π¨ Guilford County Hazing Lawyers β Attorney 911 Fights for Justice
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme abuse. The same fraternities operate at universities near Guilford County. The same negligence exists at Guilford County institutions. And we will bring the same aggressive representation to Guilford County families.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or harmed by Greek organizations in Guilford County, you have legal rights. We can help.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation β’ Available 24/7 β’ No upfront costs
π₯ The Hazing Crisis in Guilford County
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It happens right here in Guilford County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries have active chapters at colleges and universities near Guilford County.
Guilford County Parents: Know the Risks
- Physical abuse β beatings, forced exercise, extreme physical punishment
- Forced consumption β alcohol, food, or other substances leading to alcohol poisoning or choking
- Psychological torture β humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats of expulsion
- Sexual assault β forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning β as seen in our current case
- Medical emergencies β rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, death
This isn’t “tradition.” This is abuse. This is illegal. And it’s happening near Guilford County.
ποΈ Colleges & Universities Near Guilford County with Greek Life
While we can’t comment on specific incidents at these institutions, we know that Greek organizations operate on campuses across North Carolina, including those near Guilford County. Major universities in the region with active Greek systems include:
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) β Located in Guilford County, UNCG has a significant Greek presence with multiple fraternities and sororities.
- North Carolina A&T State University β One of the largest historically Black universities in the country, with a strong Greek system.
- Elon University β Known for its active Greek life, with numerous fraternities and sororities.
- High Point University β Has a growing Greek community.
- Wake Forest University β Features a well-established Greek system.
- Duke University β Home to prestigious Greek organizations.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) β One of the largest Greek systems in the state.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have chapters at these universities.
π Real Cases, Real Consequences β This Could Happen in Guilford County
Our Current Case: $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Bermudez was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse, including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups β leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting β then forced to continue exercising
- Sleep deprivation β forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture β threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects
Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He wasn’t even a student at the university yet β he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for the upcoming semester.
This happened in Houston. It could happen in Guilford County. And we will fight for Guilford County families just like we’re fighting for Leonel.
βοΈ Guilford County Hazing Laws β Know Your Rights
North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under North Carolina General Statute Β§ 14-35, hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to 60 days in jail.
What constitutes hazing in North Carolina?
Any activity that:
- Endangers the physical health or safety of a student
- Causes or is likely to cause bodily injury
- Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Involves physical brutality or excessive exercise
- Involves sleep deprivation, confinement, or exposure to the elements
- Is done for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with an organization
Important for Guilford County families:
- Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
- Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
- National fraternities/sororities can be sued for failing to supervise their local chapters.
π° Multi-Million Dollar Precedents β Guilford County Victims Can Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers β they represent accountability and justice for victims and their families.
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Guilford County families: These results are possible for you too.
π’ Who Is Liable for Guilford County Hazing?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Guilford County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Guilford County chapter leadership |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Same nationals operate near Guilford County |
| University | Failed to protect students despite power to regulate | Guilford County institutions have same duty |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Guilford County fraternity/sorority houses |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Guilford County students who perpetrated abuse |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Guilford County fraternity/sorority presidents, pledge masters |
Guilford County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Guilford County
Immediate Steps β Protect Your Rights
-
Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor immediately
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Medical records are critical evidence
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Preserve All Evidence
- DO NOT DELETE any messages, photos, or videos
- Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document any physical evidence (paddles, alcohol containers, etc.)
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
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Report the Incident
- File a police report with local law enforcement
- Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- Consider reporting to the national fraternity/sorority organization
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure you to sign documents or give statements
- Anything you say can be used against you
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Avoid posting about the incident or your injuries
- Avoid posting photos that could be taken out of context
- Defense attorneys will use your posts against you
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
- We can guide you through the process and protect your rights
- Statutes of limitations apply β don’t wait to act
π‘οΈ Why Guilford County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers β We’re Fighters
β
25+ Years of Litigation Experience β Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts
β
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We know how the other side thinks and fights
β
Federal Court Authority β Can pursue cases nationwide, including Guilford County
β
Dual-State Bar Admission β Texas AND New York licensed; strategic advantage for national fraternities
β
Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Guilford County families
β
Nationwide Hazing Expertise β Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case; same strategies for Guilford County
β
Contingency Fee Representation β $0 upfront β We don’t get paid unless you get paid
The Attorney 911 Difference for Guilford County Families:
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on families. And we fight hard for Guilford County families because we truly care.
