🚨 Jasper County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity Abuse & Greek Life Negligence
Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And Jasper County families deserve justice.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting the hazing crisis head-on. Right now, we’re representing a University of Houston student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing rituals. We’re suing for $10 million—and we’re ready to fight just as hard for Jasper County families.
If your child has been hazed at a Jasper County school, college, or Greek organization, you have legal rights. And we have the experience to hold those responsible accountable—no matter where in Jasper County or the country the abuse occurred.
📞 Jasper County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation – available 24/7
⚠️ Hazing Happens in Jasper County Too
You might think hazing is something that happens at big universities far away. But the truth is, hazing happens right here in Jasper County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at schools near Jasper County. And too often, universities and colleges in our region fail to protect students from abuse.
Schools Near Jasper County Where Hazing Could Be Happening:
While we can’t comment on specific incidents without verified information, we know that hazing occurs at universities and colleges across South Carolina and the Southeast, including institutions near Jasper County such as:
- University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) – Home to multiple Greek organizations, including chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and other national fraternities with documented hazing histories.
- Clemson University (Clemson, SC) – Greek life is a major part of campus culture, and hazing incidents have been reported in the past.
- Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC) – Smaller campus with active Greek life; hazing risks exist in all Greek systems.
- College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) – One of the oldest Greek systems in the country, with hazing incidents documented over the years.
- Savannah State University (Savannah, GA) – Nearby HBCU with Greek organizations that may face hazing challenges.
- Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA) – Large Greek system with past hazing incidents.
- Technical and community colleges in the region – Hazing isn’t limited to four-year universities. Vocational schools, sports teams, and clubs can also have cultures of abuse.
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client at UH have chapters at these schools. The same negligence that allowed a Jasper County student to be hazed exists at institutions near Jasper County.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis: What Jasper County Families Need to Know
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. Under South Carolina law, hazing is a crime—and it can lead to serious civil liability.
Common Hazing Activities in Jasper County and Beyond:
Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It’s systematic abuse, often designed to break a student’s will. In our current case, we’ve documented:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning) – A form of torture used on enemy combatants, now being used on college students in Jasper County-adjacent schools.
- Forced consumption until vomiting – Drinking alcohol, eating hot dogs, peppercorns, or other substances until the victim vomits—and then being forced to continue.
- Extreme physical punishment – 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and other exercises until collapse.
- Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to exhaustion.
- Psychological torture – Carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied, stripped in cold weather, and constant humiliation.
- Beatings with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons.
- Threats of expulsion or physical harm – Coercion to keep victims silent.
This isn’t “tradition.” It’s abuse. And it’s happening to students near Jasper County.
🏥 The Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can cause life-threatening physical injuries, including:
| Injury | What It Is | What It Does | Jasper County Case Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Breakdown of muscle tissue | Releases toxic proteins into bloodstream; causes kidney failure, cardiac issues, and death | Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do 500 squats |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste | Requires hospitalization, dialysis, and can lead to permanent damage | Our client suffered kidney failure as a result of rhabdomyolysis |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Dangerously high BAC | Slows breathing, causes unconsciousness, seizures, and death | Multiple hazing deaths nationally from forced drinking |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Blows to the head | Can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes | Documented in hazing cases involving beatings or falls |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Extreme cold/heat exposure | Can cause organ failure, cardiac arrest, and death | Cases of pledges forced to stand outside in cold weather |
| Sexual Assault | Unwanted sexual contact | Causes severe psychological trauma, PTSD, and long-term emotional damage | Documented in hazing cases involving forced nudity or sexual acts |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma | Can last for years; leads to substance abuse, academic decline, and suicide | Many hazing victims never fully recover emotionally |
Hazing injuries can be permanent. Our client may face a lifetime of kidney monitoring, potential dialysis, and psychological trauma. Jasper County families should not have to bear these costs alone.
⚖️ Jasper County Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights
South Carolina Hazing Law (S.C. Code § 59-101-210)
Under South Carolina law, hazing is a crime. The law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, 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 an organization, which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.”
Penalties in South Carolina:
- Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and/or $5,000 fine for hazing that does not cause serious injury
- Felony – Up to 5 years in prison if hazing causes serious injury or death
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not excuse the hazing.
Civil Liability for Hazing in Jasper County
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can sue for financial compensation under multiple legal theories:
| Legal Theory | What It Means | Who Can Be Sued |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Defendants failed to act reasonably to prevent harm | University, national fraternity, local chapter, individual members |
| Premises Liability | Hazing occurred on dangerous property | University (if they own the fraternity house), private property owners |
| Negligent Supervision | Leaders failed to control members | National fraternity, university Greek life office, chapter officers |
| Assault & Battery | Intentional harmful contact | Individual members who participated in hazing |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Outrageous conduct causing severe distress | Members who organized or participated in psychological abuse |
| Wrongful Death | Hazing caused a student’s death | All of the above, plus potentially criminal charges |
Jasper County families can sue for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- And more
💰 Hazing Settlements & Verdicts: What Jasper County Families Can Recover
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims and families stand up for their rights. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
| Our Current Case | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10 million lawsuit pending | TBD |
Jasper County families can recover the same amounts. The same legal strategies that won millions in these cases apply to Jasper County victims.
