Hazing Victim Representation in Graham County, NC – Legal Rights & Justice

Hazing Happens in Graham County – And We’re Here to Stop It

Graham County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities, fraternities, and sororities to provide a positive experience. But for too many students in Western North Carolina, that trust is shattered by hazing – a dangerous culture of abuse disguised as “tradition.”

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and systematic torture of students. This same abuse happens at universities near Graham County. The same national fraternities operate in North Carolina. The same negligence exists at institutions across the state.

If your child has been hazed in Graham County or at any North Carolina university, you have legal rights. We will fight for Graham County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to our landmark case.

What Is Hazing? The Reality in Graham County

Hazing isn’t harmless “initiation.” It’s a criminal act that causes real harm – and Graham County students are at risk.

Common Hazing Practices in North Carolina:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise (pushups, squats, runs) until collapse, paddling, branding, or beatings
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, forced eating until vomiting, or consuming non-food substances
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion, or being forced to carry degrading objects
• Waterboarding/simulated drowning: A form of torture used on Graham County-area students
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – the same injury our client suffered
• Alcohol poisoning – a leading cause of hazing deaths
• Traumatic brain injury – from falls or beatings
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – from exposure to extreme weather
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression – long-term psychological damage

Our client was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and waterboarding at a fraternity event. This happens in North Carolina too.

Graham County Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights

North Carolina has strict anti-hazing laws under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35. Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and jail time. But criminal charges aren’t enough – victims and families deserve financial justice.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Graham County Hazing Cases?

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter – for organizing and conducting hazing
• National fraternity/sorority organizations – for failing to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing risks
• Universities and colleges near Graham County – for failing to protect students despite prior hazing incidents
• Individual members – for participating in or facilitating hazing
• Alumni or property owners – if hazing occurred at their homes or businesses

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

• Defines hazing as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for initiation into an organization
• Applies to all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and clubs
• Consent is NOT a defense – even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal
• Criminal penalties – up to 60 days in jail and fines

If your child was hazed in Graham County, the law is on your side.

Universities Near Graham County With Greek Life – And Hazing Risks

Graham County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek organizations. Many of these institutions have documented hazing incidents, yet they continue to allow dangerous fraternities and sororities to operate.

Colleges Near Graham County With Greek Life:

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC) – 30+ Greek organizations
• Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) – 30+ Greek chapters
• University of North Carolina at Asheville (Asheville, NC) – 10+ Greek organizations
• Mars Hill University (Mars Hill, NC) – Greek life presence
• Brevard College (Brevard, NC) – Greek organizations

These same fraternities and sororities that operate near Graham County have chapters that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide.

Fraternities With Hazing Histories Near Graham County:

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Western North Carolina, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

What Graham County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Get witness names – other pledges, bystanders, or friends who saw what happened
• Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report – hazing is a crime in North Carolina
• Report to the university – demand an investigation
• Report to the national fraternity/sorority – they must take action

Step 4: Contact a Hazing Attorney

• Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization
• Call Attorney 911 immediately – we offer free consultations for Graham County families

We will travel to Graham County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Why Graham County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – And Winning

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client. We know how to build these cases. Graham County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they try to deny claims, minimize injuries, and intimidate victims. We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases nationwide – including Graham County and all of North Carolina.

4. Dual-State Bar Licenses – Strategic Advantage

We’re licensed in Texas and New York, giving us leverage against national fraternities headquartered in different states.

5. Willing to Travel to Graham County

We come to you. Whether it’s for depositions, client meetings, or trials, we will travel to Graham County to fight for your family.

6. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront for Graham County Families

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainer costs
• No financial risk for you

We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Damages Graham County Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
• Lost wages (if hazing caused missed work)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, scholarship loss)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame from hazing
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages – To Punish Egregious Conduct

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or involved torture, Graham County families may be entitled to punitive damages – additional money meant to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future abuse.

Our landmark case seeks $10 million – and we will pursue the same for Graham County families.

Graham County Hazing Case Examples – What’s Possible

Case 1: $10.1 Million Settlement (Ohio)

• Victim: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha)
• Injury: Died from forced alcohol consumption
• Defendants: Bowling Green State University ($2.9M) + Pi Kappa Alpha ($7.2M)

Case 2: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict (Louisiana)

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver (Phi Delta Theta)
• Injury: Died from forced drinking (BAC 0.495)
• Outcome: $6.1M verdict; criminal conviction

Case 3: $110+ Million Settlement (Pennsylvania)

• Victim: Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi)
• Injury: Died from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs
• Outcome: $110M+ settlement; 18 members criminally charged

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win – and Graham County families can achieve the same justice.

Graham County Fraternities & Sororities on Notice

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Graham County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

• Pi Kappa Phi – We’re already suing you. Your UH chapter is shut down. How many others will be next?
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – You’ve paid millions in hazing settlements. Your North Carolina chapters are on notice.
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Stone Foltz’s family won $10M. Your Western Carolina and App State chapters are next.
• Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza’s family won $110M. Your UNC chapters should be worried.
• Phi Delta Theta – Maxwell Gruver’s family won $6.1M. Your North Carolina chapters are in our sights.

If you haze students in Graham County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your university, and your individual members. We will shut you down.

Graham County Universities: The Same Liability Exists in North Carolina

To the universities near Graham County:

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents but did nothing. Now they face a $10 million lawsuit.

The same negligence exists at North Carolina universities:

• Western Carolina University
• Appalachian State University
• UNC Asheville
• Mars Hill University
• Brevard College

You have a duty to protect your students. If you fail, you will be held accountable – just like UH.

What Graham County Families Should Do Next

If Your Child Has Been Hazed:

✅ Call us immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
✅ Preserve all evidence – texts, photos, witness names
✅ Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
✅ Report the hazing – to police, the university, and the national organization
✅ Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel

Free Consultation for Graham County Families

We offer free, confidential consultations for hazing victims and their families. We will:

• Evaluate your case
• Explain your legal rights
• Outline your options
• Fight for the maximum compensation

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

Graham County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves victims feeling shamed, isolated, and afraid. Many don’t come forward because they fear retaliation or don’t think they’ll be believed.

We believe you.

Our client was fearful of retribution for speaking out. We protected him. We will protect Graham County victims too.

This is not your fault. You didn’t deserve to be abused. You have the right to justice.

Call us today. Let’s fight back together.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Serving Graham County, North Carolina and nationwide.