24/7 LIVE STAFF β€” Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Madison County (Earth/North America/United States/North Carolina/Madison County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 15 min read
madison-county-featured-image.png

🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Madison County, NC | Attorney 911 Fights for Victims

Madison County parents: Your child trusted a fraternity or sorority. That trust was betrayed.

What happened to our client at the University of Houston could happen at Mars Hill University or other schools near Madison County. The same national fraternities operate here. The same dangerous “traditions” exist. And if your child has been hazed in Madison County, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our $10 million lawsuit.

πŸ“ž Call Now for Madison County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.

⚠️ This Happened in Houston. It Happens in Madison County Too.

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure for three nights and four days.

What They Did to Him in Houston Could Be Happening to Your Child in Madison County:

Hazing Activity What It Means Could This Happen Near Madison County?
Waterboarding with a garden hose Simulated drowning β€” a form of torture βœ… Yes β€” same fraternities operate near Madison County
Forced to do 500+ squats Extreme physical punishment causing muscle breakdown βœ… Yes β€” same physical hazing culture exists
Struck with wooden paddles Physical beating with weapons βœ… Yes β€” same “traditions” used
Forced eating until vomiting Food consumption to the point of illness βœ… Yes β€” same dangerous rituals
Hog-tying another pledge Restraint and humiliation βœ… Yes β€” same psychological abuse
Another pledge collapsed unconscious Ignored signs of medical emergency βœ… Yes β€” same reckless disregard for safety

Madison County families: This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. And it’s happening at schools near you.

πŸ›οΈ Which Schools Near Madison County Have These Risks?

Madison County is home to Mars Hill University, and nearby institutions with active Greek life include:

  • Mars Hill University (Madison County) β€” Active fraternities and sororities
  • University of North Carolina Asheville (~30 miles from Marshall) β€” Multiple Greek organizations
  • Western Carolina University (~45 miles from Marshall) β€” Large Greek system
  • Appalachian State University (~50 miles from Marshall) β€” Major Greek presence

The same national fraternities involved in our Houston case have chapters at these schools:

  • Pi Kappa Phi
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
  • Pi Kappa Alpha
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Kappa Sigma
  • And many others

If your child is pledging Greek life near Madison County, they face the same risks.

πŸ’” What Hazing Does to Madison County Students

Physical Consequences:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) β€” as seen in our Houston case
  • Acute kidney failure β€” life-threatening complication
  • Alcohol poisoning β€” common in forced drinking hazing
  • Broken bones β€” from physical abuse or falls
  • Internal injuries β€” from beatings or forced activities
  • Hypothermia or heatstroke β€” from exposure to elements

Psychological Trauma:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) β€” from waterboarding, beatings, humiliation
  • Anxiety and depression β€” long-term mental health impact
  • Suicidal ideation β€” severe emotional distress
  • Trust issues β€” difficulty forming relationships
  • Academic decline β€” inability to focus after trauma
  • Substance abuse β€” self-medicating to cope

Madison County students: You don’t have to suffer in silence. We can help.

βš–οΈ Madison County Hazing Victims Have Legal Rights

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Madison County:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise
University Failed to protect students despite power to regulate Greek life
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
Alumni/Hosts Allowed hazing at their property
Insurance Companies Coverage for institutional liability

Madison County families: These defendants have deep pockets. We know how to pursue them.

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

These Cases Prove Madison County Victims Can Win:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Why It Matters for Madison County
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 Million Same fraternity type; universities and nationals both pay
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1 Million Jury Verdict Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110+ Million Shows potential ceiling for strong evidence cases
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential Settlement Same national organization as our Houston case
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi $4+ Million Recent case (2024) shows current jury attitudes

Madison County families: These results are possible for your case too.

πŸ₯ Medical Evidence: Why Hazing Injuries Are Serious

Our Houston client was hospitalized for three nights and four days with:

  • Severe rhabdomyolysis β€” muscle tissue breakdown releasing toxins into blood
  • Acute kidney failure β€” kidneys unable to filter waste due to myoglobin damage
  • Very high creatine kinase levels β€” lab confirmation of muscle damage
  • Brown urine (myoglobinuria) β€” classic sign of muscle breakdown
  • Inability to walk β€” severe muscle pain and weakness

Madison County students: If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY β€” and call us.

