🚨 Hazing Victims in Anson County, North Carolina: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing in Anson County, you are not alone. The same fraternities, sororities, and organizations that have caused serious injuries and deaths across the nation operate right here in our community. At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Anson County families.

🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in Anson County

Anson County is home to hardworking families who send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing — a dangerous and often illegal initiation ritual — happens at universities and colleges across North Carolina, including those near Anson County.

What is hazing?
Hazing includes any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. This can include:

• Forced alcohol consumption
• Extreme physical exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual humiliation
• Physical violence

Hazing is not tradition. It is not harmless. It is abuse — and it is often a crime.

📊 Hazing by the Numbers in North Carolina and Beyond

• 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing (Allan & Madden, 2008)
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed (Hoover & Pollard, 2000)
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the U.S.
• 95% of hazing victims do not report the incident (National Study of Student Hazing)
• In North Carolina, hazing is a misdemeanor offense under state law, and can be elevated to a felony if serious injury or death occurs.

These statistics aren’t just numbers. They represent real students — including those from Anson County — whose lives have been forever changed by hazing.

⚠️ The Landmark Case That Shows What Hazing Really Looks Like

This is happening right now — and it could happen to your child in Anson County.

On November 21, 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who accepted a bid to join the fraternity as a “ghost rush” — meaning he wasn’t even a student at the university yet.

What happened to Leonel Bermudez is not unique. It could happen at any fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Anson County.

🔍 What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

After accepting a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025, Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse, including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
• Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups under threat of expulsion
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Forced to continue running sprints while in physical distress after vomiting
• Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Forced to strip to underwear in cold weather
• Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to perform extreme physical exercises — including 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until he collapsed and could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he was too sore to move. His condition worsened, and on November 6, 2025, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four days in the hospital.

This is not hazing. This is torture.

💡 Why This Case Matters to Anson County Families

1. The same fraternities operate near Anson County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities across North Carolina, including those near Anson County.
   • If this happened at UH, it can — and likely does — happen here.

2. Universities near Anson County have the same duty to protect students.

   • The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
   • Universities near Anson County also own or control Greek housing and have the same responsibility to ensure student safety.

3. The national organization knew about the problem and did nothing.

   • In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from hazing at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at Florida State University.
   • Eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at UH.
   • Pi Kappa Phi National had eight years to fix their culture. They failed.

4. Consent is not a defense.

   • North Carolina law, like Texas law, makes it clear: consent is not a defense to hazing.
   • Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals are still liable if they cause harm.

5. $10 million is not an arbitrary number.

   • Our demand is based on precedent. In 2021, the family of Stone Foltz received $10.1 million after he died from hazing at Bowling Green State University.
   • Bermudez survived, but his injuries are severe and life-altering. His case deserves the same level of accountability.

📜 North Carolina Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

📋 North Carolina General Statute § 14-35 — Hazing

In North Carolina, hazing is a crime. The law defines hazing as:

“To subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.”

Penalties for Hazing in North Carolina:

• Class 2 Misdemeanor — If the hazing results in physical injury
• Class 1 Misdemeanor — If the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury
• Class H Felony — If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death

Key Points for Anson County Families:

• Consent is not a defense. Even if a student agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held criminally and civilly liable.
• Organizations can be held responsible. If a fraternity, sorority, or other organization condones or encourages hazing, they can be held liable.
• Universities have a duty to protect students. If a university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable for negligence.

⚖️ Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Anson County?

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Anyone who participated in, allowed, or failed to prevent hazing can be held liable.

🔹 Potential Defendants in a Hazing Lawsuit

💡 Real-World Example: The University of Houston Case

In our $10 million lawsuit, we are suing:

• Pi Kappa Phi National — for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
• The local Beta Nu chapter — for directly organizing and conducting the hazing
• University of Houston — for owning the fraternity house and failing to protect students despite a prior hazing incident in 2017
• Individual members and officers — for participating in or directing the hazing
• Former members and their spouses — for allowing hazing to occur at their home

This same legal strategy applies to hazing cases in Anson County.

💰 What Compensation Can Hazing Victims Recover?

