🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Greenville County: Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

When “tradition” becomes torture, Attorney 911 fights back.

Greenville County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume fraternities and sororities will uphold basic standards of human dignity.

Too often, that trust is betrayed.

If your child has been hazed in Greenville County—whether at a major university, a smaller college, or even during recruitment before enrollment—you have legal rights. You are not alone. Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we’re ready to bring that same fight to Greenville County.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Greenville County

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “boys being boys” or “building character.” In the most extreme cases, it’s torture. In many cases, it’s a crime.

What’s happening to students in Greenville County right now:

• Physical abuse: Forced exercise until collapse, beatings with paddles, branding
• Waterboarding: Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming dangerous substances
• Psychological torture: Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of expulsion
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Medical emergencies: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injuries

This isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening right here in Greenville County.

The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters in Greenville County have paid millions of dollars in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—these organizations have chapters near Greenville County, and they have documented histories of hazing that has hospitalized and killed students.

🔥 Our Current Case: The $10 Million Fight That Proves Greenville County Families Can Win

Right now, our attorneys are representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston.

What happened to Leonel in Houston could happen to your child in Greenville County.

The Hazing Timeline:

• September 2025: Leonel accepts bid to join Pi Kappa Phi
• Weeks of abuse: Waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, 500 squats, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• October 15, 2025: A pledge loses consciousness during forced workout
• November 3, 2025: Leonel forced to perform extreme exercise until he collapses
• November 6, 2025: Mother rushes him to hospital with kidney failure
• November 6-10, 2025: 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis
• November 21, 2025: $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED against Pi Kappa Phi, University of Houston, and multiple individuals

The same fraternities operate at universities near Greenville County. The same culture of abuse exists. The same negligence allows it to continue.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Greenville County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties share responsibility—and we sue them all.

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters

The students who directly organized and participated in hazing are personally liable. We name individual members as defendants.

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

These organizations have millions of dollars in assets and insurance policies. They knew about the risks of hazing—they’ve paid settlements for hazing deaths before—and they failed to prevent it.

Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement proves they knew:

“Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously.”

Yet Andrew Coffey died at a Pi Kappa Phi event in 2017, and eight years later, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. They didn’t take it seriously enough.

3. Universities and Colleges

Universities have a duty to protect students. When they own fraternity houses, when they recognize Greek organizations, when they collect fees from students—they are responsible for what happens on their campuses.

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They knew the risks and did nothing to prevent it.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Chapter presidents, pledge masters, and active members who participated in or allowed hazing can be held personally liable. In a recent case, a fraternity president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in a hazing death.

5. Alumni and Property Owners

When hazing occurs at off-campus locations, the property owners—including alumni who host events—can be sued for premises liability.

⚖️ Greenville County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

South Carolina Anti-Hazing Law

South Carolina has a strong anti-hazing statute that applies to all colleges and universities in Greenville County:

South Carolina Code § 59-101-200:

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an institution of higher learning, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization if the act:
(1) causes physical harm to the student;
(2) causes mental harm to the student;
(3) causes the student to engage in an act that results in physical harm or mental harm to the student or another person; or
(4) is intended to cause physical harm or mental harm to the student or another person.

Criminal Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Up to $500 fine and/or 1 year in jail
• Felony (if death or serious injury occurs): Up to $20,000 fine and 5 years in prison

Civil Liability:
Victims can sue for compensatory damages (medical bills, pain and suffering) and punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct).

Consent Is Not a Defense

South Carolina law is clear:

“It is not a defense to a prosecution for hazing that the student consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

When fraternities argue “he agreed to participate,” the law says consent doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “consented.”

💰 What Your Greenville County Hazing Case Could Be Worth

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The amount depends on the severity of the injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and the resources of the defendants.

Recent Hazing Case Outcomes:

What Greenville County Families Can Recover:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, future treatment, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization and deter future hazing)
• Wrongful death damages (if hazing results in death)

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The same compensation is available for Greenville County victims.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable—it can cause serious, life-threatening injuries.

