Hazing Lawyers in North Carolina: Protecting Students from Abuse and Negligence

North Carolina Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a North Carolina college or university, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure of what to do next. This is not your fault. Hazing is not “tradition”—it is abuse. And when institutions like fraternities, sororities, or universities fail to protect students, they must be held accountable.

At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed the brutal reality of Greek life hazing. The same fraternities operate at North Carolina schools. The same dangers exist here. And we are ready to fight for North Carolina families.

The Hazing Crisis in North Carolina: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing is not just a problem in Texas—it is a nationwide epidemic, and North Carolina is no exception. Fraternities and sororities with chapters in North Carolina have been involved in serious hazing incidents, including:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment causing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
• Psychological abuse, including humiliation, sleep deprivation, and threats
• Sexual assault and harassment under the guise of “initiation”

North Carolina Universities with Greek Life: The Same Risks Exist Here

North Carolina is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, many with active Greek life communities. Some of the largest and most well-known institutions include:

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• Duke University
• North Carolina State University (NC State)
• Wake Forest University
• Elon University
• Appalachian State University
• East Carolina University (ECU)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
• North Carolina A&T State University

These schools have the same national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries across the country.

The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate in North Carolina

The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that hospitalized our client in Texas has active chapters at universities across North Carolina, including:

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• North Carolina State University (NC State)
• East Carolina University (ECU)

Other fraternities with documented hazing histories also have North Carolina chapters:

If your child was hazed at a North Carolina university, we can help—no matter where the incident occurred.

What Is Hazing? North Carolina’s Legal Definition

Under North Carolina law, hazing is defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.

Examples of Hazing That Are Illegal in North Carolina

✅ Forced Alcohol Consumption – Being required to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning
✅ Physical Abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, or extreme exercise leading to injury
✅ Sleep Deprivation – Being forced to stay awake for extended periods
✅ Psychological Abuse – Humiliation, threats, or isolation
✅ Forced Eating or Drinking – Consuming non-food items, excessive food, or substances that cause vomiting
✅ Waterboarding or Simulated Drowning – As seen in our Pi Kappa Phi case
✅ Sexual Harassment or Assault – Forced nudity, sexual acts, or carrying sexual objects

North Carolina law makes it clear: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

North Carolina’s Anti-Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

1. North Carolina General Statute § 14-35 – Hazing is a Crime

• Class 2 Misdemeanor – If the hazing does not result in serious injury or death
• Class 1 Misdemeanor – If the hazing causes serious injury
• Felony – If the hazing results in death

Penalties include:

• Jail time (up to 120 days for a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 1 year for a Class 1 misdemeanor)
• Fines
• Probation
• Expulsion from school

2. North Carolina General Statute § 115D-20.2 – Colleges Must Report Hazing

• North Carolina colleges and universities must report hazing incidents to law enforcement.
• Failure to report is a violation of state law.

3. Civil Liability – You Can Sue for Damages

Even if criminal charges are not filed, you can file a civil lawsuit against:

• The fraternity or sorority
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members who participated

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization)

The $10 Million Hazing Case We’re Fighting Right Now – And Why It Matters for North Carolina

Leonel Bermudez vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

What Happened:

• A transfer student (not even enrolled at UH yet) accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
• Over seven weeks, he was subjected to torture disguised as “tradition”:
  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
  • Another pledge lost consciousness during hazing (October 15, 2025)
• On November 3, 2025, after extreme physical punishment, he could not stand without help.
• November 6, 2025: His mother rushed him to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure.
• He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital fighting for his life.

Why This Case Matters for North Carolina Families:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UNC, NC State, and ECU – the same organization that allowed this abuse.
✅ Universities in North Carolina face the same liability risks – if they own fraternity houses or fail to supervise Greek life.
✅ The same “traditions” exist in North Carolina – forced drinking, physical punishment, psychological abuse.
✅ North Carolina parents deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.

Our lawsuit demands $10 million—a figure supported by recent hazing verdicts and settlements.

Multi-Million Dollar Hazing Verdicts & Settlements: What North Carolina Families Can Expect

Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here are some of the most significant cases:

These cases prove one thing: Hazing victims and their families can—and do—win big.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a North Carolina Hazing Lawsuit?

If your child was hazed in North Carolina, multiple parties may be responsible:

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The University of Houston (they owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members (including the fraternity president and pledgemaster)
• A former member and their spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in North Carolina

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are critical evidence in a lawsuit.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

📱 Save all communications:

• Text messages
• GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs
• Emails
• Social media posts

📸 Take photos and videos:

• Injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Hazing locations (fraternity house, off-campus sites)
• Items used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, etc.)

📝 Document everything:

• Dates, times, and descriptions of hazing incidents
• Names of people involved
• Witness contact information

⚠️ Do NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Sign anything from the fraternity or university
• Give a statement without legal counsel

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report – Hazing is a crime in North Carolina.
• Report to the university – Under NC law, they must investigate.
• Contact the national fraternity/sorority – They may claim they didn’t know, but they should be put on notice.

Step 4: Contact a North Carolina Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Statute of limitations in North Carolina: 3 years (but don’t wait—evidence disappears).
• Insurance companies and universities will try to silence you.
• We can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Why North Carolina Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

• We know how to build these cases.
• We know how to hold institutions accountable.
• We know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

• Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena used to defend insurance companies.
• We know exactly how they try to minimize claims.
• We use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

3. Federal Court Authority – We Can Handle Cases Nationwide

• Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
• Can pursue federal claims (like civil rights violations).
• We will travel to North Carolina for your case.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission – Texas & New York

• Strategic advantage for cases involving national fraternities/sororities.
• Can pursue defendants anywhere in the country.