If you or your child has been hazed in Anson County, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

💵 Economic Damages

• Medical expenses — hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation
• Future medical costs — ongoing treatment, therapy, potential long-term care
• Lost wages — time missed from work or internships due to injuries
• Lost earning capacity — if injuries affect future career opportunities
• Educational expenses — tuition, fees, or other costs if hazing disrupted education

😢 Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress caused by the hazing
• Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological harm
• Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, or loss of trust
• Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in activities or enjoy daily life
• Disfigurement — scars or permanent injuries from hazing activities

💥 Punitive Damages

In cases of egregious misconduct, North Carolina law allows for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are appropriate when:

• The conduct was intentional, malicious, or reckless
• The defendants knew about the risks and ignored them
• The conduct was particularly outrageous or shocking

Example: The waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, and wooden paddles in the UH case are exactly the type of conduct that warrants punitive damages.

🕒 Statute of Limitations: Why You Must Act Now

In North Carolina, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a hazing incident.

Why time is critical:

• Evidence disappears — text messages, photos, and witness memories fade
• Organizations may destroy records
• Witnesses may become unavailable
• Your legal rights expire

If you or your child was hazed in Anson County, do not wait. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

📋 What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Hazed in Anson County

If you suspect or know that hazing has occurred, take these steps immediately to protect your rights and your health:

🚨 Immediate Actions

1. Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.
2. Document everything — Take photos of injuries, save text messages, social media posts, and any other evidence of hazing.
3. Do not delete anything — Preserve all communications, even if they seem embarrassing or incriminating.
4. Do not sign anything — Organizations may try to get you to sign waivers or agreements. Do not sign without consulting an attorney.
5. Do not talk to the organization or their lawyers — Anything you say can be used against you.
6. Contact an attorney — Call Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📝 Long-Term Steps

1. Follow medical advice — Attend all doctor appointments and follow treatment plans.
2. Keep records — Save all medical bills, receipts, and documentation of missed work or school.
3. Avoid social media — Do not post about the incident or your injuries. Posts can be used against you.
4. Stay in touch with your attorney — Keep us updated on your medical progress and any contact from the organization.

🛡️ Why Anson County Families Choose Attorney 911

✅ Nationwide Hazing Litigation Expertise

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we are in the fight right now. Anson County families get the same aggressive representation.

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we know how to beat them.

✅ Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases nationwide — including in Anson County.

✅ Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when pursuing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.

✅ Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

✅ We Come to Anson County

Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Anson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

✅ Bilingual Representation

Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring no language barrier stands in the way of justice.

✅ Proven Track Record

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence. Our experience includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against large corporations
• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Successful criminal defense — we know how to dismantle the other side’s case

🏆 Our Commitment to Anson County Families

At Attorney 911, we believe that hazing is not a rite of passage — it is a violation of trust, a betrayal of safety, and often a crime. We are committed to:

• Holding institutions accountable — Universities, national organizations, and individuals must answer for their actions.
• Preventing future harm — Our lawsuits send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
• Supporting victims and families — We provide compassionate, confidential representation to help you through this difficult time.
• Fighting for justice — Whether through settlement or trial, we will pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

If your child has been hazed in Anson County, you are not powerless. You have rights. You have options. And you have us.

📞 Contact Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Anson County Families

If you or your child has been hazed in Anson County, North Carolina, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 legal emergency hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Anson County and all of North Carolina. Distance is not a barrier — we will fight for you.

🗓️ What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

• Confidential case evaluation — We will listen to your story and assess your legal options.
• No pressure — You are under no obligation to hire us.
• Clear next steps — If we take your case, we will outline a plan of action.
• No upfront cost — We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your legal rights expire. Call us today.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Anson County

❓ What is considered hazing in North Carolina?

Hazing in North Carolina includes any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. This can include forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical exercise, sleep deprivation, psychological abuse, sexual humiliation, or physical violence.

❓ Is hazing illegal in North Carolina?

Yes. Hazing is a crime in North Carolina under General Statute § 14-35. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the conduct and the resulting harm.

❓ Can I sue if I consented to hazing?

Yes. North Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable if they caused you harm.

❓ Who can be held responsible for hazing?

Anyone who participated in, allowed, or failed to prevent hazing can be held responsible, including:

• The local chapter that organized the hazing
• The national organization that failed to supervise
• The university that failed to protect students
• Individual members and officers
• Alumni who allowed hazing to occur on their property

❓ How much is a hazing lawsuit worth?

The value of a hazing lawsuit depends on the severity of the injuries, the conduct of the defendants, and the available insurance or assets. Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017)

Our $10 million demand in the UH case is based on these precedents and the severity of our client’s injuries.

