Hazing Lawyer in Lee County, South Carolina – Protecting Students & Families from Greek Life Abuse
Lee County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. We Can Help.
If your son or daughter was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized during fraternity or sorority initiation in Lee County or at colleges near Bishopville, Sumter, or Florence, you are not alone. Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. And institutions that allow it must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities and sororities operate at colleges near Lee County, and the same negligence exists at local institutions.
We will fight for Lee County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this landmark case.
📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Why Lee County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the fight today, and we know how to win.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—previously worked for insurance companies and national defense firms. We know how they try to minimize claims, delay justice, and blame victims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Lee County families.
3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere
While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Lee County, through our federal court admission and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York). Distance is not a barrier—we will travel to Lee County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
4. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We work on contingency—you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. This means:
✅ $0 upfront
✅ No hourly fees
✅ We take the risk, not you
5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims in Lee County come from Hispanic families. Our bilingual staff ensures no language barriers—we can communicate with you in Spanish throughout your case.
6. We’ve Won Millions for Injury Victims
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
- Multi-million-dollar trucking accident settlements
- Catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims
We apply the same aggressive litigation strategies to hazing cases.
What Is Hazing? How It Happens in Lee County
Hazing is not just “boys being boys”—it’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can lead to serious injury, psychological trauma, or death. In Lee County and nearby colleges, hazing may include:
Physical Abuse
- Forced exercise to exhaustion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Beating with paddles or other objects
- Branding or burning
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning (as seen in our UH case)
- Extreme calisthenics in dangerous conditions
Forced Consumption
- Binge drinking until alcohol poisoning
- Forced eating until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
- Consuming non-food substances (bleach, hot sauce, other harmful items)
Psychological & Sexual Abuse
- Humiliation rituals (stripping, carrying sexual objects)
- Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early-morning driving)
- Threats of expulsion or physical harm
- Sexual assault or harassment
Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
✔ Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – as seen in our UH case
✔ Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
✔ Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
✔ Hypothermia or heatstroke (from exposure)
✔ PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)
✔ Death
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lee County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lee County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Chapters at Francis Marion University, USC Sumter, or other nearby schools |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapters; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others operate near Lee County |
| University/College | Owns fraternity houses; failed to prevent hazing | Francis Marion University, USC Sumter, Coker University have Greek life oversight duties |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, and active members |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Off-campus locations where hazing occurs |
| Insurance Companies | Provide liability coverage for institutions | Deep pockets for compensation |
In our current case, we are suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ The local UH chapter
✅ University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house)
✅ Individual members, including the chapter president and pledgemaster
We will pursue the same defendants for Lee County hazing victims.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lee County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get medical care right away. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✔ Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used
✔ Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
✔ Write down names of witnesses, participants, and bystanders
✔ Keep medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone
They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and blame the victim. Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media
Insurance companies and defense attorneys will use your posts against you. Even innocent photos can be twisted to claim you weren’t really hurt.
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
✅ Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
✅ Evidence preservation – We’ll secure texts, photos, and witness statements
✅ Legal protection – We’ll handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies
✅ Aggressive representation – We won’t back down from powerful institutions
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
How Much Is a Hazing Case Worth in Lee County?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Type of Damages | What It Covers | Potential Value for Lee County Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking) | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death (funeral costs, lost future earnings) | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
Precedent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (LSU) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Adam Oakes (VCU) | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our $10 million demand in the UH case is supported by these precedents.
South Carolina Hazing Laws – What Lee County Families Need to Know
1. Hazing Is a Crime in South Carolina
Under South Carolina Code § 59-101-200, hazing is defined as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or with others that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.”
Penalties for hazing in South Carolina:
- Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine)
- Felony (if serious bodily injury or death occurs)
2. Universities Can Be Held Liable
Colleges in South Carolina have a duty to protect students from hazing. If a university:
✔ Owns or controls the fraternity house (like UH did in our case)
✔ Knows or should know about hazing risks
✔ Fails to act to prevent abuse
They can be sued for negligence.
3. Consent Is Not a Defense
Even if a student “agreed” to participate in hazing, South Carolina law says consent does not matter.
