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Robeson County (Earth/North America/United States/North Carolina/Robeson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down by Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 — Federal Court Admitted | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 15 min read
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Hazing Lawyers Serving Robeson County, NC | Attorney 911

Justice for Hazing Victims in Robeson County and Beyond

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Robeson County, NC — you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for the systematic abuse that hospitalized a young man with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same hazing happens at universities near Robeson County, and we will fight for your family with the same aggression.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 | Se habla español | We travel to Robeson County

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Robeson County, NC

Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse, assault, and sometimes torture — and it happens right here in Robeson County and across North Carolina.

Hazing Happens at Robeson County-Area Universities

Robeson County is home to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), and nearby institutions include:

  • Fayetteville State University (FSU)
  • St. Andrews University (Laurinburg, NC)
  • Robeson Community College
  • UNC Wilmington (UNCW)
  • East Carolina University (ECU)
  • Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Wake Forest (within driving distance)

These same national fraternities and sororities operate at Robeson County-area schools — and they bring the same dangerous hazing culture with them.

The Same Hazing That Hospitalized Our Client Happens in Robeson County

Our current case involves:
Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
Forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and bear crawls until muscles broke down
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep running
Hog-tying another pledge for over an hour
Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This is not “boys being boys.” This is torture. And it happens at Robeson County-area schools.

💔 Real Hazing Cases That Hit Close to Home

1. The $10 Million Fight We’re Fighting Right Now

Victim: Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi)
What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, hospitalized with kidney failure
Status: $10 million lawsuit filed — we are in the fight right now
Why It Matters for Robeson County: The same Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UNC Pembroke, ECU, and other North Carolina schools. If they did this in Houston, they’re doing it in Robeson County.

2. Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million Settlement

Victim: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol — died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity)
Why It Matters for Robeson County: Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) has chapters at UNC Pembroke, ECU, and other NC schools. They have a documented history of deadly hazing.

3. Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Victim: Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event — died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict — fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide
Why It Matters for Robeson County: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UNC Wilmington, ECU, and other NC schools. Juries award millions for hazing deaths.

4. Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million Settlement

Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)
What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes, fell down stairs, fraternity members waited 12 HOURS to call 911
Outcome: $110+ million settlement — multiple criminal convictions
Why It Matters for Robeson County: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State. When evidence is strong, settlements reach $100+ million.

🔍 How Hazing Happens in Robeson County

Hazing in Robeson County-area schools takes many forms:

Type of Hazing Examples Medical Risks
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, death
Forced Consumption Alcohol, food, non-food substances Alcohol poisoning, choking, vomiting, death
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with hoses or water Panic attacks, PTSD, drowning risk
Sleep Deprivation Late-night activities, forced driving Exhaustion, accidents, mental health crises
Psychological Torture Humiliation, threats, isolation PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Sexual assault, trauma, long-term psychological damage

Fraternities Near Robeson County with Hazing Histories

Fraternity NC Chapters Hazing Incidents
Pi Kappa Phi UNC Pembroke, ECU, others Our case: waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) UNC Pembroke, ECU, others Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) UNC Wilmington, ECU, others Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
Phi Delta Theta UNC Wilmington, ECU, others Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict)
Beta Theta Pi Duke, UNC, NC State Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement)
Sigma Chi UNC, NC State, others Multiple hazing lawsuits

These same fraternities operate at Robeson County-area schools. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in North Carolina.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Robeson County Hazing Victim

1. North Carolina Hazing Laws

North Carolina has strict anti-hazing laws under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35. Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 60 days in jail
  • Fines up to $1,000

If hazing causes serious injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.

2. Who Can Be Sued?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held liable, including:
The local fraternity/sorority chapter (directly organized hazing)
The national organization (failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture)
The university (failed to protect students, owned the property)
Individual members (participated in hazing)
Alumni/hosts (allowed hazing at their homes)
Insurance companies (fraternity, university, and homeowner’s policies)

3. Damages You Can Recover

Hazing victims in Robeson County can sue for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages (if unable to work)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization)
  • Wrongful death (if a loved one died from hazing)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. Other hazing cases have resulted in $6.1M to $110M+ verdicts and settlements.

🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Robeson County

✅ Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, or head trauma may not show symptoms right away
  • Medical records are critical evidence

✅ Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
  • Write down everything (dates, times, what happened, who was there)
  • Get witness names and contact info

✅ Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

  • Do not confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Do not give statements to university officials without a lawyer
  • Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
  • Anything you say can be used against you

✅ Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Time is critical — North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for hazing lawsuits
  • Evidence disappears quickly — fraternities delete messages, universities destroy records
  • We offer FREE consultations — no upfront cost, no obligation

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🏆 Why Robeson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are 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 how to build these cases and win big
  • Robeson County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

  • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know exactly how they try to deny claims
  • We use their own tactics against them

3. Nationwide Reach — We Serve Robeson County

  • Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide
  • Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
  • We travel to Robeson County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Video consultations available for Robeson County families

4. No Upfront Cost — We Work on Contingency

  • $0 upfront — you pay nothing to hire us
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • No risk to you — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing

5. Bilingual Representation — Se Habla Español

  • Fluent Spanish-speaking staff
  • No language barriers — we serve all Robeson County families

6. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

  • $10M+ in our current hazing case
  • Millions recovered in wrongful death, personal injury, and hazing cases
  • Former BP Texas City explosion litigation — experience with complex cases

🎯 Our Message to Robeson County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Robeson County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10M+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Robeson County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

We already shut down the UH chapter. Your chapter could be next.

To the universities near Robeson County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.

Act now — or face the same accountability.

📢 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Robeson County Families

1. Can we sue even if our child consented to hazing?

YES. North Carolina law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and universities can still be held liable for failing to protect students.

3. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear retribution — our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was too afraid to do media interviews. We ensure your safety and privacy.

4. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait — evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

5. How much is our case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements, especially when:

  • The victim was hospitalized
  • The university knew about prior hazing
  • The national organization failed to supervise
  • There is clear evidence of abuse

6. Will the fraternity try to blame my child?

Yes, they will. They will argue:

  • “He consented”
  • “He knew the risks”
  • “He could have left”
  • “It’s just tradition”

We know how to defeat these arguments.

7. Can we sue if our child wasn’t a student yet?

YES. In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — not even enrolled at the university. They hazed someone who wasn’t even a student. This shows their reckless disregard for safety.

8. What if the fraternity is already suspended?

It doesn’t matter. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization and university can still be held liable for allowing the hazing to happen.

9. Can we sue if our child was hazed at a sports team or club?

YES. Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations. We represent all hazing victims.

10. How do we get started?

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer:

  • Free, confidential consultation
  • No upfront cost
  • Immediate case evaluation
  • Aggressive legal representation

🚨 Robeson County Families: Time Is Running Out

Hazing victims in Robeson County have legal rights — but you must act fast.

  • Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
  • Statute of limitations expires (3 years in North Carolina)
  • Universities and fraternities will try to cover it up

We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for your family too.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 | Se habla español | We travel to Robeson County

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

🏆 Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Robeson County

Enough is enough. If your child was hazed in Robeson County, we will fight for justice, accountability, and the compensation your family deserves.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The next victim could be someone else’s child — but with your help, we can make sure it stops.

© 2025 Attorney 911 | Legal Emergency Lawyers™ | Serving Robeson County, NC and Nationwide
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Serving Robeson County Families

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