Physical Injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure)
• Acute kidney failure (requires hospitalization, may cause permanent damage)
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal; BAC levels above 0.40 are life-threatening)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings, falls, or lack of oxygen)
• Broken bones (from physical abuse or forced activities)
• Internal bleeding (from physical trauma)
• Severe dehydration (from forced exercise or alcohol consumption)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure to elements)

Psychological Trauma:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Trust issues and social withdrawal
• Academic decline

These injuries can have lifelong consequences. Many hazing victims require ongoing medical treatment and therapy. Some never fully recover.

🎯 Why Greenville County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Actively Fighting This Battle Right Now

While many law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re in the courtroom fighting one right now. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is active, and we’re using the same strategies to protect Greenville County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—started their careers defending insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

3. Nationwide Reach, Greenville County Focus

We’re based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Greenville County. We offer:

• Video consultations for Greenville County families
• Willingness to travel to Greenville County for depositions and trials
• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)

4. Aggressive, Proven Litigators

• 25+ years of courtroom experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• High-profile media cases (ABC13, KHOU 11 coverage of our current lawsuit)
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience

5. We Understand Greek Life Culture

Our attorneys have firsthand experience with the pressures and dynamics of Greek life:

• Ralph Manginello was a Hall of Fame athlete and understands team culture, locker room dynamics, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
• We’ve seen how peer pressure, loyalty, and fear of exclusion keep victims silent.
• We know how to break through the “brotherhood” mentality that protects abusers.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

Greenville County families pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

• No financial risk to you
• No hourly fees
• We’re motivated to maximize your compensation
• You can afford top-tier legal representation

📋 What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Greenville County

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions—like rhabdomyolysis or concussions—may not show symptoms right away. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails)
• Document everything in writing (dates, times, what happened, who was involved)
• Get witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses)
• Do not delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal representation
• Do not give statements to university administrators without consulting an attorney
• Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
• Do not post on social media about the incident

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

We will:

• Evaluate your legal rights
• Guide you through the next steps
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers
• Begin building your case immediately

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

🔍 What We’ll Investigate in Your Greenville County Hazing Case

When you hire Attorney 911, we launch a comprehensive investigation to build the strongest possible case.

1. Pattern of Hazing at the Chapter

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• National organization’s knowledge of hazing culture
• University’s prior knowledge of hazing risks

2. University’s Role and Responsibility

• Did the university own or control the property where hazing occurred?
• Did the university have prior notice of hazing at this or other chapters?
• Did the university fail to implement adequate oversight?

3. National Organization’s Negligence

• Did the national organization know about hazing risks?
• Did they fail to enforce anti-hazing policies?
• Did they provide inadequate training or supervision?

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Who specifically organized the hazing?
• Who participated?
• Who failed to stop it?

5. Medical Evidence

• Hospital records
• Doctor’s notes
• Psychological evaluations
• Future treatment needs

6. Financial Impact

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Academic disruption
• Future earning capacity

🏛️ Universities in Greenville County with Greek Life

Greenville County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. Hazing can happen at any of these institutions.

Major Universities Near Greenville County:

• Furman University (Greenville, SC) – Active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities
• Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC) – Smaller Greek presence but still active
• North Greenville University (Tigerville, SC) – Growing Greek system
• Anderson University (Anderson, SC) – Approximately 30 minutes from Greenville
• Clemson University (Clemson, SC) – Approximately 45 minutes from Greenville; major Greek system with documented hazing history
• University of South Carolina Upstate (Spartanburg, SC) – Approximately 50 minutes from Greenville

National Fraternities with Chapters Near Greenville County:

• Pi Kappa Phi – Chapters at Clemson, USC Upstate
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chapters at Clemson, USC Upstate
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Chapters at Clemson, USC Upstate
• Phi Delta Theta – Chapters at Clemson
• Beta Theta Pi – Chapters at Clemson
• Kappa Sigma – Chapters at Clemson, USC Upstate
• Sigma Chi – Chapters at Clemson
• Delta Chi – Chapters at Clemson

These are the same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If your child is pledging one of these fraternities—or any Greek organization—in Greenville County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Hazing in Greenville County

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Know the warning signs:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Changes in eating habits

Physical Signs:

• Bruises, cuts, or burns
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Weight loss or dehydration
• Signs of extreme physical exertion (muscle pain, dark urine)

Organizational Red Flags:

• Required late-night activities
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
• Physical challenges or “tests”
• Humiliating tasks or rituals
• Sleep deprivation
• Isolation from non-members
• Threats of expulsion for not complying

If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Contact us immediately.