4. Statute of Limitations – Act Fast
- Personal injury: 3 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death: 3 years from the date of death
Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
Common Excuses Used by Fraternities – And Why They’re Wrong
| Defense Claim | Why It’s False | Our Response |
|---|---|---|
| “It was just tradition.” | Tradition doesn’t justify abuse. Waterboarding is torture. | Hazing is illegal in South Carolina. No “tradition” excuses breaking the law. |
| “He/she consented.” | South Carolina law says consent is not a defense. | Even if a student “agreed,” the law protects them from harm. |
| “We didn’t know it was happening.” | Universities and nationals have a duty to supervise. | They own the houses, collect dues, and should monitor activities. |
| “It was just a prank.” | Forcing someone to drink until they vomit is not a prank. | It’s assault, battery, and reckless endangerment. |
| “The victim wasn’t even a student.” | Duty of care extends to pledges and prospective members. | Our client wasn’t enrolled at UH yet—they still hazed him. |
How We Win Hazing Cases for Lee County Families
1. Build a Strong Case with Evidence
We work with:
✔ Medical experts to document injuries
✔ Hazing culture experts to explain systemic abuse
✔ Accident reconstruction specialists to prove negligence
✔ Economists to calculate future damages
2. Sue Every Responsible Party
We don’t just sue the local chapter—we pursue:
✅ National fraternity/sorority organizations (deep pockets)
✅ Universities (for failing to protect students)
✅ Individual members (personal liability)
✅ Insurance companies (to maximize compensation)
3. Use Precedent to Demand Maximum Compensation
We cite multi-million-dollar hazing verdicts to show juries and defendants that hazing cases win big.
4. Apply Pressure Through Media & Public Opinion
We expose hazing culture in the press, putting pressure on:
✔ Universities (reputation damage)
✔ National organizations (donor withdrawals)
✔ Individual members (professional consequences)
5. Fight for Legislative Change
We work with lawmakers to strengthen hazing laws in South Carolina, just as other cases have led to:
- Max Gruver Act (Louisiana) – Made hazing a felony
- Timothy J. Piazza Law (Pennsylvania) – Increased penalties
- Collin’s Law (Ohio) – Felony hazing charges
Colleges Near Lee County with Greek Life – Where Hazing Could Be Happening
Many colleges near Lee County have active fraternities and sororities where hazing may occur:
| College | Location | Greek Life Presence | Potential Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Francis Marion University | Florence, SC (~30 min from Bishopville) | Multiple fraternities & sororities | Known for strong Greek culture; hazing risks exist |
| University of South Carolina Sumter | Sumter, SC (~45 min from Bishopville) | Active Greek system | Smaller school, but hazing can still occur |
| Coker University | Hartsville, SC (~40 min from Bishopville) | Greek organizations present | Private university with Greek life oversight challenges |
| Morris College | Sumter, SC | Historically Black college with Greek life | Hazing risks in Divine Nine organizations |
| Central Carolina Technical College | Sumter, SC | Limited Greek life | Less common, but still possible |
The same fraternities involved in national hazing scandals (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.) have chapters at these schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Cases in Lee County
1. Can I sue if my child was hazed but not hospitalized?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, hazing can cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other serious harm. We can pursue compensation for emotional distress, medical treatment, and pain and suffering.
2. What if the fraternity says it was “voluntary”?
South Carolina law says consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law protects them from harm. Fraternities use this excuse to avoid accountability—we know how to defeat it.
3. Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
No. South Carolina has anti-retaliation laws protecting students who report hazing. Additionally, we protect our clients’ identities and handle all communications with the fraternity and university.
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
3 years from the date of injury (or death) under South Carolina law. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
5. Can I afford a lawyer?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
6. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing often occurs at off-campus houses, apartments, or private residences. We can pursue:
✔ The fraternity/sorority (for organizing the event)
✔ The property owner (premises liability)
✔ Individual members (personal liability)
7. Will this affect my child’s college career?
We work to protect your child’s academic future. Many universities have amnesty policies for hazing victims, and we can negotiate with the school to minimize disciplinary action.
8. Can I sue if my child was hazed at a high school?
Yes. Hazing isn’t just a college problem—it happens in high school sports, bands, and clubs. We can pursue claims against schools, coaches, and organizations.
Lee County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing can leave victims feeling shamed, isolated, and powerless. But you are not alone. We are here to fight for you.
What Our Clients Say About Us
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “They fought for me like family. I never felt like just another case.” — Dame Haskett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “They got my case dismissed when no one else could.” — Ruben Garza
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I was hit by an 18-wheeler and didn’t know what to do. They took care of everything.” — Mary F.
Next Steps for Lee County Families
If your child was hazed at Francis Marion University, USC Sumter, Coker University, or any school near Lee County, take action now:
- Call Attorney 911 for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve all evidence (texts, photos, medical records)
- Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Let us handle everything—we’ll fight for justice while you focus on healing
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
Hazing in Lee County Ends Now.
We’re ready to fight for you.
