Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Berkeley County, South Carolina

Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity and Sorority Hazing in Berkeley County

If your child was hazed at a Berkeley County university or college, you have legal rights — and we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure due to extreme hazing. The same fraternities and sororities operate at universities near Berkeley County, and we are committed to holding them accountable for the harm they cause to students and families in our community.

Why Berkeley County Families Trust Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are actively representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This case involves:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced consumption of food and milk until vomiting
• Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100+ pushups, wooden paddles)
• Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure requiring hospitalization

This isn’t a hypothetical case — it’s happening now, and we know how to win.

2. Nationwide Experience with Hazing Litigation

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Berkeley County. Our experience includes:

• Rhabdomyolysis injury cases (muscle breakdown from extreme exercise)
• Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
• Texas A&M University hazing cases
• Wrongful death from hazing incidents

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, previously worked for insurance defense firms and national defense firms like Litchfield Cavo LLP. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims.

We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize compensation for Berkeley County families.

4. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Cases Anywhere

Our attorneys are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and have experience in federal civil rights litigation. This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court, which is critical when dealing with national fraternities and universities.

5. Dual-State Bar Admission — Texas and New York

We are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.

6. We Will Travel to Berkeley County

We understand that distance can be a barrier, but we will travel to Berkeley County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. We also offer video consultations so Berkeley County families can get legal help without leaving home.

7. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront Costs

Hazing cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win your case
• No hidden fees or surprises

This ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent Berkeley County families from seeking justice.

The Hazing Crisis in Berkeley County: What Families Need to Know

Hazing Is Not Just “Tradition” — It’s Abuse

Fraternities and sororities often claim hazing is “tradition” or “building brotherhood.” This is false. Hazing is:

• Assault (physical abuse, forced consumption)
• Battery (striking with paddles, waterboarding)
• Reckless endangerment (forcing extreme exercise until collapse)
• Sometimes manslaughter or murder (when it results in death)

In South Carolina, hazing is a crime. Under South Carolina Code § 59-101-200, hazing is defined 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 any organization.”

Penalties for hazing in South Carolina include:

• Misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine)
• Felony charges if serious bodily injury or death occurs
• Organizational penalties (fines, loss of recognition)

Common Hazing Practices at Berkeley County Universities

Hazing takes many forms, including:

These are not “pranks” — they are dangerous, illegal, and sometimes deadly.

Berkeley County Universities and Greek Life: The Reality

Berkeley County is home to Charleston Southern University, and nearby institutions like College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Trident Technical College have active Greek life communities. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and injuries across the country operate chapters at these schools.

Fraternities Near Berkeley County with Documented Hazing Histories

These organizations have paid millions in settlements and verdicts — yet the hazing continues.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Berkeley County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
• Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Heatstroke or hypothermia (from exposure)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)

Even if your child seems “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms immediately.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs (screenshots)
• Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
• Medical records (hospital bills, doctor notes, therapy records)
• Witness names and contact information
• Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

Universities and Greek organizations will try to control the narrative and minimize liability. They may:

• Ask your child to sign a waiver or nondisclosure agreement
• Offer a low settlement to make the case “go away”
• Pressure your child to stay quiet to “protect the organization”
• Destroy evidence if they think a lawsuit is coming

Do not speak to them without an attorney present.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years, but evidence disappears quickly.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Who Is Liable in a Berkeley County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases are not just against individual students — they involve multiple defendants with deep pockets, including:

Our goal is to hold every responsible party accountable — not just the students, but the institutions that enabled the abuse.

Damages Available in Berkeley County Hazing Cases

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication)
• Future medical costs (long-term treatment, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, scholarship loss)
• Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and shame (from psychological abuse)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

Awarded in cases of egregious misconduct to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. Examples include:

• Waterboarding a student (torture)
• Forcing exercise until kidney failure (reckless endangerment)
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents (deliberate indifference)

In our current $10 million case, punitive damages are a key component due to the extreme nature of the hazing.

Recent Hazing Cases and Their Outcomes

1. Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)

• What happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event; died from alcohol poisoning.
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement ($2.9M from university, $7.2M from fraternity).
• Why it matters: Shows that universities and fraternities both pay when hazing occurs.

2. Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

• What happened: Forced to drink during a “Bible Study” hazing event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit).
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide.
• Why it matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries.

3. Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

• What happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911.
• Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions.
• Why it matters: Shows that cover-ups and delays increase liability.

4. Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025)

• What happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles; hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
• Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending (Attorney 911 representing the victim).
• Why it matters: This is the case we’re fighting right now — and we’re ready to fight for Berkeley County families too.

What Makes Our Firm Different for Berkeley County Hazing Cases

1. We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing — We’re Fighting It in Court Right Now

Most law firms claim to handle hazing cases, but we are actively litigating one. We know the defenses fraternities use, the tactics universities employ, and how to counter them effectively.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how fraternities and universities try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize compensation for our clients.

3. We Pursue Every Liable Party

Many law firms only sue the local chapter. We go after:

• The national fraternity/sorority (deep pockets)
• The university (institutional negligence)
• The housing corporation (premises liability)
• Individual members (personal accountability)

4. We Understand the Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis require specialized medical knowledge. We work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries and future complications.

5. We Protect Our Clients from Retaliation

Hazing victims often fear retribution from the fraternity or university. We provide legal protection and ensure our clients are safe from intimidation.

6. We Offer Remote Consultations for Berkeley County Families

We know Berkeley County is a distance from our Texas offices, so we offer:

• Video consultations (Zoom, FaceTime, phone)
• Secure document sharing (for medical records, evidence)
• Travel to Berkeley County for depositions and meetings

Frequently Asked Questions About Berkeley County Hazing Cases

1. My child was hazed but didn’t report it. Can we still sue?

Yes. Many hazing victims don’t report immediately due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. The statute of limitations in South Carolina is 3 years, but evidence disappears quickly, so contact us as soon as possible.

2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

No. Under South Carolina law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable for injuries.

3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

Possibly. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they should have known about hazing (e.g., prior incidents, complaints), they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

4. My child was hazed at a private residence, not the fraternity house. Can we still sue?

Yes. Hazing that occurs at private homes, off-campus locations, or even online can still result in liability for the fraternity, university, and individuals involved.

5. What if the fraternity is trying to cover up the hazing?

Fraternities often destroy evidence or pressure witnesses to stay quiet. We immediately send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction and subpoena records before they disappear.

6. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but factors that increase value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
• Prior incidents (if the fraternity/university knew about hazing before)
• Psychological harm (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Academic impact (dropped out, failed classes, lost scholarships)

Our current hazing case is valued at $10 million due to the extreme nature of the abuse and the fraternity’s history of hazing.

7. Will my child have to testify in court?

Most hazing cases settle before trial, but if the case goes to court, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and ensure they are protected from intimidation.

8. How long will the case take?

Hazing cases typically take 1-3 years, depending on:

• Severity of injuries (more severe = longer treatment = longer case)
• Number of defendants (more defendants = more complex)
• Willingness to settle (some cases settle quickly; others go to trial)

9. What if my child is an international student or undocumented?

Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to sue. We represent students from all backgrounds and ensure their privacy is protected.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the settlement/verdict

Berkeley County Hazing Victims: Your Next Steps

If your child was hazed at a Berkeley County university or college, act now:

1. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com

   • Free, confidential consultation
   • No obligation to hire us

2. Preserve all evidence

   • Save text messages, photos, videos, medical records
   • Do not delete anything

3. Do not speak to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel

   • They will try to minimize liability
   • Let us handle all communications

4. Seek medical attention if needed

   • Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms immediately
   • Medical records are critical evidence

5. Tell your story

   • You are not alone
   • Your case can prevent this from happening to another Berkeley County family

Berkeley County Hazing Victims: We Are Here to Help

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s abuse — and it must stop.

If your child was hazed at Charleston Southern University, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Trident Technical College, or any other school near Berkeley County, we can help you seek justice.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

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

We fight for Berkeley County families — and we don’t back down.

About Attorney 911

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Serving Berkeley County and nationwide

Attorney Profiles:

• Ralph Manginello – 25+ years of litigation experience; former insurance defense attorney; federal court admission
• Lupe Peña – 12+ years of litigation experience; former national defense firm attorney; bilingual (Spanish)

Why Choose Us for Berkeley County Hazing Cases?
✅ We are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their tactics
✅ Federal court authority — we can pursue cases anywhere
✅ Dual-state bar admission (Texas & New York) — strategic advantage against national fraternities
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront costs
✅ We travel to Berkeley County for depositions and trials
✅ Bilingual staff — se habla español

Berkeley County families deserve aggressive representation. We deliver.