🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Support in Davidson County, North Carolina

Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice for Davidson County Hazing Victims

If your child has been the victim of hazing in Davidson County, North Carolina, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Davidson County families.

🏫 The Hazing Crisis in Davidson County

Hazing is not just a problem at large universities in other states. It happens right here in Davidson County, North Carolina. The same national fraternities and sororities that have chapters at major universities also have chapters at colleges and universities near Davidson County. These organizations have a documented history of hazing incidents that have led to serious injuries and even deaths.

Universities Near Davidson County with Greek Life

Davidson County is home to several institutions of higher education where Greek life thrives, including:

• Davidson College (just north of Davidson County)
• High Point University (south of Davidson County)
• Elon University (east of Davidson County)
• Wake Forest University (east of Davidson County)
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro (east of Davidson County)
• North Carolina A&T State University (east of Davidson County)

These institutions, like universities across the country, have active Greek organizations. The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have chapters at or near Davidson County.

Hazing Risks in Davidson County

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these institutions, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The culture of abuse that led to a student being waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure at the University of Houston exists at Greek organizations near Davidson County as well.

💔 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Davidson County

Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston illustrates just how dangerous hazing can be. In that case, a young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in Fall 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that left him hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

The Hazing Activities That Led to Hospitalization

The hazing activities Bermudez endured are not unique to Houston. They happen at fraternities and sororities across the country, including near Davidson County:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced consumption of food and liquids until vomiting — including milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns
• Extreme physical punishment — 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills), and repeated 100-yard crawls
• Being struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological torture — carrying a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature, being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in the mouth, and threats of physical punishment or expulsion
• Cold weather exposure — forced to strip to underwear in cold weather

These activities left Bermudez so exhausted he could not stand without help. When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was sore and couldn’t move. His condition worsened, and his mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.

Why This Matters to Davidson County Families

This is not just a Houston problem. This is a national problem, and it affects Davidson County families too. The same fraternities that hazed Bermudez have chapters at universities near Davidson County. The same culture of abuse exists in Greek organizations across North Carolina.

Davidson County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their children from harm. But time and time again, that trust is betrayed. Hazing incidents like what happened at the University of Houston can—and do—happen at institutions near Davidson County.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Davidson County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed in Davidson County, you have legal rights. Hazing is illegal in North Carolina, and victims can pursue civil lawsuits against the individuals and organizations responsible.

North Carolina Hazing Laws

North Carolina has strong laws against hazing. Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-35, hazing is defined as:

Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines. However, if the hazing results in serious injury or death, the penalties increase significantly.

Civil Liability for Hazing

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can pursue civil lawsuits to hold the responsible parties accountable. Civil lawsuits allow victims to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses — including past, current, and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional distress caused by the hazing
• Lost wages — if the victim missed work or lost earning potential due to the hazing
• Punitive damages — to punish the defendants for their egregious conduct and deter future hazing

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable, including:

1. The local chapter — The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing.
2. The national organization — The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter or enforce anti-hazing policies.
3. The university or college — The institution that failed to protect students from hazing, despite having the power to regulate Greek life.
4. Individual members — The fraternity or sorority members who participated in or facilitated the hazing.
5. Chapter officers — The leaders of the chapter who directed or allowed the hazing to occur.
6. Housing corporations — The entities that own or control the fraternity or sorority house where hazing occurred.

In our Houston case, we are pursuing all of these defendants because they all played a role in the abuse our client endured. Davidson County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

💰 Multi-Million Dollar Precedent Cases

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. These cases prove that hazing victims can—and do—win justice in court.

Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million Settlement

In 2021, the family of Stone Foltz, a student at Bowling Green State University, received a $10.1 million settlement after he died from alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Alpha hazing event. The settlement was paid by the university and the fraternity.

Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

In 2017, the family of Maxwell Gruver, a student at Louisiana State University, was awarded a $6.1 million jury verdict after he died from alcohol poisoning during a Phi Delta Theta hazing event. The verdict sent a powerful message about the dangers of hazing.

Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million Settlement

In 2017, the family of Timothy Piazza, a student at Penn State University, received a confidential settlement estimated at over $110 million after he died from injuries sustained during a Beta Theta Pi hazing event. The case led to criminal charges against 18 fraternity members and new hazing legislation in Pennsylvania.

Why These Cases Matter for Davidson County Victims

These cases demonstrate that hazing victims and their families can win justice in court. The same legal strategies that secured these multi-million dollar outcomes apply to Davidson County hazing cases. If your child has been hazed, you have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable.

🏢 Who We Are: Attorney 911

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Davidson County, North Carolina. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense attorneys with decades of litigation experience. We know how insurance companies and institutions think, and we use that knowledge to fight for our clients.