❓ How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. Do not wait — contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

❓ What should I do if my child was hazed?

1. Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
2. Document everything — Save text messages, photos, and other evidence.
3. Do not delete anything — Preserve all communications.
4. Do not sign anything — Organizations may try to get you to waive your rights.
5. Contact an attorney — Call Attorney 911 immediately for a free consultation.

❓ Can I afford a hazing attorney?

Yes. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that every family in Anson County can afford justice.

❓ Does Attorney 911 handle hazing cases outside of Texas?

Yes. While we are based in Texas, we handle hazing cases nationwide, including in Anson County, North Carolina. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states, allowing us to pursue national fraternities and sororities wherever they operate.

🏫 Universities and Colleges Near Anson County with Greek Life

Anson County families should be aware that hazing can occur at any institution with Greek life, sports teams, or student organizations. The following universities and colleges near Anson County have active Greek organizations:

Anson County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these institutions — or any institution near Anson County — they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

📢 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Anson County

To the national organizations, local chapters, and individual members of fraternities and sororities operating near Anson County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez in Houston happens at your chapters too. The same “traditions” that led to waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles exist in your organizations.

You have a choice:

1. Clean up your chapters. Implement real oversight. Enforce anti-hazing policies. Protect your members.
2. Continue as you are. Keep hazing. Keep torturing. Keep putting students in the hospital.

If you choose option two, know this:

• We will sue your chapter.
• We will sue your national organization.
• We will sue your university.
• We will sue your officers and members individually.
• We will pursue every available insurance policy.
• We will seek punitive damages to punish your conduct.
• We will make sure you pay for what you’ve done.

The $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is just the beginning. We are building a nationwide campaign to end hazing. Your chapter could be next.

📢 A Message to Universities Near Anson County

To the presidents, administrators, and boards of trustees at universities near Anson County:

You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you fail to prevent hazing, you become part of the problem.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded and hospitalized. They knew about a prior hazing incident in 2017. They did nothing. Now they are being sued for $10 million.

Does your university:

• Own or control Greek housing?
• Have a history of hazing incidents?
• Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies?
• Turn a blind eye to dangerous “traditions”?

If the answer is yes, you are at risk.

We will hold you accountable. We will depose your administrators. We will review your policies. We will expose your failures.

The time to act is now. Implement real oversight. Enforce your rules. Protect your students — before it’s too late.

📢 A Message to Anson County Parents

To the parents of Anson County:

You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that the institutions they join will protect them. You believe that the adults in charge will do the right thing.

That trust is being betrayed.

Your child could be hazed. They could be waterboarded. They could be forced to do 500 squats until their muscles break down. They could end up in the hospital — or worse.

What can you do?

1. Talk to your child. Ask them about their experiences. Listen to their concerns.
2. Educate them about hazing. Make sure they know what it looks like and what to do if it happens.
3. Tell them it’s okay to say no. Hazing is not a requirement for friendship or belonging.
4. Document everything. If your child tells you about hazing, save texts, photos, and other evidence.
5. Contact an attorney. If hazing has occurred, call Attorney 911 immediately.

You are not powerless. You have rights. And you have us.

📢 A Message to Anson County Students

To the students of Anson County:

You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be treated with respect. You deserve to join organizations without being abused or humiliated.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It is not tradition. It is not bonding.

It is torture. It is assault. It is wrong.

If you are being hazed:

1. You are not alone. 95% of hazing victims don’t report it — but that doesn’t mean it’s okay.
2. You have the right to say no. No one can force you to participate in illegal or dangerous activities.
3. You can leave. Walk away. Your safety is more important than membership.
4. You can report it. Tell a trusted adult, your parents, or an attorney.
5. You can fight back. Contact Attorney 911. We will help you hold the people who hurt you accountable.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. We are here to help.

🔥 Final Thoughts: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has claimed too many lives. It has destroyed too many futures. It has traumatized too many families.

In 2017, Andrew Coffey died from hazing at Pi Kappa Phi.
In 2021, Stone Foltz died from hazing at Pi Kappa Alpha.
In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized from hazing at Pi Kappa Phi.

How many more?

Anson County families: It’s time to say enough is enough.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to fight back. You have the power to hold the people who hurt them accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to someone else.

At Attorney 911, we are ready to fight for you. We are ready to fight for justice. We are ready to fight for change.

Call us today. Let’s end hazing together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Serving Anson County, North Carolina and the nation.