Hazing Victims in Rowan County, NC: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
When Tradition Becomes Torture: Hazing at Rowan County Colleges and Universities
Rowan County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. They trust that universities like Catawba College and Livingstone College will protect their students from harm. But for too many young people in Rowan County and across North Carolina, that trust is betrayed by a dangerous culture of hazing that has infiltrated fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – a case that exposes the brutal reality of what happens when institutions fail to protect students. The same fraternities operate at colleges near Rowan County. The same culture of abuse exists here. And we’re ready to fight for Rowan County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current case.
The Hazing Crisis in Rowan County: What Parents Need to Know
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.
This is not “tradition.” This is abuse.
In our current case, we’re representing a young man who:
- Was waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Was forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
- Was struck with wooden paddles
- Was forced to eat until he vomited, then made to lie in his own vomit
- Ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
This didn’t happen in some distant state. This could happen to your child at a Rowan County college or university.
Common Hazing Practices in Rowan County
While every organization is different, these are some of the most common hazing practices reported at colleges near Rowan County:
Physical Abuse:
- Beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
- Forced exercise to exhaustion (calisthenics, running, crawling)
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Branding or burning
- Waterboarding or other simulated drowning techniques
Forced Consumption:
- Binge drinking (forced to consume large amounts of alcohol)
- Forced eating (large quantities of food, non-food items, or substances like peppercorns)
- Forced consumption of other substances
Psychological Abuse:
- Verbal harassment and humiliation
- Isolation from friends and family
- Forced to wear embarrassing clothing or carry humiliating objects
- Threats of physical harm or expulsion
- Sexual humiliation or assault
Servitude:
- Forced to perform personal tasks for members
- Forced to drive members at all hours
- Forced to clean or maintain fraternity/sorority property
Rowan County Colleges and Universities: The Reality
Rowan County is home to respected institutions of higher education, including:
- Catawba College (Salisbury, NC)
- Livingstone College (Salisbury, NC)
Both schools have active Greek life communities with fraternities and sororities that are part of national organizations. These include:
Fraternities with chapters near Rowan County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Sigma Chi
- Alpha Phi Alpha
- Omega Psi Phi
- Kappa Alpha Psi
- Phi Beta Sigma
Sororities with chapters near Rowan County:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha
- Delta Sigma Theta
- Zeta Phi Beta
- Sigma Gamma Rho
- Alpha Delta Pi
- Chi Omega
- Kappa Delta
- Zeta Tau Alpha
The same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at colleges near Rowan County. If your child is joining Greek life in Rowan County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in our current case.
The Medical Dangers of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable. It can cause serious, permanent, and even fatal injuries.
Rhabdomyolysis – The condition our current client suffered
- Muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream
- Can cause acute kidney failure
- Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, and dark-colored urine
- Can be fatal if untreated
- Caused by extreme physical exertion (like forced exercise)
Alcohol Poisoning
- Can cause coma or death
- Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, blue skin
- In our current case, another fraternity’s hazing led to a death from alcohol poisoning just 8 years ago
Traumatic Brain Injury
- From beatings or falls
- Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
Heat Stroke/Hypothermia
- From exposure to extreme temperatures
- Can be fatal
Psychological Trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Long-term trust issues
Legal Rights for Rowan County Hazing Victims
North Carolina Hazing Laws
North Carolina has strong laws against hazing:
§ 14-35. Hazing; definition and punishment
(a) For the purpose of this section the term “hazing” means to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.
(b) Any student who engages in hazing, or any person who aids or abets any student in the commission of this offense, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
This means hazing is a CRIME in North Carolina. Perpetrators can face jail time.
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Rowan County
In our current case, we’re suing multiple defendants because everyone who participated or allowed the hazing is responsible. Rowan County families can pursue the same legal action:
- Local Chapter – The specific fraternity/sorority chapter that conducted the hazing
- National Organization – The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
- University – The college that failed to protect students (especially if they own the property)
- Individual Members – Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing
- Chapter Officers – Leaders who organized or allowed the hazing
- Alumni – Former members who hosted hazing events
- Housing Corporations – Organizations that own fraternity/sorority houses
Consent Is Not a Defense
North Carolina law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
When fraternities argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew what he was signing up for”
- “He could have left at any time”
THE LAW SAYS CONSENT DOESN’T MATTER.
The pressure to fit in, the fear of social exclusion, and the power dynamics in these organizations make true consent impossible.
Statute of Limitations: Act Now
North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have 3 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
DO NOT WAIT.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
Why Rowan County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us – it’s what we do every day.
