Hazing Lawyers in Columbus County, North Carolina | Attorney 911
Justice for Hazing Victims in Columbus County and Beyond
If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Columbus County, North Carolina, you are not alone — and you have legal rights. At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against a national fraternity and a major university for hazing that hospitalized a student. We bring that same aggressive representation to Columbus County families.
Hazing isn’t tradition. It isn’t bonding. It’s abuse. And in Columbus County, it happens at universities, fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations — just like it does everywhere else in America.
We know the pain you’re going through. We know the fear of speaking up. And we know how to hold powerful institutions accountable.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Columbus County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Fight Right Now — And Winning
Right now, our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston for hazing that sent a student to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
This isn’t theoretical for us. We are in the courtroom, fighting this battle today. And we will bring that same fight to Columbus County.
2. We Know Hazing Happens in Columbus County
Columbus County is home to Southeastern Community College and is near major universities like UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and East Carolina University — all with active Greek life and student organizations.
The same fraternities involved in our current lawsuit — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — operate chapters at universities near Columbus County. The same hazing “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist right here in eastern North Carolina.
If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Columbus County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court.
3. We Serve Columbus County — No Matter Where You Are
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Columbus County.
- We travel to Columbus County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- We offer remote consultations by phone or video
- We handle all communications with universities, fraternities, and insurance companies
- We fight for justice — no matter where the hazing occurred
You don’t have to face this alone. We come to you.
4. We Speak Your Language — Literally
Many hazing victims in Columbus County come from diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic and Latino families. We are bilingual (English/Spanish) and have Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you.
No language barriers. No cultural barriers. Just justice.
5. You Pay Nothing Upfront
We work on a contingency fee basis — that means:
- $0 upfront to hire us
- No hourly fees
- We only get paid if we win your case
- No risk to you
If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
6. We Have the Experience to Win
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side operates
- Federal court admission — can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage against national fraternities
- Multi-million dollar case experience — including BP Texas City explosion litigation
- Specific hazing expertise — including rhabdomyolysis cases and fraternity litigation
We don’t just talk about hazing. We sue the people who do it.
What Is Hazing — And Why Is It Illegal in North Carolina?
Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.
In North Carolina, hazing is a crime. Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-35, hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines.
But criminal charges aren’t the only way to hold hazers accountable. Victims can also sue for civil damages — including medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Examples of Hazing That Are Illegal in Columbus County:
| Activity | Why It’s Dangerous | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Forced drinking (alcohol poisoning) | Can cause death, brain damage, organ failure | Criminal charges; civil liability |
| Physical abuse (paddling, beatings) | Causes bruises, broken bones, internal injuries | Assault and battery; civil lawsuits |
| Waterboarding or simulated drowning | Causes terror, PTSD, physical harm | Torture; criminal and civil liability |
| Forced eating until vomiting | Can cause choking, aspiration, dehydration | Reckless endangerment |
| Extreme physical exercise (500 squats, bear crawls) | Causes rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | Gross negligence |
| Sleep deprivation | Leads to accidents, mental health crises | Negligence; emotional distress |
| Sexual humiliation or assault | Causes trauma, PTSD, long-term harm | Sexual assault; civil lawsuits |
| Branding or burning | Causes permanent scarring, infection | Battery; civil damages |
| Confinement or kidnapping | Causes psychological trauma | False imprisonment |
| Forced servitude (driving members at all hours) | Exhaustion, accidents | Negligent supervision |
If any of these happened to you or your child in Columbus County, you may have a legal claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Columbus County?
Hazing doesn’t just involve the students who participated. Universities, national organizations, and even individual members can all be held accountable.
Potential Defendants in Columbus County Hazing Cases:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at UNC Pembroke |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity house near Columbus County |
| University | Failed to protect students; knew about hazing | UNC Pembroke, ECU, Fayetteville State |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members near Columbus County |
| Coaches/Advisors | Knew or should have known about hazing on teams | Sports team hazing |
In our current case, we are suing:
- The local chapter
- The national fraternity
- The university
- The housing corporation
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse
We will pursue every liable party in Columbus County cases.