Why Davidson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. Hazing Litigation Expertise — We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases and hold institutions accountable.
2. Nationwide Reach — We serve hazing victims across the country, including in Davidson County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases in any jurisdiction.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they operate, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.
4. Aggressive Representation — We fight for our clients with everything we have. We don’t back down from insurance companies, universities, or national fraternities.
5. Contingency Fee Basis — We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Texas highway or a fraternity house in Davidson County—we move first, fast, and decisively. For hazing victims, our approach includes:

• Immediate evidence preservation — We act quickly to preserve text messages, photos, videos, and witness statements before they disappear.
• Expert witnesses — We work with medical experts, hazing culture experts, and institutional negligence experts to build a strong case.
• Aggressive negotiation — We negotiate from a position of strength, leveraging our experience and the multi-million dollar precedents in hazing cases.
• Willingness to go to trial — If defendants refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the case to trial and fight for justice in court.
• Travel to Davidson County — We will travel to Davidson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Davidson County

If your child has been hazed in Davidson County, it’s critical to act quickly to protect their rights and preserve evidence. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If your child has been injured, seek medical attention right away. Even if the injuries seem minor, some conditions—like rhabdomyolysis—may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence in hazing cases.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Preserve every piece of evidence related to the hazing incident:

• Text messages, emails, and social media posts — Screenshot and save all communications related to the hazing.
• Photos and videos — Document any visible injuries, the location where the hazing occurred, and any items used in the hazing.
• Witness information — Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing.
• Medical records — Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment notes.
• Fraternity or sorority documents — Save any documents, manuals, or schedules provided by the organization.
• Academic records — If the hazing affected your child’s grades or enrollment, save those records as well.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Representatives

Do not speak to fraternity or sorority members, chapter officers, or university administrators without legal counsel present. Anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications.

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

Avoid posting about the incident on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour your social media accounts for anything they can use to minimize your claim. Stay quiet online until your case is resolved.

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is of the essence in hazing cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Contact Attorney 911 as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options.

📞 Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been hazed in Davidson County, North Carolina, Attorney 911 is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How to Reach Us:

• Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: attorney911.com

We Serve Davidson County Families

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Davidson County. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Davidson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Free Consultation

During your free consultation, we will:

• Listen to your story and answer your questions.
• Explain your legal rights and options.
• Outline a strategy for pursuing justice and compensation.
• Discuss how we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contingency Fee Basis

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

🔥 Why Davidson County Families Need Attorney 911

Hazing is not just a rite of passage. It is abuse, and it has no place in Davidson County or anywhere else. If your child has been hazed, you need an attorney who will fight for them with everything they have. Here’s why Davidson County families choose Attorney 911:

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win. Davidson County families get the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

2. We Know How to Hold Institutions Accountable

Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. You need an attorney who knows how to fight them. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how these institutions operate, and we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. We Have a Proven Track Record

We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in personal injury cases, including hazing cases. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and, when necessary, take cases to trial.

4. We Understand the Culture of Hazing

Hazing is not just about physical abuse. It’s about power, control, and intimidation. We understand the dynamics of Greek life and the pressure that victims face to stay silent. We are committed to breaking that silence and holding the responsible parties accountable.

5. We Care About Our Clients

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We are fighting for Davidson County families because we truly care about justice and accountability. We will treat your family with the compassion and respect you deserve.

🎯 The Attorney 911 Difference

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.

Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and have experience in federal appellate courts. This allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal court, which can be advantageous in cases involving multiple defendants or jurisdictions.

Dual-State Bar Admission

Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, and Lupe Pena is licensed in Texas. This gives us a strategic advantage in cases involving national fraternities and sororities, which often have headquarters in different states.

Willingness to Travel

We are committed to serving hazing victims nationwide, including in Davidson County. We will travel to Davidson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings as needed.

Contingency Fee Basis

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that all Davidson County families have access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.

📢 Message to Davidson County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Davidson County: We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Davidson County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi, and we will not hesitate to pursue your chapter if you engage in hazing.

Every national fraternity with chapters near Davidson County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven that these cases can be won, and we will hold you accountable if you harm our children.

🏛️ Message to Davidson County Universities

To the universities and colleges near Davidson County: The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses. You have a duty to protect your students from hazing, and you will be held accountable if you fail to do so.

If you own or control fraternity or sorority houses, you have a duty to ensure those properties are safe. If you have the power to regulate Greek life, you have a duty to use that power to prevent hazing. If you know—or should know—that hazing is happening on your campus, you have a duty to stop it.

The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

💔 Final Thoughts: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has no place in Davidson County or anywhere else. It is not tradition. It is not bonding. It is abuse, and it must stop.

If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is here to fight for you. We will hold the responsible parties accountable, and we will ensure that your child’s voice is heard.

Davidson County families deserve justice. Let us help you get it.

Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.