π¨ Hazing Victims in Iredell County, NC: You Are Not Alone β We Fight for You
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Iredell County, we can help. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Iredell County families.
π Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
This Happens in Iredell County Too β And It Has to Stop
You may think hazing is just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s not. Hazing is abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in Iredell County.
We know this because we’re fighting it right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are representing a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure after pledging Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. This isn’t a one-time incident β it’s a culture of abuse that exists in fraternities and student organizations across America, including right here in Iredell County.
The same fraternities that operate at universities near Iredell County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta β these same organizations have chapters in North Carolina. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Iredell County, they face the same risks.
Iredell County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk
Universities Near Iredell County with Greek Life:
While Iredell County itself doesn’t have a major university, several institutions within driving distance have active Greek organizations where hazing occurs:
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Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) β Approximately 1 hour from Statesville
- Multiple fraternities and sororities
- Known Greek life presence with documented hazing risks
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) β Approximately 45 minutes from Mooresville
- Large Greek community
- National fraternities with hazing histories operate here
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Winthrop University (Rock Hill, SC) β Approximately 1.5 hours from Iredell County
- Active Greek life
- Potential for cross-state hazing incidents
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Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, NC) β Approximately 30 minutes from Statesville
- Smaller but active Greek community
- Hazing risks present even at smaller institutions
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Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC) β Approximately 1 hour from Iredell County
- Greek life with national fraternity chapters
- Hazing culture extends to private universities
The same national organizations that hazed our client in Texas have chapters at these schools. The same “traditions” exist. The same risks are present.
What Is Hazing? It’s Worse Than You Think
Hazing isn’t just a few pushups or silly pranks. It’s systematic abuse designed to humiliate, degrade, and sometimes kill. In our current case, we’ve documented:
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Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, a form of torture
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Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups β until muscles break down (rhabdomyolysis)
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Struck with wooden paddles β physical assault with weapons
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Forced to eat until vomiting β then forced to continue exercising in vomit
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Hog-tied face-down on a table β with an object in mouth for over an hour
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Sleep deprivation β forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
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Psychological torture β carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, threats of expulsion
This is not “tradition.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is what’s happening to students near Iredell County right now.
The Medical Consequences: Hazing Can Kill or Permanently Injure
Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood. It can cause:
- Acute kidney failure (as seen in our case)
- Cardiac arrest from electrolyte imbalances
- Permanent kidney damage requiring lifelong dialysis or transplant
- Compartment syndrome requiring emergency surgery
- Death
Other medical consequences of hazing include:
- Alcohol poisoning (common in forced drinking hazing)
- Traumatic brain injury from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia or heat stroke from exposure
- Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Suicide from the shame and humiliation
If your child has been hazed in Iredell County, they may be suffering serious health consequences that aren’t immediately visible. Seek medical attention immediately β and call us.
Who Is Liable? Everyone Who Allowed It to Happen
When hazing occurs, multiple parties are responsible. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| The local fraternity chapter | Directly organized and conducted the hazing |
| The national fraternity organization | Knew about hazing culture and failed to stop it |
| The university | Owned the fraternity house; failed to supervise Greek life |
| Individual fraternity members | Participated in or failed to stop the hazing |
| Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster) | Leadership responsibility; directed activities |
| Former members and their families | Allowed hazing at their home; premises liability |
Iredell County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every responsible party and hold them accountable.
We Know How to Win These Cases β $10 Million and Counting
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t our first hazing case β we have experience with:
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Rhabdomyolysis injury recovery
- Wrongful death from hazing
We know these cases inside and out. We know how to build them. We know how to win them.
Hazing Cases That Have Won Millions:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement (same fraternity as our case) |
These same results are possible for Iredell County families. The same legal strategies apply.
What Iredell County Families Should Do Right Now
If Your Child Has Been Hazed:
- Get medical attention immediately β Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions can develop over days.
- Preserve all evidence β Save all text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness contact information.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel β They will try to control the narrative and minimize liability.
- Do NOT post on social media about the incident β Anything you post can be used against you.
- Call us immediately β The statute of limitations in North Carolina is typically 3 years, but evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
If Your Child Is Currently Pledging:
- Talk to them about the risks β Many students don’t realize how dangerous hazing can be.