📢 Message to Greenville County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Greenville County:

We see you. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations’ hazing records. We know your insurance policies.

The same legal strategies that secured multi-million dollar verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

If you haze students in Greenville County, we will:

• Sue your local chapter
• Sue your national organization
• Sue your housing corporation
• Sue your individual members
• Sue your alumni advisors
• Pursue every liable entity until justice is served

We are watching.

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston? Shut down after our lawsuit. The same will happen to your chapter if you don’t clean up your act.

Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

📞 Greenville County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now

If your child has been hazed in Greenville County, you have legal rights. We will fight for you.

Contact Attorney 911 Today:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If You Win

We serve Greenville County and all of South Carolina. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🎓 Why Greenville County Parents Trust Attorney 911

1. We Understand What’s at Stake

We know that when you send your child to college in Greenville County, you’re trusting the university to keep them safe. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating—not just for your child, but for your entire family.

2. We’ve Been in the Courtroom for 25+ Years

Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998. We don’t just file lawsuits—we win them.

3. We Know How to Fight Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers. You need a team that can go toe-to-toe with them. We’ve taken on major corporations, insurance companies, and institutions—and we’ve won.

4. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid trial. We’re not afraid to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get justice. We have a track record of winning at trial.

5. We Care About More Than Just Money

Yes, we fight for compensation—but we also fight for accountability. We want to make sure what happened to your child never happens to another Greenville County family.

6. We’re Parents Too

Ralph Manginello is the father of three children. Lupe Pena is a family man. We know what it’s like to worry about your child’s safety. We treat our clients like family because we understand what you’re going through.

🔥 The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims in Greenville County have a limited time to take legal action.

Statute of Limitations in South Carolina:

• Personal Injury: 3 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death

But don’t wait until the deadline is near. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Greenville County

Q: My child “consented” to participate in hazing. Can we still sue?

A: YES. South Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activities meet the legal definition of hazing—causing physical or mental harm, or creating unreasonable risk—they are illegal regardless of “tradition.”

Q: My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue the university?

A: POSSIBLY. Even if hazing occurs off-campus, the university may still be liable if:

• They recognized the organization
• They had prior knowledge of hazing risks
• They failed to implement adequate oversight
• The hazing was part of official organizational activities

Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can we protect them?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can:

• File protective orders if necessary
• Handle all communications with the organization
• Keep your child’s identity confidential when possible
• Work with university officials to ensure safety

Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. What are our options?

A: You pay $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainer
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict

Q: My child attends a small college in Greenville County. Do you handle cases at smaller schools?

A: YES. Hazing happens at all types of schools—large universities, small colleges, and even high schools. We represent victims regardless of the size of the institution.

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t suffer physical injuries. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Psychological trauma—such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression—is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage even without physical injuries.

Q: The fraternity has already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?

A: NO. Suspending or closing a chapter is damage control—not justice. It doesn’t compensate your child for their injuries. It doesn’t hold the individuals accountable. And it doesn’t prevent the national organization from reopening the chapter later.

Justice requires accountability, compensation, and systemic change.

🏆 Our Commitment to Greenville County Families

When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting a law firm—you’re getting a team of advocates who will fight tirelessly for your family.

Our Promise to You:

1. We will listen to your story with compassion and respect.
2. We will investigate thoroughly to uncover all liable parties.
3. We will preserve every piece of evidence before it disappears.
4. We will communicate with you regularly and honestly.
5. We will fight aggressively to maximize your compensation.
6. We will protect your child from retaliation and intimidation.
7. We will pursue every legal avenue to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Greenville County families deserve justice. We won’t stop until we get it.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If your child has been hazed in Greenville County, you have legal rights. We are ready to fight for you.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • Serving Greenville County and All of South Carolina