🚨 Edgefield County Hazing Victims: You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Edgefield County, you have legal rights — and we’re fighting this battle right now.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Edgefield County. The same negligence exists at Edgefield County institutions. And we will fight for Edgefield County families with the same fierce determination.
You’re not alone. Edgefield County hazing victims deserve justice.
📞 Edgefield County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Edgefield County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
⚠️ This Is Happening Near Edgefield County — And It Could Happen to Your Child
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. And it’s happening at colleges and universities across South Carolina — including near Edgefield County.
The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have active chapters at institutions near Edgefield County, including:
- University of South Carolina Aiken (just 30 minutes from Edgefield County)
- Augusta University (across the state line in Georgia, but serving many Edgefield County students)
- Lander University (less than an hour away)
- USC Columbia (major university with extensive Greek life)
- Clemson University (another major Greek life hub)
These same organizations that waterboarded our client, forced him to exercise until he collapsed, and sent him to the hospital with kidney failure operate right here in South Carolina. If it can happen at the University of Houston, it can — and does — happen near Edgefield County.
🔥 We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And Winning
Our Current $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: The Facts
Victim: Leonel Bermudez — a young man who accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston
What Happened:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue running in his own vomit
- Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during hazing — they kept going
- Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
- Not even a UH student yet — they hazed a “ghost rush” who wasn’t even enrolled
Who We’re Suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National Organization — knew about “a hazing crisis” and did nothing
- Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter — directly organized and conducted the hazing
- University of Houston — owned the fraternity house where the torture occurred
- Individual fraternity members — including the president, pledgemaster, and others who participated
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Media Coverage:
Pi Kappa Phi’s Own Admission:
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.”
They admitted violations. They knew what was happening. And they did nothing to stop it until it was too late.
🏛️ Hazing Is Happening at Edgefield County-Area Colleges — And Institutions Are Failing Our Children
Edgefield County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They trust fraternities and sororities to uphold basic standards of decency.
That trust is being betrayed.
The Reality of Hazing Near Edgefield County:
✅ National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have active chapters at universities near Edgefield County — and they engage in the same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client.
✅ Universities near Edgefield County have the same power — and the same failure — as University of Houston. They own fraternity houses. They regulate Greek life. They choose reputation over safety.
✅ Hazing deaths and hospitalizations happen every year in America — including in South Carolina. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death per year in the United States.
✅ 95% of hazing victims don’t report it — out of fear, shame, or loyalty to the organization. That means for every case we hear about, there are dozens more suffering in silence.
✅ Edgefield County students are at risk — whether at USC Aiken, Augusta University, Lander, Clemson, or USC Columbia. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Edgefield County, they face the same risks that sent our client to the hospital.
💔 What Hazing Does to Edgefield County Families
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It destroys lives.
Physical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — can cause kidney failure and death
- Alcohol poisoning — can be fatal; BAC levels 5-6x legal limit are common in hazing
- Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
- Broken bones — from physical abuse
- Burns — from branding or hot objects
- Hypothermia or heat stroke — from forced exposure
- Sexual assault injuries — from sexual hazing rituals
Psychological Trauma:
- PTSD — from waterboarding, torture, or extreme humiliation
- Anxiety and depression — lasting for years
- Suicidal ideation — hazing victims are at higher risk
- Trust issues — difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline — inability to focus, dropping out
- Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope
Financial Devastation:
- Medical bills — emergency room, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Future earning potential — if injuries cause permanent limitations
- Educational disruption — delayed graduation, lost scholarships
Edgefield County families shouldn’t have to bear these costs alone. The organizations that caused the harm should pay.
⚖️ Edgefield County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights — And We Know How to Enforce Them
1. You Can Sue for Hazing — Even in Edgefield County
Texas law (where our firm is based) is clear, and South Carolina law mirrors it: Hazing is illegal, and consent is not a defense.
South Carolina Anti-Hazing Statute (S.C. Code § 59-101-200):
“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:
(1) The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization.
