🛡️ Hazing Victims in Hampton County, SC: Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Justice
Hampton County families: If your child was hazed at a college or university near Hampton County, South Carolina — whether at USC Salkehatchie, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, or any other institution — Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it happens in South Carolina too. The same fraternities. The same negligence. The same betrayal of trust.
Hampton County parents: Your child deserves the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to our current case.
🚨 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Hampton County
In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a young man hoping to transfer to the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. What followed was weeks of torture disguised as “tradition”:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls — forced until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
- Another pledge lost consciousness — they kept going
- Result: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure — 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
This happened in Houston. But the same fraternities operate near Hampton County. The same hazing culture exists at South Carolina universities. And the same negligence from universities and national organizations allows it to continue.
If your child was hazed at a college near Hampton County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hampton County Hazing Victim
1. Hazing Is Illegal in South Carolina
South Carolina has strict anti-hazing laws (S.C. Code § 59-101-200). Hazing is a misdemeanor, and if it causes serious injury or death, it becomes a felony.
What counts as hazing in South Carolina?
- Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
- Any activity that endangers mental or physical health
South Carolina law is clear: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
2. Who Is Liable for Hampton County Hazing?
We pursue everyone responsible — not just the individuals who did it, but the institutions that allowed it.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability |
Hampton County parents: This isn’t just about suing broke college students. We go after the deep pockets — national organizations, universities, and insurance companies.
3. You Can Sue for Damages
Hazing victims in Hampton County can recover compensation for:
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages | Punitive Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Medical bills | Physical pain & suffering | For egregious conduct |
| Future medical care | Mental anguish | To punish defendants |
| Lost wages | Emotional distress | To prevent future hazing |
| Therapy costs | PTSD | |
| Academic disruption | Loss of enjoyment of life |
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. This is not an arbitrary number — it’s based on precedent cases where hazing victims and families have won millions.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts award millions when institutions fail to protect students.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | FSU | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes | VCU | Delta Chi | $4+ million settlement |
Hampton County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win big. The same results are possible for Hampton County victims.
🏛️ Universities Near Hampton County: They Know Hazing Happens
Hampton County is served by several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives — and where hazing occurs:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina Salkehatchie | Allendale, SC (near Hampton) | Active fraternities & sororities | High |
| Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC | Strong Greek life | High |
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC | Major Greek presence | High |
| College of Charleston | Charleston, SC | Historic Greek system | High |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | Large Greek community | High |
These universities know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. When they don’t, they share liability.
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down — but they didn’t.
Hampton County universities have the same power — and the same liability when they fail to act.
📋 What Hampton County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records are critical evidence.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, items used
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails
- Get witness names and contact info
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what was said
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
They will try to control the narrative. They will ask you to sign documents. They will pressure you to stay quiet.
Do not give statements to university administrators or Greek life leaders without legal counsel.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
Anything you post can be used against you. Do not discuss the incident online. Do not delete old posts — that’s destruction of evidence.
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
We offer free, confidential consultations for Hampton County hazing victims.
Call us 24/7: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We work on contingency — you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
🎯 Why Hampton County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Currently Fighting This Battle
We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now. Hampton County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases nationwide — including for Hampton County victims.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses
Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for cases against national fraternities.
5. We Travel to Hampton County
We will come to Hampton County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. Bilingual Representation
Se habla español. We serve Hampton County’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
7. Proven Results
We have recovered millions for personal injury victims, including:
- $10+ million in trucking accident cases
- Millions in wrongful death claims
- Hundreds of successful cases against insurance companies
🗣️ What Hampton County Victims Are Saying
“After my son was hazed, we didn’t know where to turn. Attorney 911 treated us like family. They fought for us every step of the way and got us the justice we deserved.” — Parent of a hazing victim
“I was scared to speak up. Attorney 911 gave me the courage to stand up to the fraternity. They made sure I was protected and got me the compensation I needed for my medical bills.” — Hazing survivor
“The university tried to silence us. Attorney 911 wouldn’t let them. They took our case all the way and won. If you’ve been hazed, call them.” — Family of a hazing victim
🔥 Message to Hampton County Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Hampton County:
We are watching. 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 near Hampton County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To the universities near Hampton County:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
When you fail to act, you share liability.
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, Claflin University, South Carolina State University — we are coming for every institution that fails to protect students.
📞 Hampton County Hazing Victims: Call Now
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Hampton County, South Carolina, you have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold them accountable.
Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We work on contingency — you pay $0 unless we win.
We will travel to Hampton County. We will fight for you. We will get justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Hampton County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Can we still get help?
Yes. We can help preserve evidence, guide you through reporting, and protect your child’s rights — even if you’re not ready to file a lawsuit. The most important thing is to document everything now.
2. How long do we have to file a lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
3. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
No. South Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
4. My child was hazed at a college outside Hampton County. Can you still help?
Yes. While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide through our federal court authority. We’ve handled cases in multiple states and will travel to Hampton County for your case.
5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
$0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
6. What if the hazing happened a while ago?
Contact us immediately. Even if the hazing occurred months or years ago, we can evaluate your case. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
7. Will the fraternity/sorority retaliate against my child?
We take retaliation very seriously. If the organization or its members intimidate or retaliate against your child, that can increase their liability and support punitive damages. We will protect your child.
8. Can we sue the university even if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm — even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable.
9. What if my child was drinking during the hazing?
Forced consumption of alcohol is hazing — even if your child was also drinking voluntarily. The fraternity/sorority is responsible for creating the dangerous environment.
10. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others take years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
🏆 Our Commitment to Hampton County Hazing Victims
At Attorney 911, we don’t just see your child as a case number. We see them as a person — someone who trusted an institution and was betrayed.
We are committed to:
- Fighting aggressively for Hampton County families
- Holding every responsible party accountable — from the individual members to the national organizations
- Securing maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Preventing future hazing by sending a message that this behavior will not be tolerated
Hazing is not tradition. It is not bonding. It is abuse. And it must stop.
📞 Hampton County Families: Call Now for Justice
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Hampton County, South Carolina, you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
Call 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We work on contingency — you pay $0 unless we win.
We will travel to Hampton County. We will fight for your family. We will get justice.
Hampton County hazing victims: The same fraternities. The same negligence. The same fight. We’re ready. 🔥
