Hazing Victims in Mecklenburg County: Your Rights, Your Justice, Your Voice
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Mecklenburg County — you are not alone.
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often a crime.
And in Mecklenburg County, families have the right to fight back — to hold the individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
At Attorney 911, we are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and life-threatening kidney failure. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will bring that same aggressive, compassionate representation to Mecklenburg County families.
🚨 Hazing in Mecklenburg County: The Reality
Mecklenburg County is home to some of North Carolina’s most prestigious universities and colleges, including:
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) — A major public research university with a vibrant Greek life community
- Queens University of Charlotte — A private university with active fraternities and sororities
- Johnson C. Smith University — A historically Black university with strong Greek traditions
- Central Piedmont Community College — With growing student organizations and clubs
These institutions attract thousands of students from across the state, the country, and the world — including your children.
And where there are fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and student organizations — there is hazing.
What Hazing Looks Like in Mecklenburg County
Hazing in Mecklenburg County takes many forms, but it often includes:
| Type of Hazing | Examples | Mecklenburg County Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | High — especially in fraternities and sports teams |
| Forced Consumption | Binge drinking, forced eating, consuming non-food substances | High — alcohol poisoning is a leading cause of hazing deaths |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, isolation | High — especially in pledging processes |
| Sleep Deprivation | All-night activities, forced early mornings | High — common in fraternities and ROTC |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects | Present — underreported but documented |
| Waterboarding/Drowning | Simulated drowning, water torture | Confirmed in our current case — this happens |
| Exposure to Elements | Forced to stay outside in extreme heat or cold | High — especially in outdoor activities |
| Servitude | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | High — common in Greek life and clubs |
This isn’t just happening at big state schools. It happens at private colleges. It happens at community colleges. It happens in Mecklenburg County.
And too often, universities and national organizations look the other way — until someone gets hurt or killed.
💔 The Human Cost: What Hazing Does to Students
Hazing doesn’t build character. It breaks bodies. It breaks minds. It breaks families.
Physical Injuries from Hazing
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls, paddling | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Broken Bones | Physical assault | Chronic pain, disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Blows to the body | Emergency surgery, death |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ damage, death |
| Cardiac Arrest | Extreme physical stress | Death |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing
| Condition | Symptoms | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety | Therapy, medication, lifelong struggle |
| Depression | Hopelessness, loss of interest in activities | Suicidal ideation, academic decline |
| Anxiety | Constant worry, panic attacks | Difficulty functioning in school/work |
| Trust Issues | Difficulty forming relationships | Social isolation |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with alcohol/drugs | Addiction, health decline |
| Suicidal Ideation | Thoughts of self-harm or suicide | Risk of suicide attempts |
Academic & Career Impact
- Dropped classes due to physical or emotional trauma
- Failed courses due to missed time and stress
- Lost scholarships due to academic decline
- Delayed graduation — costing families thousands in extra tuition
- Damaged reputation — hazing can follow students professionally
- Lost career opportunities — internships, job offers, networking
Hazing doesn’t just hurt students in the moment. It can derail their entire future.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Mecklenburg County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed in Mecklenburg County, you have legal rights — and powerful legal options.
1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators
North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws.
North Carolina General Statute § 14-35 defines hazing as:
“Any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.”
Penalties:
- Class 2 Misdemeanor — Up to 60 days in jail and fines
- Class 1 Misdemeanor — Up to 120 days in jail if serious injury or death occurs
Who Can Be Charged:
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers who organized hazing
- Anyone who knew and failed to report
Our Role:
While criminal prosecution is handled by the state, we can work with law enforcement to ensure charges are filed and support victims through the criminal process.
2. Civil Lawsuits for Compensation
Even if criminal charges are filed, you can — and should — file a civil lawsuit for compensation.
Why File a Civil Lawsuit?
- Hold institutions accountable — universities, national fraternities, housing corporations
- Recover financial compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering
- Send a message — multi-million dollar verdicts change culture
- Protect future students — force universities to implement real safeguards
Who Can Be Sued?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity houses |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes; provided alcohol |
What You Can Recover:
| Type of Damages | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, medication, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internship opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced consumption) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death — funeral costs, loss of companionship |
Precedent Shows You Can Win Big:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Ohio, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, Beta Theta Pi)
- $10 million — Our current case (Texas, Pi Kappa Phi)
These same results are possible for Mecklenburg County families.
3. Title IX Claims (For Sexual Hazing or Gender-Based Abuse)
If hazing involved sexual assault, harassment, or gender-based abuse, you may have a Title IX claim against the university.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Hazing that targets one gender more than another — or involves sexual violence — violates Title IX.
Examples of Title IX Hazing:
- Forced nudity
- Sexual acts as part of initiation
- Gender-specific humiliation
- Sexual assault
What Title IX Provides:
- University investigation of the incident
- Protection from retaliation for reporting
- Accommodations (counseling, class changes, housing changes)
- Potential disciplinary action against perpetrators
- Financial compensation through a civil lawsuit
Our Role:
We can help you file a Title IX complaint with your child’s university and pursue legal action if the university fails to respond appropriately.
4. Workers’ Compensation (If Hazing Occurred During Work-Study or Employment)
If your child was hazed while participating in a work-study program, internship, or campus job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Examples:
- Hazing during ROTC training
- Hazing during campus employment (e.g., student athlete, resident assistant)
- Hazing during internships with student organizations
What Workers’ Compensation Provides:
- Coverage for medical bills
- Lost wage replacement
- Disability benefits if injuries are permanent
Our Role:
We can help determine if your child’s hazing qualifies for workers’ compensation and pursue those benefits.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Mecklenburg County
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire.
