🚨 Scotland County Hazing Lawyers — Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.

Scotland County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. Too often, that trust is betrayed by fraternities, sororities, and universities that prioritize tradition over safety. When hazing leads to serious injury—or worse—you need legal advocates who understand the culture, the laws, and how to hold institutions accountable.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme abuse. The same fraternities operate near Scotland County. The same negligence exists at Scotland County institutions. And we’re ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Scotland County families.

If your child has been hazed in Scotland County or at a nearby university, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911

🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Scotland County

In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized for four days with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The abuse included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
• Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing—yet they kept going

This didn’t happen in some distant state. It happened in Texas. It could happen in Scotland County.

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including near Scotland County. If they’re willing to torture students in Houston, how many other chapters are doing the same? Your child could be next.

⚠️ Hazing in Scotland County: What Families Need to Know

1. Hazing Is Illegal in North Carolina

Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-35, hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines. If hazing causes serious injury or death, penalties increase significantly.

But criminal charges aren’t enough. Even if prosecutors pursue charges, criminal cases don’t compensate victims for medical bills, trauma, or lost opportunities. That’s where civil lawsuits come in.

2. Universities Near Scotland County Have Hazing Problems

Scotland County is home to St. Andrews University, and nearby institutions like UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and Methodist University all have active Greek life. Many of these universities have faced hazing allegations in recent years:

• UNC Pembroke has had multiple hazing investigations involving fraternities and sports teams.
• Fayetteville State University suspended a fraternity in 2022 for hazing violations.
• Methodist University has faced Title IX complaints related to Greek life conduct.

These institutions have a duty to protect students. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

3. Fraternities Near Scotland County Have Dangerous Histories

The same national fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases operate near Scotland County:

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Scotland County, they face the same risks as students in Houston, LSU, or Penn State.

🏥 The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s life-threatening abuse. Some of the most common—and deadly—hazing injuries include:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Like Our UH Client)

• What it is: Muscle tissue breaks down, releasing proteins that damage the kidneys.
• Causes: Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, forced runs).
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, inability to move.
• Outcome: Kidney failure, permanent damage, or death.

This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez. He was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme exercises.

2. Alcohol Poisoning

• What it is: Forced binge drinking leading to dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
• Causes: “Drink until you puke” challenges, forced consumption of large amounts of alcohol.
• Symptoms: Vomiting, unconsciousness, slow/irregular breathing, blue-tinged skin.
• Outcome: Coma, brain damage, or death.

Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) died from alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• What it is: Severe head trauma from beatings, falls, or being struck with objects.
• Causes: Paddling, “the gauntlet” (running through a line of beatings), being thrown into walls.
• Symptoms: Headaches, confusion, memory loss, seizures, loss of consciousness.
• Outcome: Permanent cognitive impairment, disability, or death.

Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) died after falling down stairs multiple times during hazing. Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.

4. Heat Stroke / Hypothermia

• What it is: Extreme body temperature changes from forced exposure.
• Causes: Running in hot weather, being forced to strip in cold weather, prolonged outdoor activities.
• Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness.
• Outcome: Organ failure, brain damage, or death.

5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)

• What it is: Long-term mental health damage from abuse.
• Causes: Waterboarding, humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation.
• Symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of social situations, suicidal thoughts.
• Outcome: Years of therapy, inability to function in school/work, suicide.

Our UH client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real—and it’s a sign of the psychological damage hazing causes.

⚖️ Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Scotland County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved can be sued—not just the individuals who participated. In our UH case, we’re pursuing:

If your child was hazed in Scotland County or at a nearby university, we can sue all responsible parties—no matter where they are.

💰 What Scotland County Hazing Victims Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational losses (tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause long-term disability)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)
• Deterrence for other organizations (to prevent future hazing)

In our UH case, we’re seeking $10 million—an amount in line with recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Scotland County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis or concussions) don’t show symptoms right away.

