible
• We pursue legal action that deters retaliation
• We document any attempts at intimidation

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take:

• 6-12 months for minor injuries with clear liability
• 1-3 years for serious injuries or complex cases
• 2-4 years for wrongful death or multi-defendant cases

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Can we sue even if there are criminal charges?

A: YES. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if criminal charges are filed (or not filed), you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation.

Carroll County Parents: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often goes unreported because victims are ashamed or afraid. Watch for these signs in your child:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, blackouts)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from friends/family
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of certain people or places
• Declining academic performance
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Avoiding questions about Greek life or organizations

Academic/Financial Signs:

• Skipping classes or dropping grades
• Requests for money without explanation
• Unexplained absences from school
• Sudden desire to transfer or drop out

If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. Then call us.

Fraternities Near Carroll County: We Are Watching

To fraternities operating near Carroll County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your local chapters. We know your insurance policies.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma – if your chapter is near Carroll County, know this:

• We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi
• We have won multi-million dollar verdicts in hazing cases nationwide
• We track your national organization’s hazing history
• We know your insurance coverage limits
• We will pursue every liable party – the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals

The same legal strategies that secured justice for Leonel Bermudez apply to your chapter. If you haze students near Carroll County, we will find you.

Carroll County Universities: The Time to Act Is Now

To administrators at Plymouth State University, University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Keene State College, and Colby-Sawyer College:

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down. They failed.

You have the same power. You have the same duty.

• Do you own or control fraternity/sorority houses?
• Do you know what happens behind closed doors?
• Have you received hazing complaints you ignored?
• Do you have a prior hazing incident you didn’t address?

If a student is hazed at your institution, you will be held accountable. The lawsuits will come. The media scrutiny will come. The legislative inquiries will come.

Act now. Audit your Greek life. Enforce your policies. Protect your students.

Because if you don’t, we will.

Carroll County Families: This Ends With You

Every major hazing case in America started with one brave family who said enough is enough.

• The Gruver family turned tragedy into the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• The Piazza family secured a $110 million settlement and passed Timothy’s Law in Pennsylvania.
• The Foltz family won a $10.1 million settlement and Collin’s Law in Ohio.

Your Carroll County case could be next.

You have the power to:
✅ Hold the abusers accountable
✅ Secure justice for your child
✅ Protect future students from the same torture
✅ Change the culture of hazing in New Hampshire

We can help you do it.

🚨 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

Serving Carroll County, New Hampshire and nationwide. Your child deserves justice. We will fight for you.