Hazing Prevention & Legal Support for Cabarrus County Families

Protecting Students, Holding Institutions Accountable, and Ending the Hazing Crisis in North Carolina

🚨 Hazing in Cabarrus County: A Hidden Crisis

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities—it happens right here in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. From UNC Charlotte to Wingate University and local high schools, Greek organizations, sports teams, and student clubs have been known to subject students to dangerous, humiliating, and sometimes life-threatening rituals—all under the guise of “tradition” or “team bonding.”

But here’s the truth:

• Hazing is illegal in North Carolina (NC General Statutes § 14-35)
• Consent is not a defense—even if a student “agrees” to participate
• Universities and national organizations can be held legally responsible
• Victims and families have rights—and Attorney 911 is here to fight for them

If your child has been hazed in Cabarrus County, Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, or anywhere in the Charlotte metro area, we can help.

📞 Call now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🔍 What Counts as Hazing in North Carolina?

North Carolina law defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Common Hazing Practices in Cabarrus County Schools & Universities

💡 Did You Know?

• Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo)—a life-threatening condition caused by extreme muscle breakdown—has been linked to hazing at universities across the U.S., including in North Carolina.
• Alcohol poisoning is one of the leading causes of hazing-related deaths.
• PTSD from hazing can last for years, affecting a student’s academic performance, career, and mental health.

⚖️ North Carolina Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

1. Criminal Penalties (NC General Statutes § 14-35)

Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000

If hazing results in serious injury or death, charges can escalate to felony assault or manslaughter.

2. Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued?

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, victims and families can sue for damages in civil court. Potential defendants include:

💰 Potential Damages in a Hazing Lawsuit:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work or school)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless conduct)
• Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in a fatality)

🏫 Hazing at Cabarrus County Schools & Universities

1. UNC Charlotte (Near Cabarrus County)

UNC Charlotte has a large Greek life presence, with fraternities and sororities that have faced hazing allegations in the past. While the university has policies against hazing, enforcement is inconsistent—and students often fear retaliation if they report it.

What Parents Should Know:

• UNC Charlotte’s Greek organizations are governed by national organizations with histories of hazing.
• The university owns some fraternity/sorority houses, meaning they have a legal duty to ensure safety.
• If your child was hazed at UNC Charlotte, we can hold both the local chapter and the university accountable.

2. Wingate University (Union County, Near Cabarrus County)

Wingate University has active Greek life and athletic programs, both of which have been linked to hazing incidents in other states. While Wingate has a zero-tolerance hazing policy, students often stay silent due to fear of social exclusion.

What Parents Should Know:

• Wingate’s athletic teams (football, basketball, etc.) have been known to engage in hazing rituals.
• Greek organizations at Wingate are part of national fraternities/sororities with hazing histories.
• If your child was hazed at Wingate, we can pursue legal action against the individuals, the chapter, and the university.

3. Local High Schools (Cabarrus County Schools)

Hazing isn’t just a college problem—it happens in high schools too. Sports teams, clubs, and even band programs have been known to subject students to dangerous initiation rituals.

What Parents Should Know:

• High school hazing is still illegal under North Carolina law.
• School districts can be held liable if they knew or should have known about hazing.
• Victims as young as 14 or 15 have been hospitalized due to hazing.

🚨 Real Hazing Cases That Could Happen in Cabarrus County

Case 1: The Waterboarding Incident (Like What Happened at UH)

What Happened:
A Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge at the University of Houston was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during initiation. He collapsed, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, and is now suing for $10 million.

Why This Matters for Cabarrus County:

• Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UNC Charlotte and other NC schools.
• The same “traditions” that hospitalized this student exist in Cabarrus County.
• If your child was subjected to waterboarding, forced exercise, or physical abuse, we can hold the fraternity—and the university—accountable.

Case 2: The Alcohol Poisoning Death (Like Stone Foltz at BGSU)

What Happened:
Stone Foltz, a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge at Bowling Green State University, was forced to drink a full bottle of alcohol during a fraternity event. He died from alcohol poisoning, and his family won a $10.1 million settlement from the university and fraternity.

Why This Matters for Cabarrus County:

• Forced drinking is one of the most common hazing practices in North Carolina.
• If your child was pressured to drink excessively and suffered alcohol poisoning, we can sue for wrongful death or serious injury.