Nationwide Representation for Rowan County Families
We’re based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Rowan County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña – are former insurance defense lawyers. This means we know exactly how insurance companies and institutions will try to minimize or deny your claim. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims.
Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
We understand what you’re going through. Our client in the current case is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We protect our clients and fight aggressively for justice.
No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Rowan County families don’t need to worry about legal fees while seeking justice.
We Come to Rowan County
Our attorneys will travel to Rowan County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Rowan County
Immediate Steps
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document all injuries and symptoms
- Follow all treatment recommendations
-
Preserve Evidence
- Do NOT delete any messages (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
- Take photos/videos of injuries and hazing locations
- Save all communications about hazing
- Get names and contact info of witnesses
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
-
Report to Authorities
- File a police report
- Report to university administration (but consult us first)
- Consider filing a Title IX report if applicable
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
- Do not sign any documents
- Do not accept any settlement offers
-
Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- We offer free consultations for Rowan County families
Why You Need a Lawyer
- Insurance companies will try to lowball you – they want to pay as little as possible
- Universities will protect their reputation – not your child
- Fraternities/sororities will deny everything – they have lawyers too
- Evidence can disappear – we preserve it immediately
- You have legal rights – we protect them
The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Build Your Case
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they preserve:
- All text messages and social media
- All photos and videos
- All chapter documents
- All communications about hazing
- All security camera footage
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We work with:
- Medical experts to document injuries
- Greek life culture experts
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Private investigators
- Forensic accountants
3. Aggressive Legal Strategy
Our approach includes:
- Suing every responsible party – individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Pursuing punitive damages for egregious conduct
- Using pattern evidence to show systemic negligence
- Pressuring institutions through media and public opinion
4. Trial-Ready Preparation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. This gives us leverage to negotiate the maximum possible settlement for Rowan County families.
Hazing Cases We’re Watching: The Pattern Is Clear
Pi Kappa Phi: A History of Hazing
In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez. But this isn’t the first time Pi Kappa Phi has been in the news for hazing:
- Andrew Coffey (2017) – Died from alcohol poisoning at Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State)
- Leonel Bermudez (2025) – Hospitalized with kidney failure at Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston)
Same fraternity. Same negligence. 8 years apart.
Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at colleges near Rowan County. If they’re doing this in Houston and Tallahassee, are they doing it in Salisbury?
Other Recent Hazing Cases
- Stone Foltz (2021) – Died from alcohol poisoning at Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State)
- $10.1 million settlement – same amount we’re seeking in our case
- Maxwell Gruver (2017) – Died from alcohol poisoning at Phi Delta Theta (LSU)
- $6.1 million jury verdict
- Led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana
- Timothy Piazza (2017) – Died from traumatic brain injury at Beta Theta Pi (Penn State)
- $110+ million settlement (estimated)
- Led to Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania
These cases prove that juries will award MILLIONS for hazing victims. The same legal strategies apply to Rowan County cases.
Rowan County Hazing: The Questions We Hear Most
“Is this really happening in Rowan County?”
Yes. While we can’t comment on specific cases without representation, we can tell you:
- The same national fraternities and sororities operate at colleges near Rowan County
- Hazing is a nationwide problem that affects all states, including North Carolina
- Rowan County colleges have the same Greek life culture that enables hazing
- We’ve seen hazing cases from every region of the country
“My child consented to participate. Does that matter?”
No. North Carolina law is clear: consent is not a defense to hazing.
The pressure to fit in, the fear of social exclusion, and the power dynamics in these organizations make true consent impossible. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that doesn’t excuse the organization’s illegal conduct.
“The fraternity says this was just ‘tradition.’ Is that an excuse?”
No. “Tradition” doesn’t make illegal activity legal. Would we accept “tradition” as an excuse for other crimes?
- “We’ve always robbed banks as part of our initiation” – Would that be acceptable?
- “We’ve always beaten new members” – Would that be acceptable?
- “We’ve always waterboarded pledges” – Would that be acceptable?
Hazing is assault. It’s battery. Sometimes it’s torture. It’s never acceptable.
“Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?”
North Carolina has immunity provisions for reporting hazing. Your child is protected when they report in good faith.
Additionally, we protect our clients’ identities and safety throughout the legal process.
“How much is my case worth?”
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically involve:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Educational disruption costs
- Therapy and rehabilitation
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages:
- For egregious conduct
- Meant to punish and deter
Recent hazing settlements/verdicts range from $4 million to $110 million.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
It doesn’t matter. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If the hazing occurred as part of fraternity/sorority activities, the organization is still liable.
“Can we sue the university?”
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known dangers. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable.