What You Can Recover in a Columbus County Hazing Lawsuit
Hazing causes real harm — physically, emotionally, and financially. You deserve compensation for what you’ve suffered.
Types of Damages Available:
| Category | What It Covers | Example for Hazing Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy | $50,000+ for rhabdomyolysis treatment |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation | Dialysis for kidney damage |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Months of recovery from injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from hazing | Agony from 500 squats, paddling, waterboarding |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression | Therapy for trauma from hazing |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in activities | Can’t play sports due to injuries |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding = torture; deserves punishment |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing caused death | Funeral expenses; loss of companionship |
Precedent Cases Show Hazing Victims Win Millions:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
These same results are possible for Columbus County victims.
What to Do If You or Your Child Was Hazed in Columbus County
If you suspect hazing, act immediately. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And statutes of limitations expire.
Step-by-Step Action Plan:
-
Get Medical Attention
- Go to the ER or urgent care even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything — bruises, pain, mental health symptoms
- Delaying treatment hurts your case
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Write down everything — dates, times, what happened, who was there
- Get witness names — other pledges, bystanders
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They will minimize, deny, or destroy evidence
- Do not give statements without an attorney present
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Even innocent-looking posts can be twisted
- Stay off social media until your case is resolved
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case
- Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- File a police report
- Report to university Title IX office
- Report to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (for high school hazing)
Common Excuses Defendants Use — And Why They’re Wrong
When hazing victims come forward, organizations try to shame, intimidate, or blame them. Don’t fall for it.
| Excuse | Why It’s Wrong | The Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “You consented to participate.” | Consent is not a defense in hazing cases | North Carolina law says you can’t consent to hazing |
| “It’s just tradition.” | Tradition doesn’t justify abuse | Waterboarding is torture — regardless of “tradition” |
| “You could have left at any time.” | Fear of retaliation, social exclusion, and peer pressure make leaving impossible | Hazing creates coercive environments |
| “Everyone goes through it.” | That doesn’t make it legal or ethical | The more people hazed, the more liable the organization |
| “We didn’t know it was that bad.” | Ignorance is not a defense | Universities and nationals have a duty to supervise |
| “It was just a prank.” | Hazing is not a prank — it’s abuse | Forced drinking, paddling, and waterboarding are crimes |
We know how to defeat these defenses. We’ve done it before.
Hazing at Universities Near Columbus County
Columbus County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek life and student organizations. Hazing happens at all of them.
Universities Near Columbus County Where Hazing Occurs:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Pembroke | Pembroke, NC (~1 hour from Columbus County) | Active fraternities and sororities | High |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC (~1.5 hours) | Strong Greek life | High |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC (~2 hours) | Large Greek system | High |
| University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Wilmington, NC (~2.5 hours) | Active Greek life | Moderate |
| Coastal Carolina University | Conway, SC (~1.5 hours) | Growing Greek presence | Moderate |
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC (~2.5 hours) | Historically Black Greek organizations | High |
The same fraternities involved in our current lawsuit operate at these schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Phi Delta Theta
- Kappa Alpha Order
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Columbus County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in court.
Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities
Hazing occurs in all types of student organizations — not just Greek life.
Where Hazing Happens Near Columbus County:
| Organization Type | Examples of Hazing | Legal Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Fraternities & Sororities | Forced drinking, paddling, waterboarding | High |
| Sports Teams | Physical abuse, forced exercise, sleep deprivation | High |
| Marching Bands | Forced alcohol consumption, physical punishment | Moderate |
| ROTC Programs | Extreme physical training, humiliation | High |
| Honor Societies | Sleep deprivation, servitude | Moderate |
| Student Clubs | Initiation rituals, forced consumption | Moderate |
| Military Academies | Physical abuse, sleep deprivation | High |
If your child was hazed in any organization near Columbus County, we can help.