(2) The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm, or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation.
Penalties:
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000
Civil Liability:
- Victims can sue for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students
- National organizations can be held liable for failing to supervise chapters
South Carolina law also states:
“Consent of the victim may not be a defense to any prosecution under this section.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still sue. The law recognizes that peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, and power dynamics make true consent impossible in hazing situations.
2. Who Can Be Sued in an Edgefield County Hazing Case?
We don’t just sue the individuals who directly hazed your child. We go after everyone who enabled or allowed it to happen:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or witnessed hazing and failed to stop it |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise |
| University | Owned fraternity/sorority house; failed to protect students; had power to regulate Greek life |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes or businesses |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred; failed to maintain safe premises |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
In our $10 million case, we’re suing:
- The national fraternity
- The local chapter
- The university
- The housing corporation
- Individual members
- Former members and their spouses
Edgefield County families get the same aggressive representation.
3. What Damages Can Edgefield County Victims Recover?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and precedent supports this amount.
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Edgefield County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications, future treatment | Covers all medical costs from hazing injuries |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury or recovery time | If victim missed work or internships |
| Future Earning Capacity | Reduced ability to earn money in the future | If injuries cause permanent limitations |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression | Trauma from humiliation, fear, ongoing nightmares |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | When hazing involves torture, forced consumption, or reckless disregard |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal activities | If victim can’t play sports, socialize, or enjoy college |
| Educational Damages | Tuition, fees, lost scholarships | If hazing caused academic disruption or dropout |
Precedent Cases Show Edgefield County Victims Can Win Big:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
Edgefield County families deserve the same justice.
🚨 What Edgefield County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Do not wait. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
- Go to the emergency room if your child is injured, disoriented, or showing signs of distress.
- Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Preserve everything:
✅ Text messages and group chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp)
✅ Photos and videos (from hazing activities, injuries, or the scene)
✅ Social media posts (from fraternity/sorority members bragging about hazing)
✅ Physical evidence (clothing, paddles, other items used in hazing)
✅ Witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders)
✅ Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results)
✅ Academic records (showing impact on grades or enrollment)
DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts
- Talk to fraternity/sorority members without legal counsel
- Sign anything from the organization or university
- Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Alone
- Universities and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests — not yours.
- They will try to get your child to sign documents that waive their rights.
- They will try to get statements that can be used against your child.
- Anything your child says can be used against them.
Before talking to anyone, call us: 1-888-ATTY-911
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Do not try to handle this alone. Hazing cases are complex and require specialized legal expertise.
- Do not trust university administrators. They protect the institution, not your child.
- We offer free consultations — no obligation, no upfront cost.
Edgefield County families can reach us 24/7:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
🔍 How We Help Edgefield County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Legal Protection
- Send preservation letters to fraternities, sororities, and universities demanding they save all evidence
- Ensure your child’s rights are protected from the start
- Prevent the organization from destroying or hiding evidence
2. Comprehensive Investigation
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain security camera footage
- Recover deleted text messages and social media posts
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Identify all responsible parties
3. Aggressive Litigation
- File lawsuits against all liable parties — not just individuals
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Take cases to trial if necessary — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
4. Nationwide Representation
- We serve Edgefield County families nationwide — distance is not a barrier
- Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases across state lines
- Willing to travel to Edgefield County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
5. No Upfront Cost
- We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- No hourly fees
- No retainers
- We take the risk so you don’t have to
⏳ Edgefield County Families: Time Is Running Out
Statute of Limitations in South Carolina:
- Personal injury claims: 3 years from date of injury
- Wrongful death claims: 3 years from date of death
But don’t wait.
