Hazing Victim Representation in New Hanover County: A Comprehensive Guide

🛡️ Protecting New Hanover County Students from Greek Life Abuse

Attorney 911: Fighting for Hazing Victims Across North Carolina and Beyond

When families in New Hanover County send their children to college, they expect them to be safe. They trust that universities will protect their students from harm. But far too often, that trust is betrayed by the very organizations meant to foster brotherhood and sisterhood.

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not “boys being boys” or “girls building character.” Hazing is abuse, assault, and in far too many cases, manslaughter. And it happens right here in New Hanover County, on campuses throughout North Carolina, and across America.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t an isolated incident—it’s happening at universities near New Hanover County too. The same fraternities operate here. The same negligence exists here. And we’re here to fight for New Hanover County families.

If your child has been hazed at a New Hanover County college or university, you have legal rights. We will travel to New Hanover County to meet with you, represent you in court, and hold every responsible party accountable—no matter where they are.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in New Hanover County and Beyond

What New Hanover County Families Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big state schools or distant universities. It happens right here in New Hanover County, at local colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. The same national fraternities and sororities involved in high-profile hazing deaths across the country have active chapters in and around New Hanover County.

This is not hypothetical. This is happening now.

Consider the landmark case we’re currently litigating:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not a New Hanover County resident, but the same fraternities operate here)
• Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
• University: University of Houston
• Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
• Hazing Activities: Waterboarding with a garden hose, forced consumption of food until vomiting, 500 squats, 100+ pushups, being struck with wooden paddles
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed November 21, 2025

This same fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, has chapters at universities near New Hanover County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at New Hanover County institutions. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in New Hanover County, they face the same risks.

The Reality of Hazing in New Hanover County

New Hanover County is home to several institutions of higher education where Greek life is active:

• University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) – A major public university with a strong Greek presence
• Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) – While primarily a two-year institution, Greek organizations do exist
• Nearby institutions such as East Carolina University, UNC Pembroke, and others where New Hanover County students may attend

These institutions host chapters of major national fraternities and sororities, including:

• Fraternities: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others
• Sororities: Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, and others

The same organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide operate right here in New Hanover County.

Why New Hanover County Families Are at Risk

1. National Organizations with Proven Hazing Histories

   • Pi Kappa Phi has paid settlements in multiple hazing cases, including our current $10 million lawsuit
   • Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a documented history of hazing incidents
   • Pi Kappa Alpha was involved in the $10.1 million Stone Foltz case
   • These same organizations have chapters at New Hanover County-area universities

2. Universities Fail to Protect Students

   • In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
   • Universities near New Hanover County have the same power—and the same responsibility—to prevent hazing
   • Too often, they choose reputation over safety

3. The “Consent” Myth

   • Fraternities will argue that pledges “consented” to hazing activities
   • North Carolina law says consent is not a defense to hazing
   • Victims are often coerced through peer pressure, threats of social exclusion, or fear of losing membership

4. Fear of Retaliation Keeps Victims Silent

   • Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution”
   • New Hanover County victims face the same intimidation
   • We protect our clients throughout the legal process

5. Medical Consequences Can Be Severe

   • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) from forced exercise
   • Acute kidney failure
   • Alcohol poisoning from forced drinking
   • Traumatic brain injuries from physical abuse
   • Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a New Hanover County Hazing Victim

North Carolina Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

North Carolina has strong laws against hazing, designed to protect students like those in New Hanover County:

North Carolina General Statute § 14-35 defines hazing as:

“To subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.”

Key Provisions:

• Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina
• If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Class H felony
• Consent is not a defense – even if the victim agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal
• Organizations can be held criminally liable
• Universities can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing

What This Means for New Hanover County Families:

• The fraternity members who hazed your child can face criminal charges
• The national organization can be held financially responsible
• The university can be sued for negligence and failure to protect
• You can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages

Civil Liability: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, New Hanover County hazing victims can pursue civil lawsuits to recover compensation. These lawsuits can target:

1. Individual Perpetrators

   • Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.)
   • Active members who participated
   • Alumni who facilitated hazing

2. Local Chapters

   • The specific fraternity or sorority chapter
   • Housing corporations that own/control fraternity houses

