Hazing Victims in Duplin County: Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice

🛡️ You Are Not Alone: Hazing Happens at North Carolina Universities Too

If you or your child has been a victim of hazing at a college or university near Duplin County, North Carolina, you need to know: this is not your fault, and you have powerful legal rights. Hazing is not “tradition” or “team bonding” – it is abuse, and it is illegal. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in North Carolina. If you’ve been hazed at a university near Duplin County, you deserve justice.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to hazing victims in Duplin County and across North Carolina.

🚨 What Is Hazing? North Carolina’s Legal Definition

Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35), hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or another person, against a student for the purpose of intimidating, coercing, or otherwise interfering with the student’s academic performance or participation in any school-sponsored activity, or for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a student organization.”

This includes:

• Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise, paddling)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or other substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse or humiliation
• Sexual abuse or harassment
• Any activity that endangers mental or physical health

Important: In North Carolina, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

🏫 Hazing at North Carolina Universities Near Duplin County

While Duplin County itself is home to smaller community colleges like James Sprunt Community College, many students from the area attend larger universities in nearby regions where Greek life and athletic programs are active. Some of the universities near Duplin County with known Greek organizations and athletic programs include:

• University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) – Approximately 60 miles from Duplin County
• East Carolina University (ECU) – Approximately 80 miles from Duplin County
• North Carolina State University (NCSU) – Approximately 120 miles from Duplin County
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) – Approximately 150 miles from Duplin County

These institutions have active Greek systems with chapters of national fraternities and sororities that operate under the same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide. If you or your child attends or plans to attend a university near Duplin County, you should be aware of the risks of hazing and know your rights.

💔 Real Hazing Incidents in North Carolina

Hazing is not just a problem in other states – it happens right here in North Carolina. Here are just a few examples of documented hazing incidents at North Carolina universities:

🔴 East Carolina University – Sigma Phi Epsilon (2022)

In 2022, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at ECU was suspended after an investigation found multiple violations of the university’s student conduct code, including hazing. The fraternity was accused of forcing pledges to participate in activities that included sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and forced alcohol consumption. The chapter was suspended for four years.

Why This Matters for Duplin County Families:
ECU is one of the closest major universities to Duplin County, and many students from the area attend ECU. This incident shows that hazing is happening at institutions near Duplin County, and universities are not doing enough to prevent it.

🔴 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kappa Sigma (2019)

In 2019, the Kappa Sigma fraternity at UNC was suspended for four years after an investigation found evidence of hazing, including forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and psychological humiliation. The university determined that the fraternity had created a dangerous environment for pledges.

Why This Matters for Duplin County Families:
UNC is one of the most prestigious universities in the state, and its Greek system is large and influential. This case demonstrates that even at top-tier institutions, hazing occurs, and universities often fail to take meaningful action until it’s too late.

🔴 North Carolina State University – Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

In 2017, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at NC State was suspended after a pledge reported being subjected to extreme physical abuse, including being forced to do hundreds of push-ups and squats in a short period. The pledge suffered severe muscle pain and was at risk of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition caused by muscle breakdown. The fraternity was suspended for four years.

Why This Matters for Duplin County Families:
This incident involved the same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) that we are currently suing in our $10 million lawsuit. It shows that Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of hazing in North Carolina, and the national organization has failed to address the problem despite repeated incidents.

🔴 University of North Carolina Wilmington – Pi Kappa Alpha (2015)

In 2015, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UNCW was suspended after an investigation found evidence of hazing, including forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and sleep deprivation. The university determined that the fraternity had created a dangerous and degrading environment for pledges.

Why This Matters for Duplin County Families:
UNCW is one of the closest universities to Duplin County with a major Greek system. This case is a stark reminder that hazing is happening at institutions in our region, and students from Duplin County are at risk.

🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Duplin County Parents Need to Know

Hazing is not harmless fun – it can cause serious, life-threatening injuries and long-term psychological trauma. Here are some of the medical consequences of hazing that we’ve seen in our cases:

🩺 Physical Injuries

• Rhabdomyolysis – A breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood, which can cause kidney failure (this is what happened to our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case)
• Acute alcohol poisoning – Can lead to coma or death
• Broken bones – From physical abuse or forced exercise
• Internal bleeding – From blunt force trauma
• Burns – From branding or other dangerous rituals
• Hypothermia or heat stroke – From exposure to extreme temperatures
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls

🧠 Psychological Trauma

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – From extreme stress, fear, and humiliation
• Anxiety and depression – Long-term mental health struggles
• Suicidal ideation – Hazing can push victims to the brink
• Trust issues – Difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Substance abuse – Self-medicating to cope with trauma

⚰️ Wrongful Death

• Hazing kills. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death in the United States every year. In North Carolina alone, hazing has contributed to multiple student deaths.

