Hazing Lawyers in Wake County: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Wake County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
If your son or daughter has been a victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization in Wake County, North Carolina, you are not alone. Hazing is not “tradition”—it is abuse. It is assault. It is sometimes torture. And it is illegal in North Carolina.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that has made national headlines. We know how to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. And we will bring the same aggressive legal representation to Wake County families who have suffered from hazing.
Hazing Happens at Wake County Universities—And It’s Time to Stop It
Wake County is home to major universities and colleges where Greek life thrives, including:
- North Carolina State University (NCSU) – One of the largest Greek systems in the state, with over 50 fraternities and sororities.
- Meredith College – A private women’s college with active Greek organizations.
- Wake Technical Community College – While smaller, Greek life still exists and carries risks.
- Nearby institutions like Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Campbell University also have Greek chapters that may operate near Wake County.
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, and others—have active chapters at Wake County-area universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Wake County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35), hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and jail time.
Common hazing activities in Wake County include:
✔ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, “drink until you vomit”)
✔ Extreme physical exertion (500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides”)
✔ Waterboarding or simulated drowning (yes, this happens in Wake County)
✔ Beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
✔ Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early-morning driving)
✔ Forced eating of rotten food, hot sauce, or other harmful substances
✔ Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
✔ Sexual assault or coercion (carrying sexual objects, forced nudity)
These are not “pranks.” They are crimes.
Medical Consequences of Hazing in Wake County
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – This is what happened to our client in Houston.
- Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
- Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
- Broken bones, internal bleeding, or organ damage
- Hypothermia or heatstroke (from forced exposure)
- Severe dehydration or malnutrition
- PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation
If your child has been hospitalized, treated for injuries, or is suffering from mental health issues due to hazing, they may have a multi-million-dollar legal claim.
Why Wake County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and extreme physical abuse. This isn’t theoretical—we are in the fight right now, and we know how to win.
2. We Know How Fraternities Operate
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to avoid liability. We’ve seen their playbook, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Have Experience with Rhabdomyolysis and Hazing Injuries
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—the same condition that has killed other hazing victims. We understand the medical and legal complexities of these cases.
4. We Will Travel to Wake County for Your Case
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Wake County, North Carolina. We will:
✔ Travel to Wake County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
✔ Conduct remote consultations via video call.
✔ Work with local experts to build your case.
5. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
✔ No retainer, no hourly fees
✔ We only get paid if you get paid
✔ You risk nothing—we take the financial risk
6. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)
Hazing affects students from all backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking families. Our team is bilingual, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
7. We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal litigation. This is crucial for cases involving national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Wake County?
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, or stop known abuses |
| University/College | Failed to protect students despite knowing hazing occurs; may own fraternity houses |
| Individual Members (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Personally participated in or directed hazing |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing events at their homes; premises liability |
| Housing Corporations | Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Insurance Companies | May be required to pay damages under liability policies |
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members (including the president and pledgemaster)
- Former members and their spouses (who hosted hazing at their home)
We will pursue every liable party in your Wake County case.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Wake County
🚨 IMMEDIATE STEPS (Do This NOW):
- Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions can take days to appear.
- Preserve all evidence – Save texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, photos, videos, and social media posts related to hazing.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university alone – They will try to control the narrative and may destroy evidence.
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media – Anything you post can be used against you.
- Call Attorney 911 immediately – The statute of limitations in North Carolina is 3 years for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears fast.
📞 Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation
Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
North Carolina Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
1. North Carolina Criminal Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-35)
Under North Carolina law, hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
If hazing results in serious injury or death, charges can be elevated to felony assault or manslaughter.
2. Civil Liability for Hazing in Wake County
Even if criminal charges are not filed, you can sue for civil damages, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
North Carolina has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award millions in severe cases.
3. Consent Is NOT a Defense
Some fraternities argue that victims “consented” to hazing. This is false. North Carolina law does not allow consent as a defense to hazing.
Recent Hazing Cases: What Wake County Families Can Learn
1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha) – $10.1 Million
- What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning.
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement (university + fraternity).
