🚨 Hazing Victims in Bladen County, North Carolina: You Are Not Alone
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Bladen County, North Carolina, we can help. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis in North Carolina and Beyond
Bladen County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide positive experiences. But too often, that trust is betrayed.
Right now, our law firm is fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for what they did to a young man named Leonel Bermudez. He was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. Struck with wooden paddles. And he ended up in the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis.
This isn’t just happening in Texas. The same fraternities operate at universities near Bladen County. The same negligence exists. The same “traditions” are being passed down.
If your child was hazed near Bladen County, we will fight for you with the same determination we’re bringing to the Bermudez case.
🔥 What Is Hazing? What Bladen County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s abuse.
Common Hazing Activities Happening Near Bladen County:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances |
| Sleep Deprivation | Late-night activities, early-morning tasks, disrupted sleep |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning — yes, this happens |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects |
| Exposure | Cold weather exposure, heat exposure, confined spaces |
Medical Consequences of Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can cause kidney failure
- Acute kidney failure — life-threatening
- Alcohol poisoning — common in forced drinking
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
- Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
- PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
- Death — hazing kills students every year
If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal case — even if they “consented” to participate.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Bladen County Hazing Victim
North Carolina Hazing Laws
North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws. Consent is not a defense.
North Carolina General Statute § 14-35:
“It is unlawful for any person to engage in hazing. The consent of the victim is not a defense to an action under this section.”
Penalties:
- Class 2 Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail and $1,000 fine
- Class 1 Misdemeanor — If serious bodily injury results (up to 120 days in jail)
This means:
- Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal
- The fraternity, sorority, or organization can be held criminally liable
- You can sue for civil damages
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing Near Bladen County?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity/sorority houses |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| Alumni | May have hosted hazing events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- The local chapter
- The national fraternity
- The university (they owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members and officers
- Even a former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)
Bladen County families can pursue the same defendants.
💰 What Your Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what similar cases have won:
| Case | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State (Ohio) | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Settlement | $110 million+ |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
| Bermudez | University of Houston | Pending | $10 million sought |
These results are possible for Bladen County families too.
What Damages Can You Recover?
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing injuries |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
In North Carolina, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages in personal injury cases.
🏫 Universities Near Bladen County with Greek Life
Bladen County is home to hardworking families who send their children to colleges across North Carolina. Many of these schools have active Greek organizations where hazing occurs.
Universities Near Bladen County with Fraternities and Sororities:
| University | Location | Distance from Bladen County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) | Wilmington, NC | ~50 miles | 20+ fraternities and sororities |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | ~40 miles | Multiple Greek organizations |
| East Carolina University (ECU) | Greenville, NC | ~120 miles | 30+ Greek organizations |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | ~30 miles | Active Greek system |
| Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington, NC | ~50 miles | Smaller Greek presence |
These are not isolated incidents. The same national fraternities involved in the Bermudez case — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others — have chapters at universities near Bladen County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Bladen County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing Near Bladen County
Bladen County parents should be aware of these red flags that may indicate hazing:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Changes in eating habits
- Weight loss or gain
Physical Signs:
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion)
- Signs of dehydration
- Signs of sleep deprivation (dark circles, exhaustion)
Academic Impact:
- Sudden drop in grades
- Missing classes
- Falling behind in coursework
- Withdrawing from classes
Social Media Clues:
- Posts about “pledging” or “big/little” events
- Photos with other pledges looking exhausted
- Vague references to “traditions” or “tests”
- Sudden changes in social media activity
If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. If you suspect hazing, contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed Near Bladen County
Immediate Steps:
- Ensure Safety — Remove your child from the dangerous situation
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Preserve Evidence — Save all texts, photos, videos, social media posts
- Document Everything — Write down what happened, who was involved, dates/times
- Get Witness Information — Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
- Do NOT Talk to the Organization — They will try to control the narrative
- Do NOT Post on Social Media — Anything you post can be used against you
- Contact an Attorney — Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Why You Need an Attorney:
- Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers protecting them
- They will try to blame your child or minimize the harm
- Evidence disappears quickly — we act fast to preserve it
- We know how to build strong hazing cases
- We can pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries
We offer free consultations. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
🔍 Our Investigation Process for Bladen County Families
When you hire Attorney 911, here’s what we do:
- Immediate Case Evaluation — Free consultation to assess your case
- Evidence Preservation — Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Medical Documentation — Obtain all medical records and bills
- Witness Interviews — Talk to other pledges, witnesses, experts
- Expert Consultation — Medical experts, hazing culture experts
- Demand Letters — Send formal demands to all responsible parties
- Negotiation — Aggressively negotiate for maximum settlement
- Litigation — File lawsuit if necessary; take case to trial if needed
We handle everything so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
⏳ Time Is Critical — Statute of Limitations
North Carolina law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit.
- Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Memories fade. You must act quickly.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
🏆 Why Bladen County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing cases, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Bladen County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in that case.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys — 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 deny claims. And we know how to beat them.
Nationwide Reach
We are based in Texas but serve hazing victims nationwide, including Bladen County. Through:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Bladen County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultation technology
Proven Results
We have recovered millions for personal injury victims. Our track record includes:
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Successful litigation against major institutions
- Experience with catastrophic injury cases
We Speak Spanish
Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:
- Initial consultations
- Ongoing case communication
- Document translation and explanation
- Courtroom interpretation coordination
Contingency Fee Representation
You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. This levels the playing field against universities and national fraternities with deep pockets.
📞 Bladen County Families: Call Now for Immediate Help
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Bladen County, North Carolina, call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
🌐 attorney911.com
Free consultation. Confidential. No obligation. You pay nothing unless we win.
📢 To Fraternities and Sororities Near Bladen County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, and all other Greek organizations with chapters near Bladen County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts in other hazing cases apply to your chapters.
If your chapter harms students near Bladen County, we will pursue every liable entity:
- Your local chapter
- Your national organization
- Your housing corporation
- Your individual members
- Your alumni
- The university that allows you to operate
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ To Universities Near Bladen County: The Choice Is Yours
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Fayetteville State University, East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and all other institutions near Bladen County:
You have a choice.
You can continue to ignore the hazing happening in your Greek organizations. You can collect rent from fraternity houses where students are being tortured. You can look the other way when students are hospitalized.
Or you can act.
You can implement real oversight. You can suspend recognition of dangerous chapters. You can protect your students.
If you choose to ignore hazing, you will be held accountable — just like the University of Houston is being held accountable right now.
📚 Educational Resources for Bladen County Families
Books to Read:
- Hazing: Destroying Young Lives — Hank Nuwer
- Broken Pledges: The Deadly Rite of Hazing — Hank Nuwer
- The Hazing Reader — Hank Nuwer
Documentaries to Watch:
- Haze (2008) — About the death of Gordie Bailey
- Hazing: A Deadly Tradition — Investigation Discovery
- Breathe, Nolan, Breathe — ESPN 30 for 30 about Nolan Burch
Organizations to Follow:
- HazingPrevention.Org — National organization dedicated to ending hazing
- StopHazing — Research and education organization
- Gordie Center — Named after Gordie Bailey, works to prevent hazing deaths
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Bladen County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. In North Carolina, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal and you can still sue.
Q: The fraternity said it was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No amount of tradition makes it acceptable to harm students.
Q: The university says they didn’t know. Are they still liable?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect their students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.
Q: My child was hazed at a college far from Bladen County. Can you still help?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier. We offer video consultations and travel as needed for depositions and trials.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retaliation. We take steps to ensure your child’s safety and privacy throughout the legal process.
Q: Can we sue even if no one was hospitalized?
A: YES. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, if they suffered injuries or psychological trauma from hazing, they may have a case.
Q: What’s the first step?
A: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
🔥 Final Message to Bladen County Families
Your child trusted these people.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the sorority. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
That trust was betrayed.
Your child was abused. Humiliated. Tortured. Hospitalized. Or worse — taken from you forever.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage. We understand the helplessness.
But you are not helpless. The law gives you power. The courts give you a voice. And Attorney 911 gives you the legal firepower to fight back.
We are fighting this battle right now. We are holding Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston accountable for what they did to Leonel Bermudez. And we will do the same for Bladen County families.
If your child was hazed near Bladen County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
You are not alone. We are here to help. And we will fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Serving Bladen County, North Carolina and nationwide. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.