πŸ“‹ What Madison County Families Should Do Right Now

If Your Child Has Been Hazed:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately β€” Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
  2. Preserve all evidence β€” Texts, photos, videos, social media posts
  3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university alone β€” They will try to control the narrative
  4. Do NOT post on social media β€” Anything you post can be used against you
  5. Call us immediately β€” 1-888-ATTY-911 β€” Free consultation

Evidence to Save:

  • Medical records from any treatment
  • Photos of injuries at all stages of healing
  • Screenshots of all communications about hazing
  • Names and contact info of witnesses
  • Any documents given to you by the organization
  • Financial records (medical bills, lost wages)

Madison County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

πŸ”’ We Protect Madison County Victims

Our client in Houston is fearful of retribution for speaking out. We understand that fear. We protect our clients.

  • Confidentiality β€” Your case is private
  • Protection from retaliation β€” We take steps to shield you
  • Remote consultations β€” Available for Madison County families
  • We come to you β€” For depositions, meetings, and trials in Madison County

Madison County students: You are not alone. We will stand with you.

πŸ† Why Madison 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 University of Houston
  • We know how to build these cases
  • We know how to win

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

  • We know how insurance companies think
  • We know their playbook β€” and we use it against them
  • We’ve seen their tactics from the inside

3. Nationwide Reach for Madison County Victims

  • Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Madison County
  • Federal court authority β€” can pursue cases anywhere
  • Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
  • Video consultations available

4. We Speak Spanish

  • Se habla espaΓ±ol β€” Bilingual staff available
  • No language barriers to justice

5. No Upfront Cost

  • Contingency fee β€” You pay nothing unless we win
  • We take the risk β€” you get the justice

6. We Care

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” β€” Lupe Pena

We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We fight hard for Madison County families because we truly care.

πŸ“ž Madison County Hazing Victims: Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

Free consultation. No obligation. No upfront cost.

We don’t get paid unless you win.

Available 24/7 for Madison County hazing emergencies.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Madison County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still call?

A: Yes. Many victims fear retaliation or social consequences. We can discuss your options confidentially. You may have legal rights even if you don’t pursue criminal charges.

Q: What if the fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense in North Carolina. North Carolina General Statute Β§ 14-35 prohibits hazing regardless of consent. The law is on your side.

Q: We’re in Madison County. How can a Texas law firm help us?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:

  • Video consultations for Madison County families
  • Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
  • Willingness to travel to Madison County for depositions and trials
  • Remote case management technology

Q: What if my child signed a waiver or contract with the fraternity?

A: Waivers do not protect against illegal activity. Hazing is against the law, and no contract can waive that protection.

Q: How much is my Madison County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors include:

  • Severity of physical injuries
  • Extent of psychological trauma
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages or academic opportunities
  • Pain and suffering
  • Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing

Our Houston case seeks $10 million. Similar cases have settled for millions.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a school outside Madison County?

A: We can help. We represent hazing victims from any school, anywhere in the country. Call us to discuss your case.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years from the date of injury. However, you should act immediately β€” evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and institutions destroy records.

🎯 To Madison County Fraternities and Sororities: We Are Watching

If your chapter operates near Madison County, know this:

  • We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
  • We have documented their waterboarding, forced eating, and physical abuse
  • We know their corporate structure, insurance policies, and leadership
  • We will pursue every liable entity β€” local chapter, national organization, university, and individuals

If you haze students in Madison County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.

πŸ›οΈ To Universities Near Madison County: The Time for Accountability Is Now

Mars Hill University and other institutions near Madison County:

  • You have a duty to protect your students
  • You have the power to regulate Greek organizations
  • You know hazing happens β€” we have the evidence
  • When you fail to act, you share liability

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was tortured. They are named in our lawsuit. If you own or control Greek housing near Madison County, you could be next.

πŸ“’ Madison County Families: This Ends With Us

Madison County has a strong sense of community. We value family, respect, and safety. Hazing betrays all of these values.

If your child has been hazed near Madison County, you have the power to stop this culture. You have the power to protect the next student. You have the power to demand accountability.

Call us. Let’s fight this together.

🚨 Madison County Hazing Victims: Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

Free consultation. No upfront cost. We don’t get paid unless you win.

Available 24/7 for Madison County families.

We will travel to Madison County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

πŸ“ Serving Madison County, NC and Surrounding Areas

Madison County: Marshall, Mars Hill, Hot Springs, Mars Hill University
Nearby Counties: Buncombe, Yancey, Haywood, Mitchell, Henderson
Nearby Cities: Asheville, Weaverville, Burnsville, Spruce Pine
Nearby Universities: Mars Hill University, UNC Asheville, Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University

We serve hazing victims throughout Western North Carolina.

πŸ”— Additional Resources for Madison County Families

Β© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’
Serving Madison County, NC and nationwide
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911