Hazing Victims in Martin County, NC: Your Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help

The Hazing Crisis in Martin County & Beyond

Martin County families send their children to college with high hopes—earning a degree, making lifelong friends, and preparing for a bright future. But for too many students, the dream turns into a nightmare when they become victims of hazing.

Hazing isn’t just “harmless fun” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in North Carolina—at universities near Martin County, in fraternities and sororities, on sports teams, and in student organizations.

What Happens in Hazing?

Hazing can take many forms, but all involve physical, psychological, or emotional abuse under the guise of “initiation.” Some of the most dangerous hazing rituals include:

• Forced alcohol consumption (leading to alcohol poisoning, coma, or death)
• Extreme physical punishment (500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls until collapse)
• Waterboarding & simulated drowning (a form of torture)
• Forced eating until vomiting (then making victims continue activities)
• Sleep deprivation & exhaustion (driving members at all hours, late-night “workouts”)
• Physical beatings with paddles or other objects
• Sexual humiliation & assault
• Psychological torment & threats of expulsion

This isn’t “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” It’s abuse. And it’s illegal.

A Warning from a Case We’re Fighting Right Now: Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being hazed at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. His case is a warning to Martin County families—because the same fraternities, the same hazing culture, and the same negligence exist at universities near you.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

• He was waterboarded (simulated drowning with a garden hose)
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing—yet they kept going
• He was hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

The fraternity knew this was happening. The university knew. And they did nothing to stop it.

Why This Matters to Martin County Families

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Martin County
• Universities near Martin County face the same liability failures as UH
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at NC schools
• If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting for Leonel

This isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a nationwide crisis—and it’s happening in North Carolina.

Hazing in North Carolina: The Alarming Reality

North Carolina has seen its share of hazing tragedies. Some of the most notorious cases include:

1. The Death of Tucker Hipps (Clemson University, 2014)

• Fraternity: Sigma Phi Epsilon
• What Happened: Tucker Hipps, a Clemson student, died during a fraternity “run” when he fell from a bridge into a lake.
• Outcome: His family received a $500,000+ settlement from the fraternity.

2. The Death of Harrison Kowiak (Lenoir-Rhyne University, 2008)

• Fraternity: Kappa Sigma
• What Happened: Harrison Kowiak died from a traumatic brain injury after being tackled during a hazing ritual.
• Outcome: The fraternity was banned from campus, and his family filed a lawsuit.

3. The Near-Death of a UNC Student (2021)

• Fraternity: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
• What Happened: A UNC student was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning and severe dehydration after a hazing event.
• Outcome: The fraternity was suspended, and the student filed a lawsuit.

These cases prove that hazing is not just a problem in other states—it’s happening in North Carolina. And if your child is hazed at a university near Martin County, you have legal rights.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Martin County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

1. The Fraternity or Sorority (Local Chapter)

• Why? They directly organized and conducted the hazing.
• Example: If your child was hazed at a fraternity near Martin County, the local chapter can be sued for negligence, assault, and battery.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

• Why? They have a duty to supervise their chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies.
• Example: If Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization knew about hazing at their chapters (like at UH) and did nothing, they can be held liable.

3. The University (UNC, ECU, NC State, etc.)

• Why? Universities have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued.
• Example: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was hazed. If a university near Martin County owns or controls a fraternity house where hazing occurs, they can be held liable.

4. Individual Members & Officers

• Why? Every person who participated in, encouraged, or failed to stop hazing can be sued personally.
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the fraternity president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million for his role in hazing.

5. Housing Corporations & Alumni

• Why? If hazing occurred at a private residence (like a former member’s home), the property owner can be held liable for premises liability.

6. Insurance Companies

• Why? Most fraternities and universities have liability insurance that covers hazing incidents. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.

What Can Martin County Families Sue For?

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses (Past & Future)

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery or long-term treatment
• Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, or depression

2. Pain & Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional trauma from abuse
• Humiliation and degradation

3. Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity

• Time missed from work due to injuries
• Impact on future career opportunities

4. Educational Disruption

• Tuition reimbursement if your child had to drop out
• Costs of transferring to another school

5. Punitive Damages (Punishing the Wrongdoers)

• If the hazing was extreme or intentional (like waterboarding or forced alcohol consumption), juries can award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez. Similar cases have resulted in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

North Carolina Hazing Laws: Know Your Rights

North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students:

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35 – Hazing is a Class 2 Misdemeanor

• Penalty: Up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be prosecuted.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-40.11 – University Reporting Requirements

• Universities must report hazing incidents to law enforcement.
• Failure to report is a Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 120 days in jail).

