🛡️ Attorney 911: Sumter County’s Leading Hazing Injury Lawyers – Fighting for Student Safety and Justice
🚨 Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We
Sumter County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But every year, students across South Carolina and the nation are subjected to dangerous, sometimes life-threatening hazing rituals under the guise of “tradition.” When universities and Greek organizations fail to protect students, Attorney 911 steps in to hold them accountable.
While we’re headquartered in Houston, Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide – including students in and around Sumter County. If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing at a college or university near Sumter County, we will fight for you.
🏢 Who We Are: Sumter County’s Trusted Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Sumter County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
We are a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with over 25 years of courtroom experience. While we’re based in Texas, our reach extends nationwide – including to Sumter County families affected by hazing.
Why Sumter County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
| Our Advantage | Why It Matters for Sumter County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | We’ve handled hundreds of complex cases – including hazing litigation |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants and insurers think – and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases nationwide, including Sumter County victims |
| Dual-State Bar Admission (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage for cases involving national Greek organizations |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Sumter County’s Hispanic families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10M hazing lawsuit – same strategies available for Sumter County |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront – we only get paid if you win |
“We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now. Sumter County families get the same aggressive representation.” – Ralph Manginello
🎓 The Hazing Crisis in Sumter County and Beyond
Hazing Happens at Colleges Near Sumter County
Sumter County is home to Morris College, a historically Black liberal arts college with active Greek organizations. Nearby universities with Greek life chapters include:
- University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) – 40 miles from Sumter County
- Francis Marion University (Florence, SC) – 50 miles from Sumter County
- Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) – 60 miles from Sumter County
- South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC) – 60 miles from Sumter County
These institutions – and the national fraternities and sororities operating on their campuses – have the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas.
The Reality of Hazing in Sumter County’s Backyard
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s assault, battery, and sometimes manslaughter. The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths operate chapters near Sumter County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Chapters Near Sumter County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017 – death), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025 – kidney failure) | USC, Clemson, Wofford |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021 – death), $10.1M settlement | USC, Clemson, Furman |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, $6M+ settlements | USC, Clemson, College of Charleston |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017 – death), $6.1M verdict | USC, Clemson, Furman |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017 – death), $110M+ settlement | USC, Wofford |
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Sumter County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why This Matters for Sumter County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10M Hazing Lawsuit (2025)
This case happened in Houston. But the same hazing happens at universities near Sumter County.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over several weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to run sprints
- Hog-tied on a table for over an hour (another pledge)
On November 3, 2025, after being forced to exercise past exhaustion, Bermudez collapsed at home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent 3 nights and 4 days hospitalized.
The Response:
- Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter (before the lawsuit was even filed)
- The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing”
- $10M lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” – Ralph Manginello
Why This Case Matters for Sumter County Families
-
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Sumter County
- Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others have chapters at universities near Sumter County.
- If they haze in Houston, they haze in South Carolina.
-
Universities Near Sumter County Are Just as Liable
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
- Universities near Sumter County have the same oversight responsibilities.
-
National Organizations Know – And Do Nothing
- Pi Kappa Phi had 8 years to fix their hazing culture after Andrew Coffey died in 2017.
- They did nothing – and now another student was hospitalized.
-
$10M Is the Price for Torturing Our Kids
- This isn’t just compensation – it’s a message.
- Sumter County families can send the same message.
-
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- The lawsuit was filed November 21, 2025.