3. National Organizations

   • National fraternity/sorority headquarters
   • These organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies

4. Universities and Colleges

   • For negligent supervision of Greek life
   • For premises liability if hazing occurred on university property
   • For failure to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks

5. Insurance Companies

   • Homeowners insurance (for off-campus hazing)
   • Institutional liability insurance
   • General liability policies

What You Can Recover in a New Hanover County Hazing Lawsuit

New Hanover County families can pursue compensation for:

Total potential recovery for severe hazing cases: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

💰 Precedent Cases: What New Hanover County Families Can Expect

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha

• Total Recovery: $10.1 million
• Details: Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
• Significance: Directly comparable to our $10 million demand; shows universities and nationals both pay

Maxwell Gruver – Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta

• Total Recovery: $6.1 million jury verdict
• Details: Forced drinking during “Bible Study” pledge event; BAC 0.495 (6x legal limit)
• Significance: Juries award millions for hazing deaths; led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi

• Total Recovery: $110+ million (estimated)
• Details: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
• Significance: Strong evidence leads to massive outcomes; security cameras captured everything

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi

• Total Recovery: Confidential settlement
• Details: Forced to drink entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning
• Significance: Same fraternity as our current case; shows pattern of deadly hazing

These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to New Hanover County cases.

🏢 Who We Sue for New Hanover County Hazing Victims

When we represent New Hanover County families, we pursue every responsible party:

1. The Local Chapter

   • Directly organized and conducted hazing
   • Chapter officers (president, pledge master, etc.)
   • Active members who participated

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

   • Failed to supervise New Hanover County chapter
   • Knew about hazing risks (pattern evidence)
   • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
   • Has deep pockets and insurance

3. University/College

   • Failed to protect New Hanover County students
   • Knew or should have known about hazing
   • Owns property where hazing occurred
   • Has substantial resources

4. Individual Perpetrators

   • Each person who participated in hazing
   • Can be held personally liable
   • May have homeowners insurance coverage

5. Alumni and Hosts

   • Allowed hazing at their homes
   • Premises liability for off-campus hazing

6. Insurance Companies

   • National organization’s liability insurance
   • University’s institutional insurance
   • Homeowners policies for off-campus locations

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in New Hanover County

Immediate Action Steps

If your child has been hazed at a New Hanover County college or university:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
   • Some symptoms (like rhabdomyolysis) may not appear immediately
   • Medical records create crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos/Videos: Document injuries at all stages of healing
   • Screenshots: Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
   • Physical Evidence: Clothing worn during hazing, items used in hazing
   • Witness Information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

   • Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
   • They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you
   • Do not discuss the incident online
   • Do not post photos that could be misinterpreted

5. Contact an Attorney Immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for New Hanover County families
   • We work on contingency – $0 upfront costs

6. Report to Authorities

   • Consider filing a police report
   • Report to university administration (with attorney present)
   • Report to national organization (with attorney present)

Why Time Is Critical

North Carolina has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Generally, you have:

• 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
• 2 years from the date of death in wrongful death cases

However, you should not wait:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records
• Your legal rights may be compromised

In our current case, we filed the lawsuit within weeks of the hazing incident. That’s how you protect your rights.

🏛️ The Attorney 911 Difference: Why New Hanover County Families Choose Us

1. We’re Currently Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. We filed a $10 million lawsuit on November 21, 2025, against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it right now.

New Hanover County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue New Hanover County cases in federal court if needed, giving us access to broader legal strategies.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We’re licensed in Texas and New York. This strategic advantage allows us to pursue national fraternity organizations headquartered anywhere in the country.

5. We Travel to New Hanover County

We will come to New Hanover County to:

• Meet with you and your family
• Take depositions
• Attend court hearings
• Try your case

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Se Habla Español

We have bilingual staff who can serve Spanish-speaking New Hanover County families. Language should never be a barrier to seeking justice.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that New Hanover County families may be concerned about legal costs. We work on contingency:

• $0 upfront costs
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

8. Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims. Our case results include:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
• Significant recoveries in catastrophic injury cases
• Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large institutions

9. Comprehensive Support

We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery:

• Medical record collection
• Evidence preservation
• Expert witness coordination
• Negotiation with insurance companies
• Court appearances
• Trial preparation

🎯 Case Study: How We’re Fighting for Hazing Victims Right Now

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi et al. – $10 Million Lawsuit

What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a prospective transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic hazing that included:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme exercises
• Being struck with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation from early morning driving duties
• Psychological humiliation including carrying sexual objects

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event by being forced to perform extreme physical exercises until he collapsed. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospital stay.