- Lesson: Even non-death cases can result in multi-million-dollar verdicts.
2. Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- What happened: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” ritual; died with a BAC of 0.495 (6x legal limit).
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
- Lesson: Juries hate hazing—they will punish those responsible.
3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) – $110+ Million (Estimated)
- What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law passed in Pennsylvania.
- Lesson: Universities and fraternities will pay millions when evidence is strong.
4. Our Case: Leonel Bermudez (UH, Pi Kappa Phi) – $10 Million Lawsuit
- What happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles; hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
- Why it matters for Wake County: The same fraternities operate in Wake County. The same negligence exists at Wake County universities. We will fight for Wake County families just like we’re fighting in Houston.
What Wake County Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit
| Type of Damage | What It Covers | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | $100,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation | $200,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the fraternity/university for egregious conduct | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Total Potential Recovery | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Note: North Carolina has no cap on pain and suffering damages, meaning juries can award full compensation for your child’s suffering.
Wake County Hazing Lawyers: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sue if my child was hazed but not hospitalized?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have suffered emotional distress, PTSD, or other psychological harm. We can pursue compensation for these damages.
2. What if my child “consented” to hazing?
Consent is not a defense. North Carolina law does not allow fraternities to argue that victims “agreed” to abuse. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
3. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but serious hazing injuries can result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Hospitalization or surgery
✔ Permanent injuries (kidney damage, brain injury, etc.)
✔ Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
✔ University or national organization involvement
✔ Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact us immediately.
5. Will the fraternity or university retaliate against my child?
Fraternities and universities may try to intimidate victims into silence, but retaliation is illegal. We will protect your child’s rights and ensure they are not punished for speaking out.
6. Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal anywhere—whether it happens at a fraternity house, a private residence, or even online.
7. What if my child is afraid to come forward?
Many hazing victims fear social retaliation or expulsion. We understand these concerns and will protect your child’s identity and rights throughout the legal process.
8. Do I need a lawyer who specializes in hazing cases?
Yes. Hazing cases are complex and require:
✔ Knowledge of Greek life culture
✔ Experience with university liability
✔ Understanding of rhabdomyolysis and other hazing injuries
✔ Aggressive negotiation skills against insurance companies and large institutions
We have all of this—and we’re fighting a hazing case right now.
Wake County Hazing Attorneys: Our Promise to You
1. We Will Listen Without Judgment
We know hazing victims often feel shame, fear, or loyalty to their organization. We will never judge your child. Our job is to protect them and get them justice.
2. We Will Investigate Thoroughly
We will:
✔ Gather text messages, social media, and witness statements
✔ Obtain medical records and expert testimony
✔ Subpoena university and fraternity documents
✔ Identify every liable party
3. We Will Fight for Maximum Compensation
We will pursue every possible defendant—the fraternity, the university, the national organization, and individual members. We will not settle for less than your child deserves.
4. We Will Protect Your Child’s Future
We will ensure your child is not retaliated against for speaking out. We will fight for policy changes to prevent future hazing at Wake County universities.
5. We Will Travel to Wake County for Your Case
We will come to Wake County for:
✔ Depositions
✔ Court hearings
✔ Mediation and settlement negotiations
✔ Trial, if necessary
Wake County Hazing Lawyers: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Wake County, North Carolina, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the statute of limitations will run out.
Call us now for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Wake County Universities: A Warning to Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating in Wake County:
We are watching you. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates in Wake County, know this:
- We track your national organization’s hazing history.
- We know your corporate structures.
- We have sued your chapters before.
- We will sue you again if you haze students.
To the universities in Wake County (NCSU, Meredith, Wake Tech, and others):
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now—or face the same accountability.
Enough Is Enough. Wake County, It’s Time for Justice.
Hazing has no place in Wake County. It has no place at NCSU, Meredith, Wake Tech, or any other school. It has no place in fraternities, sororities, or any student organization.
If your child has been hazed, they deserve justice. They deserve compensation for their injuries. And they deserve to know that what happened to them will never happen to another student.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Wake County families.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Wake County hazing victims: Your fight is our fight.
