🛡️ Lancaster County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Lancaster County families — if your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization, you have legal rights. And we are fighting this fight right now.
Attorney 911 is currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure — all as part of a so-called “pledge process.”
This isn’t happening just in Houston. It’s happening at universities near Lancaster County too.
The same national fraternities operate here. The same negligent oversight exists here. The same culture of abuse is thriving here. And we will fight for Lancaster County victims with the same aggression we’re bringing to our current case.
🚨 What Is Hazing? — The Lancaster County Reality
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.”
Hazing is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it is illegal in South Carolina.
In our current case, hazing included:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until muscles broke down and kidneys failed
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then forced to continue running
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Humiliation — carrying sexual objects, stripping in cold weather
- Threats of expulsion — coercion and intimidation
This is not hazing. This is a crime.
And it’s happening at universities near Lancaster County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Lancaster County Hazing Victim
South Carolina Hazing Laws Protect You
South Carolina Code § 59-101-200 defines hazing as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.”
Key points for Lancaster County families:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law says consent doesn’t justify hazing.
- Criminal penalties apply — Hazing is a misdemeanor in South Carolina, punishable by fines and jail time.
- Civil liability exists — Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Universities can be held liable — If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
💰 Lancaster County Hazing Cases Can Win Millions
We know because we’re doing it right now.
Our Current Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Leonel Bermudez (not even a UH student yet — “ghost rush”) |
| Injuries | Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization |
| Hazing | Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating, sleep deprivation |
| Defendants | Pi Kappa Phi National, local chapter, university, individuals |
| Damages Sought | $10,000,000 |
Media Coverage:
- ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge”
- KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million”
Why This Matters to Lancaster County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Lancaster County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Lancaster County fraternities
- Universities near Lancaster County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Lancaster County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
📋 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big
Lancaster County families — these cases prove that hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million+ |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 million+ (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (same fraternity as our case) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
The message is clear: Hazing costs millions. And Lancaster County victims deserve the same justice.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Lancaster County Hazing?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lancaster County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Lancaster County fraternity/sorority chapter |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. — all have Lancaster County chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; knew or should have known | Winthrop University, York Technical College, Lancaster area schools |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Every member who was present or aware |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Lancaster County alumni who host events |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for liability | Homeowners, general liability, umbrella policies |
Lancaster County families — we sue everyone responsible. No one gets to hide.
🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Lancaster County Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries.
Physical Injuries:
| Injury | Cause | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, etc.) | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, death |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Rhabdomyolysis | Hospitalization, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Death, brain damage, coma |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse | Surgery, permanent damage |
| Internal Bleeding | Blows to abdomen | Emergency surgery, death |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure, death |
| Sexual Assault Injuries | Sexual hazing | PTSD, physical trauma |
Psychological Trauma:
| Condition | Symptoms | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety | Therapy, medication, lifelong struggle |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, hopelessness | Suicidal ideation, inability to function |
| Anxiety | Excessive worry, panic attacks | Difficulty in school/work |
| Trust Issues | Fear of authority, social withdrawal | Damaged relationships |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating | Addiction, health decline |
Lancaster County families — if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention immediately. Then call us.
📅 Timeline Considerations for Lancaster County Victims
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Legal rights expire.
South Carolina Statute of Limitations:
| Claim Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years from date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death |
| Assault/Battery | 3 years from date of assault |
Lancaster County families — DO NOT WAIT.
- Evidence gets destroyed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations intimidate victims
- Your legal rights expire
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
📋 What to Do If Your Lancaster County Child Is Hazed
Follow these steps to protect your child and your legal case:
-
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything medically
- Get copies of all records
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos/Videos: Injuries, hazing locations, objects used
- Screenshots: Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
- Physical Evidence: Clothing, paddles, other items used
- Witness Information: Names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not sign anything
- Do not post on social media about the incident
-
Report to Authorities
- Consider filing a police report
- Report to university Title IX office (if applicable)
- Report to national organization (but do not give detailed statements)
-
Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Lancaster County hazing victims
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
-
Document Everything
- Keep a journal of symptoms and emotional state
- Save all medical bills and receipts
- Track time missed from school/work
🎯 Why Lancaster County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are the Nation’s Hazing Litigation Experts — Now Serving Lancaster County
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Lancaster County Families |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven track record in complex cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Admission | We can pursue Lancaster County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for Lancaster County |
| Bilingual Staff | Se habla español — Lancaster County Spanish-speaking families welcome |
| Contingency Fee Basis | $0 upfront — we only get paid if you win |
| Willingness to Travel | We come to Lancaster County for depositions, trials, and client meetings |
| Aggressive Representation | We don’t back down from powerful institutions |
| Compassionate Advocacy | We treat Lancaster County families like family |
🏆 Our Track Record: We Win Against Powerful Defendants
We have taken on — and beaten — some of the most powerful institutions in America.
High-Profile Case Experience:
| Case | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| BP Texas City Explosion | 15 deaths, 180+ injuries | Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation |
| Ryan Mitchell Smith | High-profile criminal defense | ABC13 media coverage; case dismissed |
| Assault Family Member | Criminal defense | Charges dismissed before trial |
| Civil Rights Litigation | Federal appellate experience | Represented clients in U.S. Second Circuit |
| BP Texas City proved we can handle complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants — exactly the skills needed for Lancaster County hazing cases against universities and national fraternities. |
🗣️ What Lancaster County Clients Say About Us
Google My Business Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“You are NOT just some client that’s caught in the middle of many other cases. You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” — Chad Harris
“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” — Kiwi Potato
“I just want to say thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions and concerns throughout the entire process until the end.” — Chelsea Martinez
📞 Lancaster County Hazing Victims — Call Now
If your child has been hazed at a Lancaster County university, college, fraternity, sorority, or student organization — you have legal rights. And we can help.