Case 3: The Traumatic Brain Injury (Like Timothy Piazza at Penn State)

What Happened:
Timothy Piazza, a Beta Theta Pi pledge at Penn State, was forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a hazing ritual. He fell down a flight of stairs multiple times, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and died after fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911. His family won a confidential multi-million-dollar settlement.

Why This Matters for Cabarrus County:

• Falls, head injuries, and delayed medical care are common in hazing incidents.
• If your child was injured due to hazing and medical help was delayed, we can hold the organization liable.

🛡️ What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Cabarrus County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and alcohol poisoning can have delayed symptoms.
• Medical records are critical evidence in a lawsuit.

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take photos/videos of injuries, the location where hazing occurred, and any objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.).
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts).
• Write down what happened while details are fresh.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without a Lawyer

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to cover up hazing.
• They may pressure your child to sign waivers or NDAs.
• Anything your child says can be used against them in court.

Step 4: Report the Incident (But Be Strategic)

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in North Carolina).
• Report to the university’s Title IX office (if sexual harassment was involved).
• Contact the national organization (but do not give a statement without legal counsel).

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

• We offer free, confidential consultations.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
• We’ll handle all communications with the university, fraternity, and insurance companies.

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Cabarrus County

1. “My child agreed to participate—can we still sue?”

Yes. North Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

2. “The university said they’ll handle it—should we trust them?”

No. Universities often downplay hazing to protect their reputation. They may suspend a chapter temporarily but fail to implement real change. Legal action is the only way to ensure accountability.

3. “We’re afraid of retaliation—what can we do?”

• We can protect your child’s identity during legal proceedings.
• We can file for restraining orders if threats occur.
• We can pursue criminal charges against anyone who retaliates.

4. “How much is a hazing lawsuit worth?”

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver case)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)

Factors that increase case value:
✅ Severe injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✅ Wrongful death (if hazing resulted in a fatality)
✅ Pattern of abuse (if the organization has a history of hazing)
✅ University negligence (if the school failed to intervene)

5. “How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”

• North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years.
• For wrongful death, it’s 2 years from the date of death.
• For minors, the clock may not start until they turn 18.

⚠️ Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

🏆 Why Cabarrus County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

We’re actively litigating a hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, gather evidence, and win.

2. We Know How to Sue Universities & National Organizations

• We’ve taken on major institutions (including in the BP Texas City explosion case).
• We understand Greek life culture—and how to expose its dark side.
• We have former insurance defense attorneys—we know how the other side thinks.

3. We Serve Cabarrus County Families

• We offer video consultations—you don’t have to travel to Houston.
• We’ll come to Cabarrus County for depositions, meetings, and trials.
• We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront.

4. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)

Many hazing victims in Cabarrus County come from Hispanic families. We ensure no language barriers stand in the way of justice.

5. We Get Results

• Millions recovered for personal injury victims.
• Hundreds of cases won against insurance companies.
• Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how to beat their tactics.

📞 Take Action Now: Protect Your Child’s Future

If your child was hazed in Cabarrus County, Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, or anywhere in North Carolina, time is running out.

📅 The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What You Can Do Today:

1. Call Attorney 911 for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, medical records).
3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel.
4. Report the incident to police and the university (but let us guide you).

💡 Remember:

• Hazing is illegal.
• Universities and organizations can be held accountable.
• You don’t have to fight this alone.

📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

🔥 A Message to Cabarrus County Fraternities & Universities

To the fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and universities in Cabarrus County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that won $10 million in the University of Houston case apply to you. The same national organizations that paid millions in other states operate in North Carolina.

If you haze students in Cabarrus County, we will:
✅ Sue your local chapter.
✅ Sue your national organization.
✅ Sue the university.
✅ Sue the individuals responsible.
✅ Demand punitive damages to send a message.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH? Shut down.
The individuals who hazed Stone Foltz? Convicted.
The universities that looked the other way? They paid millions.

Your chapter could be next.

🚨 Clean up your act before we clean you out in court.

📢 Spread the Word: End Hazing in Cabarrus County

Hazing thrives in secrecy. Break the silence.

• Share this page with parents, students, and educators in Cabarrus County.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of hazing.
• Report hazing when you see it.

Together, we can end the hazing crisis in North Carolina.

📞 Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911
💙 Justice for Cabarrus County hazing victims starts here.