π¨ Hazing Victims in Greene County, NC: Your Rights and How We Can Help
Greene County Parents and Students: This Is Happening Near You
Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities in other states. It’s happening right here in North Carolina. The same fraternities with chapters at East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and other schools near Greene County have the same dangerous cultures that hospitalized our client in Houston. If your child has been hazed at a college near Greene County, they deserve justice β and we can help.
This Happened in Houston. It Could Happen in Greene County.
We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after our client was hospitalized with kidney failure from hazing. He was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and subjected to weeks of abuse. The same fraternities operate at schools near Greene County β and they’re doing the same things.
Greene County families: If this could happen at a major Texas university, it can happen at schools near you. And if it does, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
π₯ What Hazing Really Looks Like β And What It Does to Victims
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or harmless “tradition.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. In our case, the fraternity:
- Waterboarded our client with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced him to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck him with wooden paddles
- Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him keep running
- Hog-tied another pledge with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- Another pledge lost consciousness during a workout β they kept going
The result? Our client ended up in the hospital for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. His muscles were literally breaking down.
Greene County parents: This is what hazing looks like. This is what it does to your children. And this is what we will hold fraternities accountable for.
π Which Schools Near Greene County Have These Fraternities?
Greene County is home to families who send their children to colleges across North Carolina and beyond. Many of these schools have active Greek life β and the same fraternities involved in our case.
Universities Near Greene County with Greek Life:
| University | Location | Distance from Greene County | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | ~30 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | ~120 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | ~100 miles | Greek organizations present |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | ~150 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | ~160 miles | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | ~170 miles | Greek organizations present |
Greene County families: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha β the same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide β have chapters at these schools. If your child is pledging a fraternity near Greene County, they face the same risks.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights as a Greene County Hazing Victim
1. North Carolina Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws
North Carolina General Statute Β§ 14-35 makes hazing a misdemeanor. It defines hazing as:
“Any act or conduct which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary educational institution.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, sleep deprivation)
- Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)
In North Carolina, consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
2. You Can Sue for Civil Damages
Hazing victims in Greene County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | $100,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Missed work, lost career opportunities | $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | $100,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Greene County families: You don’t have to accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse. The law is on your side.
3. Who Can Be Held Liable?
In hazing cases, multiple parties can be sued, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Organized and conducted the hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture |
| University | Failed to protect students; may own fraternity house |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed the hazing |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to oversee chapter activities |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events at their homes |
In our Houston case, we’re suing:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual members, including the president and pledgemaster
- Former members who hosted hazing at their home
Greene County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
π° What Greene County Hazing Victims Can Recover: Real Case Examples
Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 million (settlement) |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 million (jury verdict) |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110+ million (estimated settlement) |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Confidential settlement |
| Our Current Case | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Greene County families: These cases prove that hazing victims win big when they stand up. The same results are possible for you.
π¨ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Greene County
If your child has been hazed at a school near Greene County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Legal deadlines expire.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything β medical records are critical evidence
- If your child is showing signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, severe muscle pain), go to the ER immediately
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: Texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Take photos/videos: Injuries, hazing locations, items used in hazing
- Document everything: Write down what happened, when, who was involved
- Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They may pressure your child to sign documents
- They may destroy evidence
- Anything your child says can be used against them
Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Avoid posting about the incident
- Avoid posting photos that make your child look “fine”
- Avoid engaging with fraternity members online
- Insurance companies and lawyers will use social media against you
Step 5: Call Us Immediately β Free Consultation
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer free consultations for Greene County hazing victims. We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case.
ποΈ Why Greene County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases. Greene County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Have Insider Knowledge
Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think. We know their playbook. And we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. We Travel to Greene County
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will travel to Greene County for:
- Client meetings
- Depositions
- Trials
- Anything your case requires
4. We Offer Remote Consultations
Greene County families can meet with us via video call for free consultations. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
5. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront
We understand that cost can be a barrier. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- We only get paid if you win
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
6. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
We have bilingual staff to serve Spanish-speaking Greene County families. No language barriers to justice.