If your child has been hazed, seek medical attention immediately. Even if they seem “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away. Early medical documentation is also critical for building a strong legal case.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hazing Victim in North Carolina

If you or your child has been hazed at a university near Duplin County, you have powerful legal rights under North Carolina law. Here’s what you need to know:

📜 North Carolina Anti-Hazing Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35)

North Carolina law makes hazing a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000

Important: The law applies to any student organization, including fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and clubs.

🏛️ Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. These lawsuits can be filed against:

• The local chapter – The fraternity or sorority that organized the hazing
• The national organization – The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise the local chapter
• The university – For failing to protect students from known hazing risks
• Individual members – For participating in or facilitating the hazing

Types of damages you can recover in a civil lawsuit:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
• Lost wages – Time missed from work or school
• Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages – To punish the defendants for egregious conduct

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. Here are just a few examples:

These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win big. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to hazing cases in North Carolina.

📅 Statute of Limitations: Act Now

In North Carolina, you have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a civil lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your case.

🔍 Who Is Liable for Hazing in North Carolina?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants who share responsibility for the abuse. Here’s who we can sue for hazing in North Carolina:

1. The Local Chapter

The local fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing is primarily liable for the abuse. This includes:

• Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.)
• Active members who participated in the hazing
• Members who knew about the hazing and failed to stop it

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities have a duty to supervise their local chapters and prevent hazing. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the abuse. In our current $10 million lawsuit, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. The University

Universities have a duty to protect their students from known hazards, including hazing. If a university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, it can be held liable. In our current case, we are suing the University of Houston because it owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred and had a prior hazing incident in 2017.

4. Individual Members

Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable for their actions. This includes:

• Members who directly abused the victim
• Members who encouraged or enabled the hazing
• Members who knew about the hazing and failed to report it

5. Housing Corporations

If the hazing occurred at a fraternity or sorority house, the housing corporation that owns the property can be held liable for premises liability if it failed to maintain a safe environment.

6. Alumni and Advisors

Alumni and chapter advisors who knew about or participated in the hazing can also be held liable.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in North Carolina

If your child has been hazed at a university near Duplin County, follow these steps to protect their health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if your child seems “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Go to the emergency room or urgent care if your child is experiencing:
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Dark or brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
  • Difficulty walking or moving
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, unconsciousness, slow breathing)

2. Preserve All Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost based on the evidence. Preserve everything:

• Medical records – Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results
• Photos and videos – Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house
• Text messages and social media – Group chats, direct messages, posts about hazing
• Witness statements – Names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses
• Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
• Academic records – Impact on grades, scholarships, or enrollment

Do not delete anything. Even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating, it could be critical evidence for your case.

3. Do Not Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
• Do not sign any documents from the organization.
• Do not post about the incident on social media.
• Do not give statements to university administrators without an attorney present.

Why? Organizations will try to control the narrative, intimidate witnesses, and destroy evidence. Let your attorney handle all communication.

4. Report the Hazing to Authorities

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in North Carolina.
• Report to the university – Under North Carolina law, universities must investigate hazing reports.
• Report to the national organization – They have a duty to investigate and take action.

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

Hazing cases are complex and require specialized legal expertise. Do not try to handle this alone. An experienced hazing attorney can:

• Protect your child’s legal rights
• Preserve evidence
• Handle all communication with the organization and university
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation

At Attorney 911, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

🏆 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Duplin County Hazing Case

If your child has been hazed at a university near Duplin County, you need an attorney with the experience, resources, and determination to fight for justice. Here’s why Duplin County families choose Attorney 911:

🔥 We Are Currently Fighting a Landmark $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

We are not just talking about hazing – we are actively fighting it in court right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case involves:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• Forced exercise to the point of kidney failure
• Physical abuse with wooden paddles
• Systematic hazing over weeks

We know how to win these cases because we are in the fight right now.

🏛️ We Have Federal Court Authority – We Can Represent Duplin County Families Nationwide

While we are based in Texas, our attorneys are admitted to practice in federal court, which allows us to represent hazing victims anywhere in the country, including North Carolina. We serve Duplin County families through:

• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
• Travel to North Carolina – We come to you for depositions, trials, and meetings
• Nationwide network – We work with local counsel when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

💼 We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. This means we know exactly how insurance companies and fraternities think, strategize, and try to deny claims. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

🏆 We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of personal injury, including:

• $10+ million in our current hazing case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Numerous six-figure verdicts for victims of negligence

We don’t just talk about results – we deliver them.

🗣️ We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families in Duplin County are Spanish-speaking. Our staff is bilingual, and we provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations
• Ongoing case communication
• Document translation and explanation
• Courtroom interpretation

No language barriers. No excuses.

💲 No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that the cost of hiring an attorney can be a barrier for many families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Our fee: A percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%).