We will:
- Travel to Guilford County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Provide remote consultations for Guilford County families who cannot travel
- Handle all communications with universities, fraternities, and insurance companies
- Aggressively pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation
- Fight for justice, accountability, and change
π― Our Approach to Guilford County Hazing Cases
1. Immediate Response
- Available 24/7 for Guilford County families
- Free initial consultation to evaluate your case
- Immediate evidence preservation
2. Comprehensive Investigation
- Gather all medical records, police reports, and university documents
- Interview witnesses and collect statements
- Obtain fraternity/sorority communications and internal documents
- Work with experts to build your case
3. Strategic Legal Action
- File lawsuit against all liable parties
- Pursue both economic and non-economic damages
- Seek punitive damages for egregious conduct
- Coordinate with criminal investigations if applicable
4. Aggressive Negotiation & Trial
- Negotiate from a position of strength
- Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
- Willing to take cases to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly
- Fight for maximum compensation for Guilford County families
π Common Hazing Injuries in Guilford County β We Can Help
| Injury | Description | Legal Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure | Negligence, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Overconsumption leading to hospitalization or death | Negligence, wrongful death, premises liability |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or other trauma | Assault, battery, negligence |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse or forced activities | Assault, battery, negligence |
| Burns | From branding, hot objects, or chemicals | Assault, battery, intentional torts |
| Hypothermia/Frostbite | From exposure to cold weather | Negligence, assault |
| Heat Stroke | From extreme physical exertion in heat | Negligence, reckless endangerment |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts, harassment | Sexual assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Wrongful Death | Death resulting from hazing activities | Wrongful death, negligence, reckless endangerment |
Guilford County families: If your child has suffered any of these injuries from hazing, we can help you pursue justice and compensation.
π Guilford County Hazing Victims β Contact Us Now
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free Consultation β’ No Upfront Costs β’ Available 24/7
What Guilford County Families Can Expect When They Call:
- Immediate Response β We answer 24/7 for legal emergencies
- Confidential Consultation β Your privacy is protected
- Case Evaluation β We’ll assess your legal options
- Evidence Preservation β We’ll guide you on protecting critical evidence
- Aggressive Representation β We’ll fight for you every step of the way
We serve Guilford County families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We travel to Guilford County for your case.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Guilford County Families
1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
Many hazing victims are afraid of retaliation or social consequences. You don’t need your child’s permission to consult an attorney. We can advise you on your legal options and help protect your child’s rights without forcing them to come forward before they’re ready.
2. Can we sue even if my child consented to participate?
Yes. North Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still holds perpetrators and institutions accountable.
3. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Guilford County?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years from the date of injury. However, it’s critical to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
4. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Universities and fraternities can still be held liable for off-campus hazing if it’s connected to the organization.
5. How much is our Guilford County hazing case worth?
Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Psychological impact
- Lost wages or academic opportunities
- Egregiousness of conduct
- Institutional knowledge of prior hazing
- Number of liable parties
Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million. We will evaluate your specific circumstances to determine appropriate damages.
6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand the fear of retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity and safety throughout the legal process. Many hazing victims are concerned about social or academic repercussions, but the law protects against retaliation. We can advise you on steps to minimize risk.
7. Can we sue the university if it’s a private school?
Yes. Both public and private universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs on their campuses or in their recognized organizations. We have experience pursuing claims against both types of institutions.
8. What if the fraternity has already been suspended or closed?
That doesn’t prevent you from pursuing legal action. Suspension or closure is often an attempt to limit liability. We will pursue the national organization, individual members, and any other liable parties.
9. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for our Guilford County case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.
10. Can you handle our case even though we’re in Guilford County and you’re in Texas?
Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Guilford County. We have:
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
- Willingness to travel to Guilford County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote consultation technology for Guilford County families
- Experience handling cases across state lines
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π₯ The Message to Guilford County Fraternities & Universities
To Fraternities Operating Near Guilford County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
If you haze students in Guilford County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. We will hold every individual accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
To Universities in Guilford County:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to monitor Greek life, when you ignore reports of hazing, when you allow dangerous traditions to continue β you are liable.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They failed to act. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.
Guilford County universities: The same accountability applies to you.
To National Fraternities with Chapters Near Guilford County:
Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years between Andrew Coffey’s death and Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization to fix their culture. They did nothing.
If your national organization has a history of hazing incidents and fails to implement real safeguards, you will pay.
π Our Commitment to Guilford County Families
We are committed to:
- Justice for Guilford County victims β Holding every liable party accountable
- Accountability for institutions β Forcing universities and fraternities to change
- Prevention for future students β Using litigation to stop hazing culture
- Support for Guilford County families β Guiding you through every step of the process
Guilford County families: You don’t have to fight this battle alone. We’re here to help.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation β’ Available 24/7 β’ No upfront costs
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Guilford County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We travel to Guilford County for your case.
Guilford County Hazing Victims: Enough is Enough.
It’s time for justice. It’s time for change. It’s time to hold them accountable.
Call Attorney 911 today.