Our Legal Action:
On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against:

• Pi Kappa Phi National Organization
• The local Beta Nu chapter
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual chapter officers and members
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their residence)

Why This Matters for New Hanover County:

• Same fraternity, same risks: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near New Hanover County
• Same institutional failures: Universities near New Hanover County have the same power—and responsibility—to prevent hazing
• Same legal strategies: We’re using the same aggressive approach to hold institutions accountable
• Same potential outcomes: $10 million is achievable for New Hanover County families

📞 New Hanover County Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a New Hanover County college or university, we can help.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for New Hanover County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com

Free Consultation for New Hanover County Families
$0 Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If We Win

What to Expect When You Call

1. Immediate Response

   • We answer calls 24/7 for hazing emergencies
   • New Hanover County families can schedule video consultations

2. Free Case Evaluation

   • We’ll listen to your story
   • We’ll explain your legal rights
   • We’ll evaluate the strength of your case

3. No Pressure

   • You’re under no obligation
   • We’ll answer all your questions
   • We’ll help you understand your options

4. Comprehensive Support

   • Evidence preservation guidance
   • Medical record collection
   • Next steps planning

🔍 Recognizing Hazing: What New Hanover County Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. New Hanover County parents should be alert for:

Physical Hazing Warning Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Changes in eating habits
• Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Hospitalization for “unknown” reasons

Psychological Hazing Warning Signs

• Sudden anxiety or depression
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Fear of discussing Greek life activities
• Nightmares or sleep disturbances
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Increased secrecy about whereabouts
• Fear of retribution for speaking out

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden change in clothing style
• Wearing the same clothes repeatedly (may be “pledge uniform”)
• Carrying unusual items (fanny packs, specific objects)
• Late-night activities with no explanation
• Early morning obligations
• Sudden financial requests (for “fraternity expenses”)

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

1. Talk to Your Child

   • Approach the conversation with care and concern
   • Avoid judgment or accusations
   • Ask open-ended questions

2. Document Everything

   • Save any concerning text messages or social media posts
   • Take photos of any injuries
   • Keep a journal of your observations

3. Contact an Attorney

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We can help you gather evidence safely
   • We can advise you on next steps

4. Consider Medical Evaluation

   • Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent
   • A medical professional can assess for hidden injuries

🏛️ Holding New Hanover County Institutions Accountable

Universities and colleges in New Hanover County have a legal duty to protect their students. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

Common Failures by New Hanover County Institutions

1. Failure to Supervise Greek Life

   • Not conducting regular inspections
   • Not responding to hazing complaints
   • Allowing dangerous “traditions” to continue

2. Premises Liability

   • Owning fraternity/sorority houses but failing to maintain safe conditions
   • Allowing hazing to occur on university property
   • Failing to secure properties where hazing occurs

3. Institutional Knowledge

   • Knowing about prior hazing incidents but failing to act
   • Having policies in place but not enforcing them
   • Prioritizing reputation over student safety

4. Failure to Educate

   • Not providing adequate hazing prevention training
   • Not educating students about their rights
   • Not making reporting mechanisms clear and accessible

How We Prove Institutional Negligence

When we represent New Hanover County families, we gather evidence to show:

• The university knew or should have known about hazing risks
• The university had the power to prevent hazing
• The university failed to implement adequate safeguards
• This failure directly led to your child’s injuries

Evidence we use:

• Prior hazing incident reports at the same institution
• University policies and procedures
• Inspection records of fraternity/sorority properties
• Communications between university and Greek organizations
• Witness testimony from other students
• Expert analysis of institutional failures

📅 Timeline of a New Hanover County Hazing Case

While every case is unique, here’s what New Hanover County families can generally expect:

Total potential timeline: 6 months to 3+ years

Factors that may extend timeline:

• Complexity of case
• Number of defendants
• Severity of injuries
• Need for extensive medical treatment
• Defendant’s willingness to settle

💡 Frequently Asked Questions for New Hanover County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to pursue legal action. What should I do?