- Encourage them to document everything β If they see or experience hazing, they should save evidence.
- Tell them they can say no β Consent is not a defense to hazing in North Carolina.
- Monitor their physical and mental health β Hazing often causes delayed symptoms.
- If you suspect hazing, call us β We can advise on how to protect your child.
Why Iredell County Families Choose Attorney 911
β We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We’re not just talking about hazing β we’re in the courtroom right now fighting for a victim. Iredell County families get the same aggressive representation.
β Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
We know how insurance companies think. We know their playbook. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
β Federal Court Authority
We can pursue cases in federal court, giving us more leverage against national fraternities and universities.
β Dual-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Texas and New York β strategic advantage for cases involving out-of-state defendants.
β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
We serve Spanish-speaking families in Iredell County without language barriers.
β We Travel to Iredell County
For depositions, client meetings, and trials β distance is not a barrier to justice.
β Contingency Fee β $0 Upfront
Iredell County families pay nothing unless we win. We take the risk so you don’t have to.
The Legal Process for Iredell County Families
- Free Consultation β We evaluate your case and explain your options.
- Investigation β We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
- Medical Treatment β We ensure you get the care you need and document all injuries.
- Demand Package β We compile your damages and send a demand to defendants.
- Negotiation β We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Litigation (if needed) β If defendants won’t settle fairly, we take them to court.
- Resolution β Settlement or verdict, we fight for maximum compensation.
What Iredell County Families Can Recover
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain and emotional trauma from hazing |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy costs |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death, compensation for family’s loss |
In serious hazing cases, damages can reach millions of dollars β just like the cases we’ve listed above.
Iredell County: This Has to Stop
Hazing doesn’t build character. It destroys lives. It sends students to the hospital. It causes permanent injuries. It kills.
Enough is enough.
If your child has been hazed in Iredell County, call us now. We will fight for you. We will hold the perpetrators accountable. We will make sure this never happens to another Iredell County family.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Iredell County hazing emergencies. Free consultation. No upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions for Iredell County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. We understand. Call us for a confidential consultation β we can advise you on the best way to protect your child without them having to come forward publicly right away.
Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition” and my child agreed to participate. Can they still be held liable?
A: Yes. North Carolina law states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable for the harm they caused.
Q: We’re in Iredell County and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:
- Video consultations for Iredell County families
- Federal court representation
- Willingness to travel to Iredell County for depositions and trials
- Experience with out-of-state defendants
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much will this cost us?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to your family.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. We can still pursue the case.
Q: Can we sue the individual members who hazed our child?
A: Yes. Individual members who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Q: What if our child was hazed at a high school in Iredell County?
A: Hazing occurs in high schools too. North Carolina has anti-hazing laws that apply to high schools. We can evaluate your case regardless of the victim’s age or school level.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 3 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. Call us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a duty to supervise student organizations. If hazing occurred at a university-recognized fraternity, the university can be held liable for failing to prevent it β especially if there were prior incidents or warning signs.
Q: Can we still pursue a case if the fraternity has been suspended or closed?
A: Yes. Even if the chapter has been suspended or closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be held liable. In fact, chapter closures often happen after incidents occur to limit liability β which shows consciousness of guilt.
Iredell County Parents: Know the Warning Signs of Hazing
Hazing is often hidden from parents. Watch for these warning signs:
β οΈ Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
β οΈ Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Anxiety or depression
- Fear of certain people or places
- Drop in academic performance
- Avoiding questions about Greek life
β οΈ Other Signs:
- Unusual spending (paying for others’ meals, drinks, etc.)
- Carrying strange items (fanny packs with sexual objects, as seen in our case)
- Being required to perform tasks for older members
- Being forced to wear specific clothing or costumes
If you notice these signs, talk to your child β and call us.
The Message to Iredell County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Iredell County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Iredell County, we will find every liable entity β the chapter, the nationals, the university, and the individuals.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi β if your chapter operates near Iredell County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won.
To the universities near Iredell County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect your students.
Act now β or face the same accountability.
Iredell County: Your Child Deserves Justice. Call Us Now.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Available 24/7. Free consultation. No upfront cost. We fight for Iredell County families.