Contact Attorney 911 Today:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for Lancaster County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Free Consultation • $0 Upfront • We Only Get Paid If You Win
We serve Lancaster County and all of South Carolina. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🏢 Our Offices — Serving Lancaster County
Houston Headquarters (Primary Office)
Attorney 911
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
📞 (713) 528-9070
Austin Office
📞 (713) 528-9070
Beaumont Office
📞 (713) 528-9070
We come to Lancaster County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. We will fight for Lancaster County families wherever justice demands.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Lancaster County Hazing Victims
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still contact you?
A: Yes. We can advise you on your options — including reporting to authorities, Title IX complaints, and potential legal action. Your child may change their mind as they process the trauma. The most important thing is to preserve evidence now — before it disappears.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still be held liable?
A: Absolutely. South Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, it doesn’t matter. The law has decided that hazing is never justified — regardless of consent.
Q: We’re in Lancaster County. How can a Houston law firm help us?
A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue your Lancaster County case no matter where you are. We’ve handled cases in multiple states and can do the same for Lancaster County families.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a Lancaster County hazing case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never pay out of pocket. Lancaster County families pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Q: What if the hazing happened months or years ago?
A: Contact us immediately. South Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears over time, and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Q: Can we sue the university or national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: You can — and should — sue everyone responsible. In our current case, we are suing:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- Chapter officers
Lancaster County families deserve full accountability. We pursue every liable party.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take these concerns seriously. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during early stages
- File motions to prevent retaliation
- Pursue additional claims if retaliation occurs
- Work with law enforcement to ensure safety
No one should face retaliation for seeking justice.
Q: What kind of compensation can Lancaster County hazing victims receive?
Lancaster County victims may be entitled to:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or school |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct |
| Educational Damages | Tuition reimbursement, academic disruption |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing resulted in death |
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. Lancaster County victims deserve the same level of compensation.
Q: How long does a Lancaster County hazing lawsuit take?
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take:
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Investigation | 1-3 months |
| Medical Treatment | 2-12+ months (until Maximum Medical Improvement) |
| Negotiation | 3-6 months |
| Litigation (if needed) | 1-2 years |
| Trial (if needed) | Days to weeks |
Our current Pi Kappa Phi case was filed within weeks of the incident. Early action leads to stronger cases.
🔥 Lancaster County Fraternities and Universities — A Warning
To every fraternity and sorority operating near Lancaster County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your Lancaster County chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Lancaster County, know this:
- We track your house corporations
- We know your national organization’s hazing death record
- We know how much your insurance policies cover
- We know how to sue you
And when you haze Lancaster County students, we will pursue every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
Your Lancaster County chapter could be next.
🏛️ Universities Near Lancaster County — You Are On Notice
Winthrop University, York Technical College, and all Lancaster County educational institutions:
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents at their campus. They failed to protect students.
You face the same liability.
If hazing happens at your institution:
- We will sue you for premises liability
- We will sue you for negligent supervision
- We will sue you for failing to protect students
- We will demand millions in damages
The University of Houston called the hazing “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of community standards.”
Will you wait until a Lancaster County student is hospitalized — or worse — before you act?
🚨 Lancaster County Parents — Protect Your Children Now
Hazing isn’t a rite of passage. It’s a crime. And it’s happening at Lancaster County universities.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Lancaster County:
- Talk to them about hazing — make sure they know it’s not okay
- Encourage them to report any suspicious activities
- Tell them to document everything — photos, texts, videos
- Let them know they can come to you — no matter what
- Contact us immediately if hazing occurs
Your child should never have to choose between their safety and their future. We’re here to protect both.
📞 Lancaster County Hazing Victims — Call Attorney 911 Today
1-888-ATTY-911 • ralph@atty911.com • attorney911.com
Free Consultation • $0 Upfront • We Only Get Paid If You Win
We serve Lancaster County and all of South Carolina. Justice has no distance limit.
🛡️ Lancaster County — We Are Your Legal Emergency Response Team
When a legal emergency hits — whether it’s on a Lancaster County campus or a fraternity house anywhere in America — we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.
For Lancaster County hazing victims, our team:
- Builds cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
- Preserves evidence immediately — texts, photos, medical records, witness statements
- Negotiates from strength — we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
- Travels to Lancaster County — for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Provides remote consultations — Lancaster County families can video chat with our attorneys
If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Lancaster County hazing victims, we take it to court.
🎓 Lancaster County Students — You Deserve Better
You came to college to learn, to grow, to make friends. You didn’t come to be tortured.
Hazing isn’t about brotherhood. It’s about power. It’s about control. It’s about fear.
You have the right to say no. You have the right to walk away. You have the right to report it.
And if you’ve already been hazed — you have the right to justice.
We’re here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
🏆 Lancaster County — Together, We Can End Hazing
This isn’t just about one case. It’s about changing a culture.
Every time a hazing victim comes forward:
- Another student is protected
- Another fraternity thinks twice
- Another university enforces policies
- Another family is spared the pain
Lancaster County — your case can save lives.
Call us. Let’s make it stop.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 • ralph@atty911.com • attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Lancaster County Hazing Victims with Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
