🚨 Greenwood County Hazing Lawyer — Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Serving Greenwood County, South Carolina and nationwide — Immediate help for hazing emergencies

🏆 Why Greenwood County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

Greenwood County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to protect their kids. That trust is being betrayed.

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “building character.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s sometimes deadly. And it happens at colleges and universities near Greenwood County — including fraternities and sororities with chapters in the Upstate.

We are Attorney 911 — the hazing litigation experts. While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Greenwood County families. We’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Greenwood County. The same negligence exists at Greenwood County institutions. And we will fight for Greenwood County families with the same aggression.

🎯 The Hazing Crisis in Greenwood County and Beyond

What Greenwood County Parents Need to Know

Hazing happens at colleges and universities across South Carolina — including schools near Greenwood County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have chapters at:

• Clemson University (just 60 miles from Greenwood County)
• University of South Carolina (Columbia, 90 miles from Greenwood County)
• Lander University (in Greenwood County itself)
• Other Upstate institutions

These organizations have a documented history of hazing abuses nationwide — including waterboarding, forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torture.

Recent cases prove the danger:

• 2025: A student at University of Houston was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi hazing. He was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. We’re suing for $10 million.
• 2021: Stone Foltz died from forced alcohol consumption at Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His family received $10.1 million.
• 2017: Maxwell Gruver died from forced drinking at Phi Delta Theta fraternity. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million.
• 2017: Timothy Piazza died after being forced to drink and falling down stairs at Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His family received $110 million+.

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And it happens at colleges near Greenwood County.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? The Legal Definition in South Carolina

South Carolina law defines hazing as:

Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.

This includes:

• Forced alcohol consumption
• Extreme physical exercise (like 500 squats, bear crawls, etc.)
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning
• Being struck with objects (wooden paddles, etc.)
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse and humiliation
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Any activity that creates a risk of physical or psychological harm

Important: In South Carolina, consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, it’s still illegal and can be prosecuted.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Greenwood County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

In our current $10 million case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members and officers
• Former members and their spouses

Greenwood County families can pursue the same accountability.

💰 What Compensation Can Greenwood County Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
• Educational disruption (tuition for missed semesters, transfer costs)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering (from hazing activities and injuries)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, trauma)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience, social life)

Punitive Damages:

• Punishment for egregious conduct (like waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse)
• Deterrence to prevent future hazing — juries award punitive damages to send a message

Precedent cases show hazing victims can recover millions:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)

Our current case seeks $10 million for a victim hospitalized with kidney failure. Greenwood County families deserve the same level of compensation.

🚑 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Greenwood County

If your child has been hazed, take these steps immediately to protect their health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records create critical documentation for your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Photos: Take pictures of injuries at all stages of healing
• Texts/Social Media: Screenshot all communications about hazing (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
• Physical Evidence: Save clothing, objects used in hazing, etc.
• Witness Information: Get names and contact info of other victims or witnesses

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• The fraternity/sorority, university, or their representatives will try to control the narrative
• They may ask you to sign documents or give statements
• Do not speak to them without legal counsel present

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Anything you post can be used against you
• Avoid discussing the incident online
• Avoid posting photos that could be misinterpreted

5. Report to Authorities

• Police: Consider filing a police report (hazing is a crime in South Carolina)
• University: File a formal complaint with the school’s Title IX or student conduct office
• National Organization: Report to the national fraternity/sorority headquarters

6. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We can preserve evidence, handle communications, and protect your rights

Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations apply. Act now to protect your child’s rights.

🎓 Common Hazing Activities at Greenwood County-Area Colleges

Hazing takes many forms, but common activities at colleges near Greenwood County include:

Physical Abuse:

• Extreme exercise: 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills)
• Beatings: Struck with wooden paddles, belts, or other objects
• Waterboarding: Simulated drowning with water or hoses (documented in our current case)
• Sleep deprivation: Forced to stay up all night or drive members during early morning hours

Forced Consumption:

• Alcohol: Forced to drink until vomiting or passing out
• Food: Forced to eat until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, etc.)
• Non-food substances: Forced to consume harmful or disgusting substances

Psychological Abuse & Humiliation:

• Humiliation: Forced to wear embarrassing clothing or carry sexual objects
• Isolation: Excluded from social activities or normal college life
• Sleep deprivation: Disrupted sleep patterns causing exhaustion
• Threats: Threatened with physical punishment or expulsion for non-compliance

Sexual Abuse:

• Forced nudity: Required to strip in front of others
• Sexual acts: Coerced into sexual activities
• Objectification: Forced to carry or wear sexual objects

These activities are not “tradition.” They are abuse. They are illegal. And they can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

🏥 Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Greenwood County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing can cause immediate and long-term health consequences, including:

If your child shows any of these symptoms after participating in Greek life activities, seek medical attention immediately.