7. We Have a Proven Track Record
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- 12+ years of litigation experience (Lupe Pena)
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys β we know how to fight insurance companies
π― The Attorney 911 Approach: How We Fight for Greene County Hazing Victims
Step 1: Immediate Action
- Preservation letters sent to all defendants demanding evidence preservation
- Medical records obtained and analyzed
- Witness interviews conducted
- Evidence secured before it disappears
Step 2: Building the Case
- Expert witnesses retained (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
- Pattern evidence uncovered (prior hazing incidents at the same chapter)
- Institutional knowledge proven (did the university or national organization know?)
- Damages calculated (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
Step 3: Negotiation or Litigation
- Aggressive settlement demands sent to defendants
- Mediation if appropriate
- Lawsuit filed if settlement isn’t reached
- Trial preparation if necessary
Step 4: Holding Them Accountable
- Chapter closures (Pi Kappa Phi already closed the UH chapter)
- Individual accountability (members, officers, alumni)
- Institutional change (universities forced to reform Greek life oversight)
- Financial compensation for the victim and family
π₯ Our Message to Fraternities Near Greene County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other fraternities operating near Greene County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Greene County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi: We’re suing your national organization right now. We know about Andrew Coffey. We know about Leonel Bermudez. We know you have a hazing crisis. And we know you’ve done nothing to fix it.
Universities near Greene County: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. If your institution owns or controls Greek housing, you share liability for what happens there.
Individual members: The chapter president in the Stone Foltz case was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. If you participate in hazing, you can be held personally liable.
This ends now. Either clean up your chapters, or we’ll clean them out in court.
π Greene County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a school near Greene County, you have legal rights. You have the right to compensation. You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable.
We’re ready to fight for you.
π 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront fees. We only get paid if you win.
β Frequently Asked Questions for Greene County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. We can help. We’ll explain their legal rights and the protections available. Many victims don’t realize that consent is not a defense under North Carolina law. Even if they “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable.
Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. The law doesn’t care if it’s been happening for 100 years β if it harms students, it’s illegal.
Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own or control fraternity housing, they have a responsibility to ensure it’s safe. In our case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They can’t claim ignorance when they own the property.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take victim protection seriously. We can:
- File anonymous reports to protect identity
- Seek protective orders if threats occur
- Pursue criminal charges against anyone who retaliates
- Work with university Title IX offices for protection
Q: How much is my Greene County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in multi-million dollar recoveries. Factors that increase value include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, long-term damage)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, physical abuse)
- Pattern of prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- Institutional knowledge (did the university or national organization know?)
- Wrongful death (if the hazing resulted in death)
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of injury. However, you should act immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal strategies are most effective when started early.
Q: The fraternity offered my child a settlement. Should we accept it?
A: No. The first settlement offer is always a lowball offer. Insurance companies and fraternities want to settle quickly to avoid paying what your case is truly worth. Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first.
Q: My child was hazed at a school outside North Carolina. Can you still help?
A: Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. We’ve represented clients from coast to coast.
Q: How much does it cost to hire you?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency for Greene County hazing victims. This means:
- No hourly fees
- No retainer required
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery
π Our Commitment to Greene County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t see hazing victims as cases. We see them as people. We see them as your children. We see the pain, the fear, and the betrayal they’ve experienced.
We’re committed to:
- Fighting aggressively for every Greene County hazing victim
- Holding every liable party accountable β no matter how powerful
- Maximizing compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Protecting our clients from retaliation
- Ensuring this never happens to another Greene County family
Greene County parents: You sent your children to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, you deserve justice. We’re here to get it for you.
π Call Now β Free Consultation for Greene County Hazing Victims
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Greene County hazing emergencies
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Greene County Families: Enough Is Enough.
If your child has been hazed, don’t wait. Call us now.