What Happens If You Don’t Act?
1. Evidence Disappears
- Texts get deleted
- Photos get lost
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
2. Your Legal Rights Expire
- North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- If you don’t file a lawsuit in time, you lose your right to sue forever
3. The Abuse Continues
- If you stay silent, the next victim could be worse off
- Your case could save lives
4. You Miss Your Chance for Justice
- Medical bills pile up
- Therapy costs add up
- Pain and suffering go uncompensated
The time to act is now.
Columbus County Hazing Victims: We Are Here for You
We know how hard it is to come forward. We know the fear. We know the shame.
But we also know this:
You didn’t deserve this.
You have rights.
And you don’t have to fight alone.
What We Will Do for You:
✅ Listen to your story — no judgment, no pressure
✅ Investigate the hazing — gather evidence, interview witnesses
✅ Identify all liable parties — chapter, nationals, university, individuals
✅ Handle all communications — no more talking to fraternities or universities
✅ Fight for maximum compensation — medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages
✅ Protect you from retaliation — we shield our clients
✅ Travel to Columbus County — for depositions, trials, and meetings
✅ Offer bilingual support — Se habla español
What You Should Do Right Now:
📞 Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email us: ralph@atty911.com
💻 Schedule a free consultation: attorney911.com
The consultation is free. The call is confidential. And there’s no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Columbus County
1. Is hazing really a big problem in Columbus County?
Yes. Hazing happens at Southeastern Community College and at universities near Columbus County, including UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State, and ECU. The same fraternities that have killed students nationwide operate right here in eastern North Carolina.
2. What if I was hazed but didn’t get physically injured?
You can still sue. Psychological trauma — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage even without physical injuries.
3. What if I consented to participate?
Consent is not a defense in hazing cases. North Carolina law explicitly states that you cannot consent to hazing. Even if you agreed to participate, the organization is still liable.
4. Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private home, the homeowners can also be held liable.
5. What if the fraternity or university tries to silence me?
That’s why you need an attorney. We handle all communications with defendants. You will never have to talk to them alone. We also protect our clients from retaliation.
6. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological impact
- University/fraternity’s knowledge of prior hazing
- Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding = higher damages)
Precedent cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $1 million to $110 million.
7. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act immediately — evidence disappears, and the sooner we start, the stronger your case.
8. What if I’m afraid of retaliation?
We understand the fear. Many hazing victims are threatened with social exclusion or worse. We protect our clients. We can also pursue claims for emotional distress caused by retaliation.
9. Do I have to go to court?
Most hazing cases settle out of court. However, if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — that means:
- You pay $0 to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Columbus County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing destroys lives. It sends students to the hospital. It causes permanent physical and emotional damage. And in the worst cases, it kills.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You have the power to stop it.
By coming forward, you’re not just fighting for yourself. You’re fighting for the next victim. You’re sending a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Columbus County.
We are ready to fight for you. We are ready to win.
Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free Consultation • Available 24/7 • Se Habla Español
Serving Columbus County, North Carolina and nationwide.
Columbus County Hazing Resources
| Resource | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney 911 | 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free legal consultation for hazing victims |
| North Carolina Coalition Against Hazing | nccah.org | Statewide hazing prevention and support |
| National Hazing Prevention Network | hazingprevention.org | National hazing prevention resources |
| Clery Center | clerycenter.org | Campus safety and reporting resources |
| RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline) | 1-800-656-HOPE | Support for sexual hazing victims |
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 988 | Support for emotional distress |
Final Message to Columbus County Families
To the parents of Columbus County:
We know how much you love your children. We know how hard you work to give them opportunities. We know the trust you placed in universities and fraternities to keep them safe.
That trust was betrayed.
To the students of Columbus County:
We know you just wanted to belong. We know you wanted to make friends. We know you never expected to be waterboarded, beaten, or hospitalized.
You didn’t deserve this.
But you do deserve justice.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Columbus County.
Call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Justice starts today.