- We know how to win these cases – and we’ll fight for Sumter County victims the same way.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Sumter County Families: These Results Are Possible for You
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Relevance to Sumter County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1M settlement | Same fraternity has chapters near Sumter County |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1M jury verdict | Juries award millions for hazing deaths |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) | Beta Theta Pi | $110M+ settlement | Strong evidence = massive payouts |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement | Same fraternity as our current case |
| Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi (UH, 2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit pending | We’re fighting this right now |
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena
⚖️ Legal Rights for Sumter County Hazing Victims
South Carolina Hazing Laws
South Carolina has strict anti-hazing laws that apply to all colleges and universities – including those near Sumter County:
S.C. Code § 59-101-200 – Hazing Defined
Hazing includes any activity that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health of a student
- Is required for pledging, initiation, or membership
- Involves physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation
Criminal Penalties in South Carolina
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year in jail |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Up to $5,000 fine and/or 5 years in prison |
| Hazing causing death | Up to $10,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison |
Civil Liability for Hazing in South Carolina
Sumter County families can sue for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter.
📋 What Sumter County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Step-by-Step Action Guide
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care immediately | Document injuries; hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, or brain injuries |
| 2. Preserve Evidence | Take photos of injuries, save texts, screenshots of group chats | Evidence disappears quickly – document everything |
| 3. Do NOT Confront the Organization | Let your attorney handle communications | They will destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses |
| 4. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you | Stay silent online until your case is resolved |
| 5. Report to Authorities | File a police report; report to university Title IX office | Creates official record; may lead to criminal charges |
| 6. Contact Attorney 911 | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation | We travel to Sumter County for your case |
⚠️ Time is critical. South Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence disappears fast – act now.
🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Sumter County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Fraternity Organization | Knew about hazing risks and failed to prevent it |
| University/College | Failed to supervise Greek life; may own fraternity property |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes (premises liability) |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability |
We sue everyone responsible – because hazing is a systemic failure, not just an individual one.
💔 Common Hazing Injuries in Sumter County Cases
Hazing isn’t harmless. It causes serious, sometimes permanent injuries:
| Injury | Cause | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls) | Kidney failure, permanent damage, dialysis |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Coma, brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beating, falls, paddling | Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse | Chronic pain, disability |
| Internal Bleeding | Punching, kicking | Emergency surgery, organ damage |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological torture | Long-term therapy, medication, disability |
| Sexual Assault | Forced nudity, sexual acts | Trauma, STIs, pregnancy |
| Death | Extreme hazing | Wrongful death claims |
Our client in Houston suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise. This could happen to your child at a university near Sumter County.
📞 Sumter County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Today
Free Consultation – $0 Upfront – We Only Get Paid If You Win
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
We serve Sumter County hazing victims nationwide. Distance is not a barrier – we travel to you.
Why Act Now?
✅ Evidence disappears – Texts get deleted, witnesses forget
✅ Statute of limitations – 3 years in South Carolina
✅ Universities cover up – They protect themselves, not your child
✅ We’re fighting this battle right now – Same strategies available for Sumter County
“The fraternities, the universities, the national organizations – they all hope you’ll stay silent. Don’t let them win. Call us.” – Ralph Manginello
🔥 Our Promise to Sumter County Families
- We will listen – No judgment, no pressure.
- We will investigate – We gather every piece of evidence.
- We will fight – We sue everyone responsible, not just the students.
- We will win – We have a track record of multi-million dollar results.
- We will protect – We shield your child from retaliation and intimidation.
“Sumter County families deserve justice. We won’t stop until we get it.” – Lupe Pena
📍 Serving Sumter County and All of South Carolina
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including students at:
- University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC)
- Francis Marion University (Florence, SC)
- Morris College (Sumter, SC)
- Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC)
- South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC)
- And all other colleges and universities near Sumter County
We come to Sumter County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Your location doesn’t limit our fight for justice.
🚀 Next Steps for Sumter County Families
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
- We evaluate your case – No obligation, no pressure.
- We build your claim – Gathering evidence, identifying defendants.
- We negotiate or litigate – Fighting for maximum compensation.
- You get justice – Holding the responsible parties accountable.
“You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is broken, we make it right.”
🏆 Attorney 911 – Sumter County’s Hazing Injury Lawyers
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com/hazing
We don’t just fight for compensation – we fight to change the culture of hazing.
Sumter County families: Your child deserves justice. Call us today.