In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because:
- They owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017
- They failed to implement effective oversight
“How long will this take?”
Most cases settle within 1-3 years. More complex cases can take longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
“What if my child is afraid of retaliation?”
We understand. Our current client is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We take steps to protect our clients, including:
- Confidential consultations
- Anonymous reporting options
- Legal protections against retaliation
- Aggressive representation to hold perpetrators accountable
Rowan County Colleges: What They’re Not Telling You
The Myth of “Self-Policing”
Universities often claim that Greek organizations “self-police” and handle hazing internally. This is a myth.
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National immediately closed the chapter when the hazing was exposed
- They did this before the lawsuit was even filed
- This shows they knew the conduct was wrong and wanted to limit liability
Universities and national organizations only act when they’re forced to. They prioritize their reputation over student safety.
The “We Didn’t Know” Defense
Universities often claim they didn’t know about hazing. This is rarely true.
In our current case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity
- They had full power to inspect and regulate the property
When universities own the property where hazing occurs, they can’t claim ignorance.
The Revolving Door of Greek Life
When a fraternity or sorority is caught hazing, they often:
- “Suspend” the chapter
- Wait a few years
- Reopen under the same name
In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement says:
“We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”
They’re already planning their comeback while our client recovers from kidney failure.
This is why punitive damages are necessary – to send a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated.
The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Fight for Rowan County Families
1. Immediate Response
When you call us, we act immediately to:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Document injuries before they heal
- Protect your legal rights from the start
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We leave no stone unturned:
- Interview all witnesses
- Obtain all communications (texts, social media, emails)
- Document all injuries and medical treatment
- Research the organization’s hazing history
- Identify all responsible parties
3. Aggressive Legal Strategy
Our approach includes:
- Suing every responsible party – individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Pursuing punitive damages for egregious conduct
- Using pattern evidence to show systemic negligence
- Pressuring institutions through media and public opinion
4. Trial-Ready Preparation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. This gives us leverage to negotiate the maximum possible settlement for Rowan County families.
5. Compassionate Client Care
We understand the emotional toll of hazing. We provide:
- Regular case updates
- Emotional support throughout the process
- Protection from retaliation
- Guidance on academic and medical issues
Rowan County Hazing: The Warning Signs
What to Watch For
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Watch for these warning signs:
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about activities
- Avoiding questions about the organization
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns
- Unexplained injuries or pain
Physical Signs:
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Extreme fatigue
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness)
- Dark-colored urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
Organizational Red Flags:
- Being told to keep activities secret
- Being required to perform personal tasks for members
- Being forced to attend late-night or early-morning activities
- Being pressured to consume alcohol or food
- Being subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment
What to Do If You Suspect Hazing
- Talk to your child – Ask open-ended questions about their activities
- Document everything – Keep records of any concerning behavior
- Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, it probably is
- Contact us immediately – We can help assess the situation
The Message to Rowan County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating at colleges near Rowan County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta – if your chapter is operating near Rowan County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national organization with chapters near Rowan County should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
To Greek life leadership at Rowan County institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
Rowan County Parents: Your Child Deserves Better
You sent your child to college to learn, to grow, and to be safe. You trusted the university to protect them. You trusted the fraternity or sorority to provide positive experiences.
That trust was betrayed.
Your child was abused. Humiliated. Hospitalized. Or worse.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage.
But we also understand the path to justice.
We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against a fraternity that waterboarded our client. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.
Your Rowan County family deserves the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.
Contact Attorney 911: Rowan County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
If your child has been hazed at a Rowan County college or university, contact us immediately.
Rowan County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Why Choose Us for Your Rowan County Hazing Case?
✅ We’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case – this isn’t theoretical for us
✅ Nationwide representation – we serve Rowan County families regardless of location
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how the other side thinks
✅ Aggressive, compassionate representation – we fight hard for our clients
✅ No upfront costs – you pay nothing unless we win
✅ We come to Rowan County – for depositions, meetings, and trials
What Rowan County Families Can Expect:
- Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll protect your legal rights from the start
- Aggressive legal strategy – We’ll pursue every responsible party
- Maximum compensation – We’ll fight for the full value of your case
- Compassionate support – We’ll guide you through every step of the process
Rowan County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing victims often delay reporting due to:
- Shame and embarrassment
- Fear of social retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Pressure from members to stay quiet
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.
North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Organizations destroy records.
Don’t let the people who hurt your child get away with it.
Call Attorney 911 today. We’re ready to fight for Rowan County families with the same determination we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing case.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Rowan County families: Enough is enough.