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Organizations destroy records
- Your rights expire
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
🏆 Why Edgefield County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit — we know how to win
- We don’t just talk about hazing cases — we’re in the courtroom fighting them today
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies value claims
- We know how they try to deny or minimize them
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Federal Court Authority
- Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Can pursue Edgefield County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Experience with multi-state defendants
4. Dual-State Bar Admission
- Licensed in Texas and New York
- Strategic advantage for Edgefield County cases involving national fraternities/sororities
5. Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- 12+ years of litigation experience (Lupe Pena)
- Millions recovered for personal injury victims
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
6. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation
- We listen to Edgefield County families
- We believe your child
- We fight for what’s right
- We keep you informed every step of the way
7. We Come to You
- Edgefield County families don’t have to travel to Houston for representation
- We offer video consultations for initial meetings
- We travel to Edgefield County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- We handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies
8. We Speak Spanish
- Se habla español — our staff is bilingual
- We serve Spanish-speaking Edgefield County families without language barriers
🎯 Our Promise to Edgefield County Families
“We see your child as a person — not a paycheck. We will fight for them as if they were our own.”
At Attorney 911, we’re not just lawyers. We’re parents. We’re coaches. We’re community members. We understand what’s at stake when a child is hazed.
We’ve seen what fraternities and universities do to our kids. We’ve seen the torture, the hospitalizations, the lives destroyed. And we’ve made it our mission to hold them accountable.
If your child was hazed near Edgefield County, we will:
- Listen to your story without judgment
- Believe your child — no victim-blaming
- Investigate thoroughly — leave no stone unturned
- Fight aggressively — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
- Pursue maximum compensation — for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Protect your rights — from start to finish
📢 Edgefield County Parents: This Has to Stop
Fraternities near Edgefield County are putting your children in danger. Universities near Edgefield County are failing to protect them. And national organizations are allowing it to happen.
Enough is enough.
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Edgefield County, you have the power to stop it from happening to someone else’s child.
You have the power to send a message that says: “Not in Edgefield County. Not in South Carolina. Not anywhere.”
That message starts with a phone call.
📞 Edgefield County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Edgefield County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
You pay nothing unless we win.
🔥 To Fraternities Near Edgefield County: We Are Coming for You
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Kappa Sigma. Phi Delta Theta. Sigma Chi. Pi Kappa Alpha.
If your chapter is operating near Edgefield County, know this:
We are tracking your house corporations. We are tracking your alumni chapters. We are tracking your national insurance policies. We are tracking your documented history of hazing deaths and hospitalizations.
We know who you are. We know where you are. We know what you’ve done.
And when you haze students near Edgefield County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue everyone responsible. And we will make you pay.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ To Universities Near Edgefield County: You Own This
University of South Carolina Aiken. Augusta University. Lander University. USC Columbia. Clemson University.
You own the fraternity houses. You regulate the Greek organizations. You have the power to stop hazing.
And when you fail to protect Edgefield County students, you will be held accountable.
The University of Houston owned the house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect at any time. They chose not to act.
Edgefield County universities: You own this. And we will make you pay for your negligence.
🌐 A Message to Edgefield County: This Is a Community Issue
Hazing doesn’t just affect the victims and their families. It affects all of us.
It affects the Edgefield County community that sends its children to college expecting them to be safe.
It affects the Edgefield County economy, when students drop out or can’t work because of injuries.
It affects the reputation of Edgefield County, when our children are hospitalized or killed because of institutional negligence.
This isn’t just a legal issue. It’s a community issue. And it’s time for Edgefield County to stand up and say: “Not here. Not our children.”
📜 Edgefield County Families: Your Next Steps
- If your child was hazed, call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve all evidence — don’t delete anything
- Get medical attention — document everything
- Do not talk to the organization or university without legal counsel
- Schedule a free consultation — we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
We are Attorney 911. We are the hazing litigation experts. And we are ready to fight for Edgefield County families.
🚨 Edgefield County Hazing Victims: The Time to Act Is Now
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We don’t just talk about hazing cases. We’re fighting one right now — and we’ll fight for Edgefield County families too.
You are not alone. Justice is possible. And we will help you get it.
