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Edgecombe County (Earth/North America/United States/North Carolina/Edgecombe County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 14 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Edgecombe County: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Edgecombe County, North Carolina β€” we can help.

You trusted that Edgecombe County schools would keep your child safe. You trusted that when your child joined a Greek organization, they would be treated with dignity. You trusted that the “traditions” they talked about were harmless.

That trust was betrayed.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.

Edgecombe County families deserve the same aggressive representation we provide in Houston.

πŸŽ“ Hazing Happens in Edgecombe County Too

Edgecombe County is home to North Carolina Wesleyan University and is near East Carolina University, Nash Community College, and other institutions where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide β€” Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and others β€” have active chapters at schools near Edgecombe County.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Edgecombe County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

πŸ₯ What Hazing Does to Edgecombe County Students

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 causes real harm:

  • Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), organ damage, alcohol poisoning
  • Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Academic consequences: Missed classes, failing grades, dropped out of school
  • Financial burdens: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost scholarships
  • Death: Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States

Our client was waterboarded. Forced to do 500 squats until he couldn’t stand. Struck with wooden paddles. Forced to eat until he vomited. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure β€” all because he wanted to join a brotherhood.

This happens in Edgecombe County too.

βš–οΈ Edgecombe County Families Have Legal Rights

You may feel powerless against a national fraternity or a major university. You may worry that speaking up will hurt your child’s future. You may think “it’s just how things are.”

It doesn’t have to be.

Under North Carolina law and federal civil rights protections, Edgecombe County hazing victims can sue for:

  • Medical expenses β€” past, present, and future
  • Pain and suffering β€” physical and emotional
  • Lost wages β€” if the hazing affected your child’s ability to work
  • Educational disruption β€” tuition, scholarships, academic setbacks
  • Punitive damages β€” to punish the organization and prevent future hazing

North Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws. Consent is not a defense. If your child was injured, the organization is liable β€” even if your child “agreed” to participate.

πŸ’° Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Hazing Cases Win Big

Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers β€” they’re proof that courts and juries take hazing seriously.

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+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (major)
Our Current Case University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Pending $10 million demanded

These same results are possible for Edgecombe County victims.

πŸ” What We Know About Hazing Near Edgecombe County

North Carolina Wesleyan University (Rocky Mount, NC β€” in Edgecombe County)

  • Private liberal arts college in Rocky Mount, North Carolina
  • Active Greek life presence
  • Chapters of national fraternities and sororities
  • Potential for hazing risks β€” same national organizations operate here

East Carolina University (Greenville, NC β€” 30 miles from Edgecombe County)

  • Large public university with strong Greek system
  • Multiple fraternity and sorority chapters
  • Documented hazing incidents at ECU and other North Carolina schools
  • Same national organizations with hazing histories

Nash Community College (Rocky Mount, NC β€” in Edgecombe County)

  • Community college with student organizations
  • While Greek life may be less formal, hazing can occur in any student group

The same fraternities that have killed and hospitalized students nationwide operate at schools near Edgecombe County. The same culture of secrecy and abuse exists here.

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Edgecombe County

Many Edgecombe County parents don’t recognize hazing until it’s too late. Warning signs include:

  • Physical signs: Bruises, burns, limping, exhaustion, weight loss
  • Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, secrecy about activities
  • Academic decline: Missed classes, failing grades, dropping out
  • Sleep issues: Insomnia, exhaustion, falling asleep in class
  • Social changes: New group of friends, avoiding old friends, fear of social exclusion
  • Financial issues: Unexplained spending, requests for money for “organization expenses”
  • Injuries explained away: “I fell,” “I got hurt playing sports,” “It’s just a tradition”

If your child shows these signs, ask questions. Trust your instincts. Hazing thrives in secrecy.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Edgecombe County

Step 1: Ensure Safety

  • Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
  • Seek medical attention if needed β€” even if injuries seem minor

Step 2: Document Everything

  • Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Save communications β€” texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
  • Write down everything your child remembers β€” dates, times, locations, what happened, who was there
  • Get witness information β€” other pledges, bystanders