A: This is common. Many hazing victims feel loyalty to the organization or fear retaliation. Here’s how we can help:

1. Protect their rights – Even if they don’t want to sue now, we can preserve evidence for future action
2. Anonymous reporting – We can help report the hazing without revealing identities
3. Support services – We can connect your child with counseling and support groups
4. Future options – The statute of limitations gives time to decide

Most importantly: Let your child know that what happened to them was wrong and they have the right to seek justice when they’re ready.

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

A: No. North Carolina law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.

When fraternities argue:

• “They knew what they were signing up for”
• “They could have left at any time”
• “Everyone goes through it”

North Carolina law says: Consent doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim agreed to it.

Q: We’re concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney. How much will this cost us?

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

• $0 to hire us – No retainer or hourly fees
• $0 while the case is ongoing – We cover all case expenses
• We only get paid if we win – Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict

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

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities can still be held liable for off-campus hazing if:

1. The university knew or should have known about the hazing
2. The university had a duty to protect students
3. The university failed to take reasonable steps to prevent hazing

Even if hazing occurs at a private residence or off-campus location, the university may share responsibility if they knew about the risks and failed to act.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically result in significant compensation due to:

• The egregious nature of the conduct
• The severe physical and psychological injuries
• The institutional failures involved
• The need to send a message to prevent future hazing

Factors that increase case value:

• Severe physical injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Wrongful death
• Pattern of prior hazing incidents at the same organization
• Institutional knowledge and failure to act
• Cover-up attempts
• Extreme conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)

Precedent cases show values ranging from $1 million to $110 million.

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

A: We can still help. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including:

• Students from New Hanover County attending schools elsewhere
• Students hazed at New Hanover County schools
• Students hazed at schools near New Hanover County

We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere
• Experience with out-of-state defendants
• Willingness to travel for depositions and trials
• Remote consultation capabilities

Q: Will this affect my child’s academic standing?

A: We protect our clients’ academic standing. Here’s how:

1. Confidentiality – We maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process
2. University communications – We handle all interactions with the university
3. Title IX coordination – We work with Title IX offices to protect your child’s rights
4. Academic accommodations – We can request accommodations for medical or psychological needs
5. Disciplinary protection – We ensure your child isn’t unfairly disciplined for reporting hazing

Most importantly, hazing is the problem—not reporting it. Universities have policies that protect students who report hazing in good faith.

Q: What if the fraternity tries to retaliate against my child?

A: Retaliation is illegal. We take immediate action if retaliation occurs:

1. Legal action – We can file additional claims for retaliation
2. University intervention – We demand university protection for your child
3. Injunctions – We can seek court orders to stop retaliation
4. Witness protection – We ensure your child’s safety throughout the process

Document everything: If retaliation occurs, save all communications and report it to us immediately.

🔥 Putting New Hanover County Fraternities on Notice

To fraternities operating at New Hanover County-area universities:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national organizations, and your documented history of hazing.

If your chapter harms students in New Hanover County, we will pursue every liable entity. We will shut down your chapter. We will hold your leaders personally accountable. We will make you pay.

Pi Kappa Phi learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

🏆 Our Commitment to New Hanover County Families

At Attorney 911, we see your child as a person—not a paycheck. We understand the pain New Hanover County families experience when their children are betrayed by organizations they trusted.

We will fight for New Hanover County families with the same passion we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing case. We will:

• Investigate thoroughly – Leaving no stone unturned
• Preserve evidence – Before it disappears
• Build a strong case – With expert witnesses and documentation
• Negotiate aggressively – For maximum compensation
• Take it to trial if needed – To get the justice you deserve
• Protect your child – From retaliation and intimidation
• Travel to New Hanover County – For meetings, depositions, and trials

New Hanover County families deserve justice. We’re here to deliver it.

📞 New Hanover County Hazing Victims: Call Now

If your child has been hazed at a New Hanover County college or university, time is critical.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for New Hanover County hazing emergencies)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com

Free Consultation • $0 Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If We Win

We will travel to New Hanover County to meet with you, represent you in court, and fight for the justice your family deserves.