📚 Legal Rights for Greenwood County Hazing Victims

South Carolina Hazing Laws

South Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to colleges and universities near Greenwood County:

• Hazing is a crime punishable by fines and jail time
• Consent is NOT a defense — even if a student agrees to participate, it’s still illegal
• Organizations can be penalized — fines, loss of recognition
• Universities can be held liable for failing to protect students

Your Legal Options

Greenwood County hazing victims have multiple legal options:

1. Civil Lawsuit: Sue for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
2. Criminal Complaint: Report to police for potential criminal charges against perpetrators
3. University Complaint: File a complaint with the school’s Title IX or student conduct office
4. National Organization Complaint: Report to the national fraternity/sorority headquarters

We can help with all of these options. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights.

🏆 Why Greenwood County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. Hazing Litigation Experts

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

2. Nationwide Reach

While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Greenwood County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

4. Proven Track Record

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (mass tort expertise)

5. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t accept lowball settlement offers. We fight for every dollar you deserve. Our current $10 million demand reflects the seriousness of hazing injuries.

6. We Come to Greenwood County

For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys travel to Greenwood County as needed. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

7. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)

We serve Spanish-speaking Greenwood County families without language barriers.

8. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Greenwood County families pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.

📞 Greenwood County Hazing Victims — Call Now for Immediate Help

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Greenwood County, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Greenwood County hazing emergencies

We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

🏛️ We Serve Greenwood County and All of South Carolina

While headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including:

Greenwood County, SC

• Lander University (located in Greenwood County)
• Local high school students considering Greek life at colleges

Upstate South Carolina

• Clemson University (60 miles from Greenwood County)
• University of South Carolina (Columbia, 90 miles from Greenwood County)
• Furman University
• Wofford College
• Bob Jones University
• Anderson University
• Greenville Technical College

Other South Carolina Institutions

• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• The Citadel
• South Carolina State University
• Winthrop University

No matter where the hazing occurred, we can help Greenwood County families seek justice.

📅 Statute of Limitations — Act Now

South Carolina law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing occurs.

• Personal injury: 3 years from date of injury
• Wrongful death: 3 years from date of death

However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Don’t wait. Contact us immediately if your child has been hazed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Greenwood County Families

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

A: We understand that victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. However, reporting hazing is critical to:

• Protect your child’s health
• Prevent future victims
• Preserve legal options
• Hold perpetrators accountable

We can help you navigate this process confidentially and protect your child from retaliation.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?

A: No. In South Carolina, consent is NOT a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that even if a student agrees to participate, it’s still illegal. Organizations cannot escape liability by claiming the victim “consented.”

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 from known or foreseeable hazards. If the university:

• Owns or controls the property where hazing occurred
• Has a history of hazing incidents
• Fails to implement effective oversight

They can be held liable even if they claim they “didn’t know.” In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred — they cannot claim ignorance.

Q: My child attends college outside Greenwood County. Can you still help?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including students from Greenwood County who attend college in other states. Our federal court authority and nationwide service allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Greenwood County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university? Can you still sue?

A: Yes. Private universities can be held liable for hazing just like public universities. In fact, private universities often have more resources and higher insurance coverage, which can result in larger settlements.

Q: My child was hazed at a sorority, not a fraternity. Do you handle sorority hazing cases?

A: Yes. We represent victims of hazing in both fraternities and sororities. Hazing occurs in sororities as well, and we pursue the same legal strategies to hold them accountable.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Greenwood County?

A: We focus on college hazing, but high school hazing is also illegal. If your child was hazed in a Greenwood County high school, we can refer you to attorneys who specialize in that area.

Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take:

• 6-12 months for less severe cases with clear liability
• 1-3 years for complex cases with multiple defendants
• Longer if the case goes to trial

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Q: Can individual fraternity/sorority members be held personally liable?

A: Yes. Individual members who participate in or facilitate hazing can be held personally liable for damages. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

🎯 Our Commitment to Greenwood County Families

When your child is hazed, it’s more than just a legal issue — it’s a **