🚨 Hazing Victims in Montgomery County, North Carolina: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
Montgomery County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Montgomery County, North Carolina, you need to know: this is not “tradition.” This is not “boys being boys.” This is abuse. And you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same hazing happens at universities near Montgomery County — and we will fight for Montgomery County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
Montgomery County parents: Your child deserves justice. Call us now for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in North Carolina)
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. In North Carolina, hazing is a misdemeanor offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35.
Examples of hazing that are illegal in Montgomery County and across North Carolina:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, verbal abuse, sleep deprivation
- Dangerous activities: Waterboarding, simulated drowning, exposure to extreme weather
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
North Carolina law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law does not allow it.
Why Montgomery County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer
Hazing cases are not just about suing a fraternity or sorority. They involve:
- Universities that fail to protect students
- National organizations that ignore dangerous cultures
- Individual perpetrators who commit assault and battery
- Insurance companies that try to minimize claims
Montgomery County families face unique challenges:
- Many universities near Montgomery County have active Greek life programs
- National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others operate chapters near Montgomery County
- Hazing often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation or social pressure
- Institutions may try to silence victims to protect their reputation
We know how to fight these powerful defendants. We’re doing it right now in Texas — and we’ll do it for Montgomery County families too.
The Hazing Crisis Near Montgomery County
Universities Near Montgomery County with Greek Life Presence
Montgomery County is home to a strong community with deep educational values. Many Montgomery County families send their children to nearby universities where Greek life is active. These institutions include:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Distance from Montgomery County |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) | Chapel Hill, NC | Major Greek system (40+ fraternities and sororities) | ~1.5 hours |
| North Carolina State University (NCSU) | Raleigh, NC | Large Greek community (60+ chapters) | ~1.5 hours |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | Active Greek life (20+ chapters) | ~1.5 hours |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | Strong Greek presence (20+ chapters) | ~2 hours |
| Elon University | Elon, NC | Significant Greek life (30+ chapters) | ~2.5 hours |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) | Greensboro, NC | Active Greek community (20+ chapters) | ~2 hours |
| Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | Growing Greek system (30+ chapters) | ~3 hours |
| East Carolina University (ECU) | Greenville, NC | Large Greek presence (40+ chapters) | ~3.5 hours |
These universities have the same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others.
If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they face the same risks we’re fighting in our current case.
National Fraternities Operating Near Montgomery County
The same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near Montgomery County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Montgomery County with Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – kidney failure) | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, ECU |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – $10M settlement), David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012 – $14M settlement) | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Duke, Wake Forest, ECU |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Max Gruver (LSU, 2017 – $6.1M verdict), multiple chemical burn cases | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Duke, Elon, ECU |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – $110M+ settlement) | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Wake Forest |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – $6.1M verdict) | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Duke, Wake Forest, ECU |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Duke, Wake Forest, ECU |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits and suspensions | UNC Chapel Hill, NCSU, Duke, Elon, ECU |
These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And it’s happening near Montgomery County.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Montgomery County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear right away
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
- Document everything: photos of injuries, hospital records, doctor’s notes
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Do NOT delete anything: text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats, emails
- Take screenshots of any communications about hazing
- Save photos/videos from hazing events
- Write down names of witnesses, perpetrators, and bystanders
- Keep all physical evidence: clothing, objects used in hazing
Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
- Do NOT sign anything without legal counsel
- Do NOT give statements to university administrators or insurance companies
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Statute of limitations: In North Carolina, you typically have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but delays can hurt your case
- Evidence disappears quickly: Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations cover their tracks
- Insurance companies will lowball you: They will offer a quick, low settlement to make you go away
Montgomery County families: Call Attorney 911 now for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Montgomery County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Current Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Fraternity president, pledgemaster |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities | Current and former members |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Pi Kappa Phi National |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned fraternity house | University of Houston |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Beta Nu Housing Corporation |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their residence | Former member and spouse named in our lawsuit |
In our current case, we are suing all of these parties — and we’ll do the same for Montgomery County families.
Damages You Can Recover for Hazing in Montgomery County
Hazing can cause physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial hardship. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational impact: Lost scholarships, delayed graduation, tuition reimbursement
- Future earning capacity: If injuries affect long-term career prospects
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain: From injuries sustained during hazing
- Mental anguish: PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation
- Emotional distress: Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- Awarded when conduct is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Our current case involves: Waterboarding (torture), 500 squats (rhabdomyolysis), wooden paddles (assault)
Montgomery County families: You deserve full compensation for what your child endured. We will fight for every dollar.
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These are not just numbers — they represent justice for families and deterrence for institutions.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M Lawsuit Pending | Our Case |
These results are possible for Montgomery County families too.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Montgomery County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know the legal strategies, insurance tactics, and institutional defenses used in hazing cases
- Montgomery County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Montgomery County
- Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Montgomery County
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — Montgomery County families can meet with us remotely
- Willing to travel — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
4. Proven Track Record of Results
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Former insurance defense — we know how to dismantle their defenses
5. We Treat Montgomery County Families Like Family
- Bilingual staff — Se habla español
- Compassionate representation — we understand the trauma of hazing
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
- Free consultation — no obligation; we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
Montgomery County: The Time to Act Is Now
The Hazing Culture Must End
Hazing doesn’t build character. It doesn’t create brotherhood. It destroys lives.
- Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017
- Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized at Pi Kappa Phi in 2025
- 8 years apart. Same fraternity. Same negligence.
This pattern will continue unless Montgomery County families stand up and say: ENOUGH.
Your Case Can Save Lives
Lupe Pena put it best:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Your Montgomery County case could be the one that:
- Forces a university to implement real oversight
- Makes a national fraternity change its culture
- Prevents the next hazing death or hospitalization
Montgomery County Families: Contact Us Now
Free Consultation — 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:
- We’ll listen to your story
- We’ll evaluate the strength of your case
- We’ll explain your legal rights and options
- We’ll outline a strategy for justice and compensation
- No obligation — no pressure
We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if you win
- Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
- Montgomery County families: You have nothing to lose and everything to gain
A Message to Montgomery County Fraternities and Universities
We Know Who You Are. We Know What You’re Doing. We Will Hold You Accountable.
To the fraternities operating near Montgomery County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To the national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha:
You have paid millions in settlements. You have dissolved chapters. You have claimed to care about member safety. But your actions speak louder than your words. We will pursue every liable entity — including you.
To the universities near Montgomery County:
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. When you fail, you will be held accountable. The University of Houston is learning that lesson right now.
The hazing ends when the lawsuits begin. And we are just getting started.
Montgomery County Parents: Protect Your Child’s Future
You sent your child to college to learn, grow, and be safe. You trusted the university and the Greek organizations to protect them. That trust was betrayed.
Now it’s time to fight back.
- Call us before the evidence disappears
- Call us before the statute of limitations expires
- Call us before the insurance company lowballs you
- Call us before another Montgomery County student gets hurt
Montgomery County families: This is your moment. This is your fight. We are your lawyers.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Montgomery County, North Carolina and nationwide
Remember:
- Hazing is illegal in North Carolina
- Consent is not a defense
- Universities and fraternities can be held liable
- You have the right to compensation
- You have the power to stop this
Montgomery County: Enough is enough. Call us now.