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

📞 24/7 Availability – We Are Here When You Need Us

Hazing incidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

🎯 Our Approach to Hazing Cases: Aggressive, Compassionate, Unstoppable

When we take on a hazing case, we don’t just file a lawsuit – we launch a full-scale legal assault to hold every responsible party accountable. Here’s how we fight for Duplin County families:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve all evidence
• Subpoena social media platforms to prevent evidence deletion
• Collect witness statements before memories fade
• Secure medical records to document injuries

2. Comprehensive Investigation

• Interview witnesses – Other pledges, bystanders, university officials
• Review fraternity/sorority records – Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, communications
• Analyze university policies – What did they know? When did they know it?
• Consult medical experts – To document the full extent of injuries

3. Identify All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the local chapter – we sue everyone who played a role in the abuse, including:

• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members
• Housing corporations
• Alumni and advisors

4. Build an Unstoppable Case

• Document the pattern – Has this happened before at the same chapter or university?
• Prove institutional knowledge – Did the university or national organization know about prior hazing incidents?
• Establish egregious conduct – Was the hazing particularly brutal or reckless?
• Calculate full damages – Medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages

5. Negotiate from Strength

• Demand policy limits – We know how much insurance coverage is available
• Leverage public pressure – Media coverage can force defendants to settle
• Prepare for trial – Defendants know we are ready to take the case to court

6. Take It to Trial if Necessary

• We are trial attorneys – We don’t shy away from the courtroom
• Juries hate hazing – They will be outraged by the abuse
• We have a track record of winning big – See our $10 million lawsuit

📞 Duplin County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed at a university near Duplin County, you have legal rights, and you have options. At Attorney 911, we are ready to fight for you with the same aggression we are bringing to our current $10 million hazing lawsuit.

🚨 Free Consultation – No Obligation

We offer free, confidential consultations to hazing victims and their families. During your consultation, we will:

• Listen to your story
• Explain your legal rights
• Outline your options
• Answer all your questions

There is no cost and no obligation – just honest advice from experienced attorneys.

📞 How to Reach Us

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

🏠 We Serve Duplin County Families

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in North Carolina. We offer:

• Video consultations – Meet with us remotely
• Travel to North Carolina – We come to you for depositions, trials, and meetings
• Local partnerships – We work with North Carolina attorneys when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Duplin County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases

Q: My child “consented” to the hazing. Can we still sue?

A: YES. In North Carolina, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable for the abuse.

Q: The fraternity/sorority already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?

A: NO. Suspending or dissolving a chapter is a public relations move, not justice. Your child deserves compensation for their injuries, and the organization must be held accountable to prevent future abuse.

Q: We’re worried about retaliation. Will the fraternity/sorority come after us?

A: We take retaliation seriously. If you experience any intimidation or retaliation, we will take legal action to protect you. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward – we will shield you from retaliation and fight for your rights.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: It depends on the severity of the injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and the defendants’ ability to pay. Hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million. We will evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation.

Q: How long will the case take?

A: Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a university far from Duplin County?

A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in North Carolina. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case no matter where you are.

Q: We can’t afford an attorney. How much does it cost?

A: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%). If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

📢 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Duplin County

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Duplin County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements oversee your activities.

If you haze students in North Carolina, we will find every liable entity. We will sue:

• Your local chapter
• Your national organization
• Your housing corporation
• Your alumni advisors
• Your individual members

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.

📢 A Message to Universities Near Duplin County

To the administrators at universities near Duplin County:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to stop hazing, you become part of the problem.

We are suing the University of Houston because it owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized with kidney failure. We are holding them accountable for their institutional negligence.

If hazing is happening on your campus, you will be held liable. We will sue you for:

• Premises liability (if you own or control the property)
• Negligent supervision (if you failed to monitor Greek life)
• Failure to act (if you knew or should have known about hazing)

The choice is yours: Act now to prevent hazing, or face the consequences in court.

📢 A Message to Duplin County Parents

To the parents of Duplin County:

You send your children to college expecting them to be safe, supported, and respected. You trust that the universities and organizations they join will protect them.

That trust is being betrayed.

Your child could be hazed at a university near Duplin County – forced to endure waterboarding, beatings, sleep deprivation, or worse – all in the name of “tradition.”

You have the power to fight back. If your child has been hazed, you can:

• Report it to the police – Hazing is a crime
• Report it to the university – They must investigate
• Contact an attorney – To protect your child’s legal rights

At Attorney 911, we are fighting for hazing victims right now. We will bring that same fight to Duplin County families.

Your child deserves justice. We will help you get it.

🚨 Final Call to Action: Duplin County Families, Act Now

Hazing is not a rite of passage – it is abuse, and it is illegal. If your child has been hazed at a university near Duplin County, you have legal rights, and you have options.

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Contact Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We are here to fight for Duplin County families. We are here to win.