Hazing Lawyers in Gates County, NC – Protecting Victims of Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Gates County Families: When “Tradition” Becomes Torture

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Gates County, you’re not alone. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston is happening right here in North Carolina. Waterboarding. Forced consumption until vomiting. Extreme physical punishment. Life-threatening injuries.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now in Texas—and we’re ready to fight for Gates County families too. You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept “boys will be boys.” You deserve justice.

The Hazing Crisis in Gates County

It’s Not “Tradition”—It’s Abuse

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “team-building.” It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has sent countless students to the hospital—and worse. In Gates County and across North Carolina, fraternities and sororities continue these harmful rituals because they know victims are afraid to speak up.

But we’re changing that.

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Gates County

The same national organizations that allowed Leonel Bermudez to be waterboarded and hospitalized have chapters near Gates County. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma—these aren’t just names. They’re institutions with a documented history of abuse.

And they’re operating right here in North Carolina.

Universities Near Gates County Are Failing Students

Just like the University of Houston, colleges near Gates County have the power to stop hazing—but they often choose reputation over safety. They know it happens. They have the authority to intervene. And when they don’t, they share the blame.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez Could Happen to Your Child

The $10 Million Case That Proves Hazing Costs Millions

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a University of Houston student when he was hazed. He was a “ghost rush”—a prospective member expected to transfer the following semester. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to:

✔ Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
✔ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – Until his muscles broke down
✔ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
✔ Forced to eat until vomiting – Then forced to continue running
✔ Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✔ Psychological humiliation – Carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to exercise until he couldn’t stand without help. The next day, he couldn’t move. 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 fighting for his life.

The Same Hazing Happens in North Carolina

This wasn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening at universities near Gates County, including:

• Elizabeth City State University – A historically Black university with active Greek life
• Chowan University – Private university in Murfreesboro with fraternities and sororities
• College of The Albemarle – Community college with student organizations
• Nearby North Carolina schools – East Carolina University, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and more

If your child attends—or plans to attend—any of these schools, they could be at risk.

Gates County Families: You Have Legal Rights

North Carolina Hazing Laws Protect Your Child

North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35, hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and jail time. If the hazing causes serious injury or death, the penalties increase.

But criminal charges aren’t your only option. You can also file a civil lawsuit to hold the fraternity, its national organization, and the university accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Gates County?

If your child was hazed, multiple parties may be responsible:

This isn’t just about suing broke college students. It’s about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.

What Gates County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

Economic Damages – The Financial Cost of Hazing

• Medical bills – Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medications
• Future medical costs – Long-term treatment for injuries like rhabdomyolysis
• Lost wages – Time missed from work or internships
• Educational disruption – Tuition refunds, lost scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages – The Human Cost of Hazing

• Pain and suffering – Physical pain from injuries, forced activities, and medical treatment
• Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation
• Humiliation and shame – Psychological trauma from degrading rituals
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in normal activities

Punitive Damages – Sending a Message

If the hazing was especially egregious—like waterboarding, forced consumption to the point of injury, or extreme physical abuse—punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

Precedent shows juries award millions for hazing:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

Your Gates County case could be next.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Gates County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries—like rhabdomyolysis—aren’t immediately obvious. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails)
• Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
• Keep all medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)

DO NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical. North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

At Attorney 911, we offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation, no upfront cost
✔ Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
✔ Nationwide experience – We handle hazing cases across the U.S., including Gates County
✔ Aggressive advocacy – We don’t back down from fraternities, universities, or insurance companies

Why Gates County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.

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

Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Before representing victims, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies. They know how defendants try to minimize claims—and they know how to counter every tactic.

Federal Court Authority – We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can handle hazing cases nationwide—including Gates County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Dual-State Licensed – Texas and New York

This gives us a strategic advantage when suing national fraternities headquartered in other states.

Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español

We understand the unique challenges faced by Hispanic families and victims.

Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases

• $10M lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi (ongoing)
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Former BP Texas City explosion litigation – Mass tort experience
• Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies

Gates County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

We’ve Heard Their Stories Before

Victims often tell us:

• “I was afraid to speak up because I didn’t want to be ostracized.”
• “I thought it was just part of joining.”
• “I didn’t realize it was illegal.”
• “I was told if I reported it, I’d be kicked out.”

We understand. And we’re here to help.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” – Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

“They all go above and beyond and really care about you as a person. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

Gates County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

The Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Count on You Staying Silent. We Won’t Let That Happen.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Gates County and all of North Carolina. We come to you. We fight for you. And we don’t get paid unless you do.

Gates County Hazing Resources

Frequently Asked Questions for Gates County Families

1. What is considered hazing in North Carolina?

Hazing is any activity that:

• Endangers a student’s physical or mental health
• Is required for membership in an organization
• Involves humiliation, degradation, or abuse
• Includes forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
• Involves extreme physical activities (like forced exercise to exhaustion)

Examples include:
✔ Waterboarding or simulated drowning
✔ Forced alcohol or food consumption
✔ Extreme physical punishment (paddling, beatings)
✔ Sleep deprivation
✔ Psychological humiliation
✔ Sexual abuse or harassment

2. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?

Yes. North Carolina law states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.

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

North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s critical to act as soon as possible.

4. What if my child was hazed at a school outside Gates County?

We handle hazing cases nationwide. If your child was hazed at a North Carolina university—whether in Gates County, Elizabeth City, Raleigh, or anywhere else—we can help.

5. How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts, especially when:

• The hazing caused serious physical injuries
• The university or national organization knew about prior incidents
• The hazing involved extreme or outrageous conduct (like waterboarding)
• Multiple victims come forward

6. Will my child’s name be kept confidential?

We understand the fear of retaliation. While some aspects of the case may become public, we work to protect your child’s privacy as much as possible.

7. What if the fraternity or university offers a settlement?

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions often offer lowball settlements that don’t cover the full cost of injuries. We’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

8. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
✔ No upfront costs
✔ No hourly fees
✔ You pay nothing unless we win your case

Gates County Parents: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Watch for these red flags:

✔ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or burns
✔ Sudden secrecy – Avoiding questions about fraternity/sorority activities
✔ Sleep deprivation – Exhaustion, falling asleep in class, dark circles under eyes
✔ Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends/family
✔ Physical symptoms – Vomiting, dizziness, difficulty walking
✔ Unusual items – Carrying strange objects (like paddles or sexual items)
✔ Late-night activities – Being forced to attend events at odd hours
✔ Forced consumption – Being pressured to drink or eat excessively
✔ Fear of retaliation – Reluctance to discuss fraternity/sorority activities

If you notice these signs, talk to your child—and call us immediately.

The Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near Gates County

We Are Watching. We Are Coming. And We Will Hold You Accountable.

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Gates County:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Kappa Sigma
• Sigma Chi
• Phi Delta Theta
• And all the others

We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we know your history.

The $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi is just the beginning. If your chapter hazes students in Gates County, we will find out. We will sue. And we will win.

To the universities near Gates County:

• Elizabeth City State University
• Chowan University
• College of The Albemarle
• And all others

You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to stop this. When you don’t, you share the blame.

The time for “tradition” is over. The time for accountability is now.

Final Words to Gates County Families

Your child trusted these organizations. They trusted their university. They trusted that they would be safe.

That trust was betrayed.

But you don’t have to accept it. You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to let this happen to another Gates County family.

Call us. Let’s fight back together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Gates County and all of North Carolina

We don’t just talk about justice. We fight for it.