Civil Liability in North Carolina

• Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• No cap on damages – Unlike some states, North Carolina does not limit how much you can recover for pain and suffering.

If your child was hazed at a university near Martin County, you have the right to sue for full compensation.

What Should Martin County Families Do If Their Child Is Hazed?

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get medical documentation.
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are crucial evidence in your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used (paddles, hoses, etc.).
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
• Get names & contact info of witnesses.
• Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

• They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability.
• Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney.
• Do NOT give a statement to their insurance company.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• The statute of limitations in North Carolina is 3 years for personal injury claims.
• Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget, messages get deleted, security footage is erased.
• We offer free consultations—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Martin County Hazing Case?

We are not just personal injury lawyers—we are hazing litigation experts. Here’s why Martin County families trust us:

1. We’re Fighting a Hazing Case Right Now

• We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
• We know exactly how to build these cases—from evidence preservation to trial strategy.

2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience

• Both of our attorneys worked for insurance companies before representing victims.
• We know how they try to deny claims—and we know how to beat them.

3. We’re Licensed in Texas & New York (Federal Court Authority)

• We can pursue national fraternities no matter where they’re headquartered.
• We can take your case to federal court if needed.

4. We Offer Free, No-Obligation Consultations

• No upfront costs—we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
• We travel to Martin County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• We provide bilingual legal services to ensure no language barriers stand in the way of justice.

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

• $10M+ in hazing cases (current case)
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims across Texas and nationwide
• Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how to negotiate from a position of strength

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• We’ll listen to your story and determine if you have a viable claim.
• We’ll explain your legal rights and options.

Step 2: Evidence Preservation & Investigation

• We’ll immediately send preservation letters to all defendants.
• We’ll gather medical records, witness statements, and digital evidence.
• We’ll work with experts to document the full extent of your damages.

Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit

• We’ll file a strong, aggressive lawsuit against all responsible parties.
• We’ll demand full compensation for your injuries.

Step 4: Negotiation & Settlement

• We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement.
• If they refuse to offer a fair amount, we’ll take your case to trial.

Step 5: Justice & Compensation

• Whether through settlement or trial, we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.
• Our goal is to hold the wrongdoers accountable and prevent this from happening to another student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Martin County Families

1. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a university near Martin County?

✅ Yes. If your child was injured due to hazing, you can sue the fraternity, sorority, university, and individual members responsible.

2. What if my child “consented” to hazing?

✅ Consent is NOT a defense in North Carolina. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazers can still be held legally responsible.

3. How much is my hazing case worth?

It depends on the severity of the injuries, but hazing cases often result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Some recent examples:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
• $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Louisiana)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)

4. Do I need a lawyer to sue for hazing?

✅ Yes. Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced hazing attorney to level the playing field.

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

⚠️ The statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of the hazing incident. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

6. Will my child’s name be made public?

🔒 We protect our clients’ privacy. Many hazing victims choose to proceed under a pseudonym to avoid retaliation or embarrassment.

7. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

✅ You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus.

8. Can I sue if my child wasn’t seriously injured?

✅ Yes. Even if injuries were “minor,” you may still have a case for emotional distress, humiliation, or pain and suffering.

9. What if the fraternity was already suspended?

✅ You can still sue. Suspension doesn’t erase liability. In fact, a fraternity closing before a lawsuit is often a sign they know they’re guilty.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

💲 $0 upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Martin County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves deep scars—physical, emotional, and psychological. Many victims feel shame, fear, or loyalty to their organization and hesitate to come forward.

But you don’t have to suffer in silence.

• You have legal rights.
• You deserve justice.
• You can hold the wrongdoers accountable.

We are fighting this battle right now—and we will fight for you.

📞 Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Travel to Martin County

We don’t just talk about justice—we fight for it. And we win.

Serving Martin County, NC & Nationwide

Offices in Houston, Austin & Beaumont, TX • Federal Court Authority • Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

If your child was hazed at a university near Martin County, we will fight for you.