5. Bilingual Services – Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• We provide full legal services in Spanish for North Carolina families.

6. Contingency Fee – $0 Upfront Costs

• You pay nothing unless we win.
• No hourly fees, no retainers.
• We take the risk—you focus on your child’s recovery.

7. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

• We treat North Carolina families like family.
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes.
• We fight not just for compensation, but for justice.

What Damages Can North Carolina Hazing Victims Recover?

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we are seeking $10 million—a figure supported by recent hazing verdicts.**

North Carolina Hazing Case Examples: What Could Happen Here

Case 1: Forced Alcohol Consumption – Alcohol Poisoning

• Scenario: A student at UNC Chapel Hill is forced to drink excessive alcohol during a fraternity initiation.
• Result: Alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, or death.
• Liable Parties: Fraternity, university, individual members.
• Potential Compensation: $1M–$10M+ (similar to Stone Foltz case).

Case 2: Extreme Physical Punishment – Rhabdomyolysis

• Scenario: A student at NC State is forced to do hundreds of squats and pushups as part of “pledge week.”
• Result: Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, hospitalization.
• Liable Parties: Fraternity, national organization, university.
• Potential Compensation: $500,000–$5M+ (similar to our Pi Kappa Phi case).

Case 3: Psychological Abuse – PTSD & Suicide Risk

• Scenario: A student at Duke University is subjected to humiliation, sleep deprivation, and threats during sorority initiation.
• Result: Severe anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts.
• Liable Parties: Sorority, university, individual members.
• Potential Compensation: $250,000–$2M+.

Case 4: Sexual Assault During Initiation

• Scenario: A student at Wake Forest is sexually assaulted during a fraternity “lineup.”
• Result: Trauma, therapy, potential criminal charges.
• Liable Parties: Fraternity, university, perpetrators.
• Potential Compensation: $500,000–$10M+.

How We Handle North Carolina Hazing Cases

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

• We listen to your story.
• We review medical records, communications, and evidence.
• We determine if you have a viable case.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants.
• Demand that texts, social media, and videos be saved.
• Work with forensic experts to recover deleted evidence.

Step 3: Build a Strong Legal Strategy

• Identify all liable parties (fraternity, university, individuals).
• Gather medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
• Calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages).

Step 4: Negotiate or Litigate

• Demand a fair settlement from insurance companies and defendants.
• If they refuse, we file a lawsuit and take them to court.
• We are prepared to go to trial if necessary to get you justice.

Step 5: Maximize Your Compensation

• We fight for every dollar you deserve.
• We hold all responsible parties accountable.
• We ensure this never happens to another North Carolina student.

North Carolina Hazing Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?

✅ Yes. Under North Carolina law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

⏳ North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years. However, do not wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately.

3. Can I sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?

✅ Yes. Even if hazing occurred off-campus, the university may still be liable if:

• They knew or should have known about hazing risks.
• They failed to supervise Greek life.
• They owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred.

4. What if the fraternity is already suspended or shut down?

✅ You can still sue. The national organization and individual members may still be liable. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, the chapter was shut down before the lawsuit was filed—but we are still pursuing the national organization and individuals.

5. How much is my hazing case worth?

💰 Every case is different, but recent hazing verdicts and settlements range from $1 million to $110 million. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing
• Whether the national organization failed to supervise
• Whether the hazing was part of a pattern of abuse

6. Can I afford a lawyer?

✅ Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

7. Will my child’s name be kept private?

🔒 We protect our clients’ privacy. In many hazing cases, we can file under sealed court documents or use pseudonyms to protect your child’s identity.

8. What if the fraternity claims they didn’t know about the hazing?

🕵️ We investigate. We subpoena:

• Text messages, emails, and social media from fraternity members.
• Prior hazing reports at the chapter or university.
• National organization records showing they knew about problems.
• University communications about Greek life oversight.

If they knew or should have known, they are liable.

9. Can I file a criminal complaint too?

⚖️ Yes. Hazing is a crime in North Carolina. We can help you:

• File a police report.
• Work with prosecutors to pursue criminal charges.
• Coordinate civil and criminal cases for maximum impact.

10. How do I get started?

📞 Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com

We will travel to North Carolina for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

North Carolina Hazing Lawyer: Our Commitment to You

We Will Fight for Justice. We Will Fight for Your Child. We Will Fight for North Carolina Families.

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is abuse, and it has no place in North Carolina colleges and universities.

If your child was hazed, you have rights. You can hold the fraternity, the university, and the individuals accountable. You can get compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. You can prevent this from happening to another family.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for you.

🚨 North Carolina Families: Contact Us Now

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free Consultation • No Upfront Costs • We Only Get Paid If You Win

Serving North Carolina from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – We Will Travel to You

📍 North Carolina Hazing Lawyer: Areas We Serve

We represent hazing victims and families across North Carolina, including:

• Charlotte, NC
• Raleigh, NC
• Durham, NC
• Greensboro, NC
• Winston-Salem, NC
• Fayetteville, NC
• Cary, NC
• Wilmington, NC
• Asheville, NC
• Greenville, NC
• High Point, NC
• Concord, NC
• Gastonia, NC
• And all other North Carolina cities and towns

If your child was hazed at a North Carolina university, college, or high school—we can help.