Signs your child may be injured:

• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Dark/brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Vomiting or nausea
• Confusion, memory loss, or headaches
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD

2. Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots + originals)
• Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
• Witness contact information (other pledges, friends, bystanders)
• Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone

• Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative. They may offer money in exchange for silence.
• Universities will protect their reputation. They may pressure you to accept a low settlement.
• Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. They are not on your side.

Before speaking to anyone, call us: 1-888-ATTY-911

4. Report the Incident

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in North Carolina)
• Report to the university (Title IX office, student conduct)
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

We can help you navigate these reports while protecting your legal rights.

5. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (usually 2 years in North Carolina). Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget details. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911

🎯 Why Scotland County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making headlines. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to work for insurance companies. We know their tactics, and we know how to counter them. We’ve seen their playbook—and now we use it against them.

3. Nationwide Reach for Scotland County Victims

We’re based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Scotland County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

4. No Upfront Costs for Scotland County Families

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

5. We Travel to Scotland County

For depositions, trials, and client meetings, we come to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Representation (Se Habla Español)

If your family speaks Spanish, we can communicate in your preferred language. No language barriers to justice.

7. Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases

• $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
• Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies

📞 Scotland County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Scotland County or at a nearby university, you don’t have to fight this alone. We’re here to help.

Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations
✅ No upfront costs (you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Video consultations for Scotland County families
✅ Travel to Scotland County for meetings and depositions

The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Call us now.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Scotland County Families

1. What counts as hazing in North Carolina?

North Carolina law 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, or affiliation with a group. This includes:

• Forced physical activity (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls)
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or non-food substances
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse (e.g., waterboarding, humiliation)
• Beating, paddling, or physical assault

Even if your child “consented,” it may still be hazing. Consent is not a defense under North Carolina law.

2. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing laws apply on or off campus. If hazing occurred at a private residence, a fraternity house, or any other location, you can still pursue legal action.

3. What if the fraternity/sorority is already suspended?

Suspension doesn’t absolve them of liability. In fact, it can be evidence of guilt. We can still sue the national organization, individual members, and the university for failing to prevent hazing.

4. How much is a hazing lawsuit worth in Scotland County?

Every case is different, but recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Factors that increase case value:

• Severity of injuries
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing
• Whether the national organization had a pattern of violations
• Whether the hazing involved torture (e.g., waterboarding)

5. What if my child was drinking during hazing?

Forced consumption of alcohol is still hazing. Even if your child drank voluntarily, fraternities and sororities can be liable for:

• Providing alcohol to minors
• Encouraging dangerous drinking
• Failing to seek medical help when someone is in distress

6. Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause serious injury?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a case for:

• Emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Lost academic opportunities
• Pain and suffering

7. What if the fraternity/sorority says it was “just tradition”?

“Tradition” is not a legal defense. Hazing is illegal in North Carolina, and organizations that engage in it can be held liable—regardless of how long the “tradition” has existed.

8. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Scotland County?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 2 years from the date of the incident. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

📢 A Message to Fraternities Near Scotland County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other Greek organizations operating near Scotland County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

If your Scotland County chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity:

• Your local chapter
• Your national organization
• Your housing corporation
• Your individual members
• Your alumni hosts

We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

Clean up your act—or we will clean you out in court.

🏛️ A Message to Universities Near Scotland County

To St. Andrews University, UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and all other institutions near Scotland County:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, oversee Greek life, and collect tuition from students, you are responsible for their safety.

We know you’re aware of hazing risks. We know you’ve had prior incidents. And we know you haven’t done enough.

If another student is hospitalized or killed because of hazing at your institution, we will hold you accountable.

🎓 A Message to Scotland County Parents

You sent your child to college to learn, grow, and build a future. You didn’t send them to be tortured, abused, or killed in the name of “brotherhood” or “tradition.”

If your child has been hazed, you have options. You can:

• File a police report
• Report to the university
• Pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation
• Demand institutional change

You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to accept “tradition” as an excuse.

Call us. We’re here to fight for you.

Scotland County Hazing Lawyers — 1-888-ATTY-911

Justice doesn’t have a zip code. Neither do we.