🎯 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Jasper County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can—and should—be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi National | Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about “hazing crisis”; Andrew Coffey died at their chapter in 2017 |
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing activities |
| University of Houston | Owned the fraternity house; had prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it |
| Chapter Officers | Directed and participated in hazing; failed to stop abuse |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Former Members | Hosted hazing at their residence |
| Spouse of Former Member | Allowed hazing at their home; premises liability |
The same liability applies to Jasper County cases. If your child was hazed at a school near Jasper County, we will pursue every responsible party—including the university, national fraternity, local chapter, and individual members.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Jasper County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Here’s what to do:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get your child checked by a doctor.
- Document everything—medical records are critical evidence.
- If your child is showing signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, severe muscle pain, inability to move), go to the ER immediately.
2. Preserve All Evidence
- Texts, social media messages, GroupMe chats – Screenshot everything. Do not delete anything.
- Photos and videos – Document injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
- Witness information – Get names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
- Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child.
- Clothing or objects – If your child was given or forced to carry anything, preserve it.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative.
- They may ask your child to sign documents or give statements.
- They are not on your side. Their goal is to limit their liability, not help your child.
- Do not let your child talk to them without an attorney present.
4. Report the Hazing
- Police – File a report with your local law enforcement. Hazing is a crime in South Carolina.
- University – Report to the school’s Title IX office or student affairs department.
- National Organization – Report to the fraternity or sorority’s national headquarters.
5. Contact a Jasper County Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Statute of limitations: In South Carolina, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit—but waiting can hurt your case.
- Evidence disappears quickly – Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.
- Insurance companies will lowball you – They’ll offer quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your damages.
Call Attorney 911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🛡️ Why Jasper County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny or minimize your claim—and we know how to counter their tactics.
3. We Go After Every Defendant
We don’t just sue the local chapter. We go after:
- The national fraternity/sorority organization (deep pockets)
- The university (if they knew or should have known)
- The individual members (personal liability)
- The insurance companies (to maximize your recovery)
4. We Serve Jasper County Families Nationwide
While we’re based in Texas, hazing happens everywhere—and we represent victims nationwide. We can evaluate your case regardless of where the hazing occurred.
5. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
6. We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello was a hall of fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We know what’s really happening in these organizations.
7. We Protect Your Privacy
Hazing victims often fear retaliation. We keep your case confidential and protect your identity to the fullest extent possible.
📞 Jasper County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free consultation – available 24/7
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Jasper County Families
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Under South Carolina law, 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 it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not excuse illegal activity. If the activity endangered your child’s health or safety, it is hazing—and it is illegal.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside Jasper County?
A: We can still help. We represent hazing victims nationwide. If the hazing occurred at a school near Jasper County—or anywhere in the country—we can evaluate your case.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Many hazing victims fear speaking out. We protect our clients’ privacy and take steps to prevent retaliation. Your safety is our priority.
Q: How much is my case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- Whether the hazing was part of a pattern
- The egregiousness of the conduct (e.g., waterboarding, beatings)
- Whether the victim suffered long-term physical or psychological harm
Q: How long will my case take?
Hazing cases can take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on the complexity. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we won’t settle for less than your case is worth.
Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?
Even without physical injuries, hazing can cause severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These injuries are compensable in a lawsuit.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off campus?
YES. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. If the hazing was organized by the fraternity or sorority, they can be held liable.
🎥 Hazing Education: What Jasper County Families Need to Watch
We’ve created videos to help hazing victims and families understand their rights. Here are some key resources:
1. What to Do After a Hazing Incident
📺 Watch Now
Key Takeaways:
- Get medical attention immediately
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos)
- Do NOT talk to the organization without legal counsel
- Report the hazing to police and the university
2. How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth?
📺 Watch Now
Key Takeaways:
- Hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements
- Factors that increase value: severity of injuries, pattern of abuse, institutional knowledge
- Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets
3. Why Consent Is Not a Defense in Hazing Cases
📺 Watch Now
Key Takeaways:
- South Carolina law explicitly says consent is not a defense
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be liable
- Hazing is a crime regardless of consent
4. How Long Do You Have to Sue for Hazing?
📺 Watch Now
Key Takeaways:
- In South Carolina, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
- Do not wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be
📢 Jasper County Families: Stand Up Against Hazing
Hazing thrives in silence. When victims and families speak out, change happens.
How You Can Help:
- Share this page – Help other Jasper County families find legal help.
- Report hazing – If you know of hazing at a Jasper County school, report it to the police and the university.
- Support anti-hazing legislation – Contact your state legislators and urge them to strengthen hazing laws.
- Educate your children – Talk to your kids about the dangers of hazing and how to recognize it.
- Hold institutions accountable – Demand that universities and Greek organizations implement real oversight.
Together, we can end the hazing crisis in Jasper County and beyond.
🚨 Jasper County Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation – available 24/7
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com/hazing
Serving Jasper County and Beyond
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Jasper County families. If your child was hazed at a school near Jasper County—or anywhere in the country—we can help.
We fight for justice. We fight for accountability. We fight for Jasper County families.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