Follow these steps immediately:
1. Ensure Your Child’s Safety
- Remove them from the dangerous environment — get them out of the fraternity house, team housing, or any location where hazing is occurring.
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor, get them checked. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Report to authorities — file a police report with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or campus police.
2. Preserve All Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
| Type of Evidence | What to Save |
|---|---|
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records |
| Photos/Videos | Injuries at all stages; hazing activities (if any exist) |
| Communications | Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| Social Media | Screenshots of posts about hazing; posts showing injuries |
| Witness Information | Names and contact info of other victims, bystanders |
| Documents | Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child |
| Financial Records | Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid |
If your child is afraid to document evidence, we can help. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
3. DO NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative.
- They will ask your child to sign documents or give statements.
- They will offer “apologies” or “settlements” that are far below what your child deserves.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without consulting an attorney.
4. Contact an Attorney Immediately
The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
What We Will Do for You:
✅ Immediate case evaluation — determine the strength of your claim
✅ Evidence preservation — ensure nothing is destroyed or deleted
✅ Medical documentation — connect you with specialists
✅ Legal strategy — criminal, civil, Title IX, workers’ comp
✅ Negotiation with defendants — demand fair compensation
✅ Litigation if necessary — take your case to trial if needed
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🎯 Why Mecklenburg County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
We don’t just talk about hazing cases — we’re in the fight right now.
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are representing a hazing victim against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston in a $10 million lawsuit that has exposed:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose
- Forced to do 500 squats until collapse
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Hospitalized with kidney failure for 4 days
We know how to win these cases. And we will bring that same expertise to Mecklenburg County.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph and Lupe used to work for insurance companies — defending them against injury claims.
We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We know how to dismantle their defenses.
This is an unfair advantage for our clients.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction — critical for cases involving national fraternities or civil rights violations.
4. We Are Dual-State Licensed (Texas & New York)
This allows us to pursue national fraternities headquartered in New York — a major advantage in hazing cases.
5. We Offer Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)
Hazing affects students of all backgrounds. We ensure no language barriers prevent justice.
6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
We understand the financial strain hazing puts on families. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
7. We Will Travel to Mecklenburg County
We are based in Texas, but we will come to Mecklenburg County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
8. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have secured millions of dollars for victims of:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Refinery explosions
- Wrongful death
- Hazing (current case)
9. We Care About More Than Money
We see your child as a person — not a paycheck.
Ralph Manginello on our current hazing case:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
This is not just about compensation. It’s about change.
📞 Mecklenburg County Families: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Mecklenburg County — call us immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Mecklenburg County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they “consented.” Can we still sue?
A: YES.
North Carolina law does not recognize “consent” as a defense to hazing.
Even if your child agreed to participate, they did not consent to abuse, torture, or life-threatening activities.
The law is clear: Consent does not matter.
Q: The fraternity says this was “just tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO.
“Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. Forced consumption is forced consumption.
No amount of “tradition” justifies breaking the law or endangering lives.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?
A: We protect our clients.
- Confidentiality — we keep your case private until you’re ready
- Legal protections — retaliation for reporting hazing is illegal
- Title IX protections — if sexual hazing occurred, the law protects against retaliation
- Evidence preservation — we document everything to build your case
Your child’s safety is our priority.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?
A: YES.
Universities have a duty to protect students. They cannot claim ignorance when:
- They own or control fraternity houses
- They have Greek life oversight responsibilities
- They have prior hazing incidents on record
- They fail to implement meaningful safeguards
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — and they had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017. They knew. They failed to act.
Q: My child was hazed at a private college in Mecklenburg County. Can we still sue?
A: YES.
Private colleges have the same duty to protect students as public universities. In fact, many private colleges have deeper pockets and higher insurance coverage.
We have experience suing both public and private institutions.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 3 years from the date of injury.
BUT — DO NOT WAIT.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Defendants destroy records
- Your rights expire
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Q: My child is an international student. Will this affect their visa?
A: NO.
Pursuing legal action does not negatively impact visa status.
In fact, many visa types (including F-1 and J-1) have protections for victims of crimes, including hazing.
We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process.
Q: The fraternity offered us a settlement. Should we take it?
A: DO NOT ACCEPT ANY SETTLEMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY.
Fraternities and universities routinely offer lowball settlements to victims before they know the full extent of their injuries or legal rights.
First offers are always too low. We can negotiate for maximum compensation.
🔥 Fraternities and Universities in Mecklenburg County: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating in Mecklenburg County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- And all others
We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your insurance policies.
And we know what you’re doing to students.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your Mecklenburg County chapters.
If your chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity — the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual member.
We already shut down Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To the universities and colleges in Mecklenburg County:
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Central Piedmont Community College
- And all others
You have a duty to protect your students.
When you own fraternity houses, when you recognize Greek organizations, when you collect tuition — you are responsible for what happens on your campus.
The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.
If you fail to protect students from hazing, you will be held accountable.
📢 Enough Is Enough, Mecklenburg County
Hazing has taken too many lives. It has ruined too many futures. It has broken too many families.
But it doesn’t have to continue.
Every time a family steps forward, they protect the next student.
Every time a lawsuit is filed, it sends a message.
Every time a fraternity is held accountable, it saves lives.
Mecklenburg County families — we are here for you.
Call us. Tell us your story. Let’s fight back together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Justice for your child. Protection for the next.