Step 3: Preserve Evidence

  • Do NOT delete any messages or posts
  • Do NOT confront the organization without legal counsel
  • Do NOT sign any documents from the fraternity/sorority
  • Do NOT post about the incident on social media

Step 4: Report the Hazing

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in North Carolina
  • Report to the university β€” Title IX office, student affairs, Greek life office
  • Report to the national organization β€” if it’s a Greek chapter

Step 5: Contact an Attorney

  • Call Attorney 911 immediately β€” 1-888-ATTY-911
  • Free consultation β€” we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • No upfront fees β€” we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Edgecombe County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social exclusion. This fear is real and understandable. However, hazing will continue unless someone speaks up. We can help protect your child’s identity and safety. The sooner we act, the stronger the case.

Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition” and “no one got hurt.” Is that true?

A: No. Hazing is never “just tradition.” Even if no one was hospitalized, hazing causes psychological trauma, academic problems, and long-term harm. North Carolina law defines hazing broadly β€” any activity that endangers mental or physical health qualifies. Consent is not a defense.

Q: We’re in Edgecombe County. Can you really help us from Houston?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:

  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas and New York
  • Video consultations β€” meet with us remotely
  • Travel commitment β€” we come to Edgecombe County for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within months; others take years. We move as quickly as possible while building the strongest case. The most important thing is to contact us immediately β€” evidence disappears fast.

Q: What if the fraternity threatens us?

A: They have no power over you. Fraternities use intimidation to silence victims. We know all their tactics. Once you’re our client, they can’t contact you directly β€” all communication goes through us. We protect our clients.

Q: Can we sue the university too?

A: Yes, in many cases. If the university:

  • Knew or should have known about the hazing
  • Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
  • Failed to implement reasonable safeguards
  • Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing

Universities have deep pockets and insurance policies. They should be held accountable.

πŸ›οΈ Who We Sue for Edgecombe County Hazing Victims

When hazing happens, multiple parties are responsible. We pursue all of them:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities
University Failed to protect students; premises liability
Alumni/Advisors Allowed hazing on their property
Insurance Companies Provide coverage for institutional liability

We don’t just sue broke college students. We go after the institutions with the money and power to stop hazing.

🎯 Why Edgecombe County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical β€” we’re in the fight. Edgecombe County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know how the other side thinks. We know their playbook β€” and we use it against them.

3. Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation β€” mass tort experience
  • Wrongful death cases β€” representing grieving families
  • Federal court admission β€” can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas and New York

4. We Come to Edgecombe County

We travel to Edgecombe County for:

  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Trials
  • Court appearances

We don’t make you come to us. We come to you.

5. We Speak Spanish

Many Edgecombe County families speak Spanish at home. Se habla espaΓ±ol. Lupe Pena is fluent in Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking clients directly.

6. We Treat You Like Family

We understand the trauma you’re going through. We listen. We care. We fight for you like we would for our own family.

πŸ“ž Edgecombe County Families: Call Now β€” Free Consultation

If your child has been hazed in Edgecombe County, North Carolina β€” you have rights. We can help.

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Edgecombe County hazing emergencies.

No upfront cost. No risk. No obligation. Just answers.

πŸ”₯ To Fraternities and Sororities Near Edgecombe County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β€” if your chapter operates near Edgecombe County, know this:

  • We track your house corporations
  • We know your insurance structures
  • We know your documented history of hazing
  • We know how to sue you
  • We know how to win

We already shut down the Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.

πŸ† Our Promise to Edgecombe County Families

“We will fight for your child like they are our own.

We will hold every responsible party accountable β€” the fraternity, the university, the individuals.

We will not stop until justice is served.

And we will do everything in our power to make sure this never happens to another Edgecombe County family.”**

β€” Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena
Attorney 911

πŸ“Œ Edgecombe County Hazing Resources

Report Hazing:

  • Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office: (252) 641-7911
  • Rocky Mount Police Department: (252) 972-1411
  • North Carolina Wesleyan University Security: (252) 985-5100
  • East Carolina University Police: (252) 328-6787

Support for Victims:

  • North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-800-620-0003
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Learn More About Hazing:

You are not alone. We are here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

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