Hazing Victims in Orangeburg County: Legal Rights and Support from Attorney 911

When Tradition Becomes Torture: Hazing at Orangeburg County Colleges

Orangeburg County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to have positive experiences. But for too many students at South Carolina State University and Claflin University—two of Orangeburg County’s most respected institutions—Greek life has become a nightmare of abuse disguised as “tradition.” Hazing isn’t just a problem at big-name schools like Penn State or LSU. It happens right here in Orangeburg County, and it’s time we put a stop to it.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, where a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate at Orangeburg County universities. The same culture of abuse exists here. And we’re here to fight for Orangeburg County families who’ve been betrayed by these institutions.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in Orangeburg County

Hazing isn’t just “rough initiation rituals.” In our current case, we’ve documented:

• Waterboarding with garden hoses – simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced consumption until vomiting – drinking milk, eating hot dogs and peppercorns until pledges vomit, then making them continue
• Extreme physical punishment – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, two-mile warmups
• Wooden paddle beatings – physical assault with weapons
• Sleep deprivation – driving fraternity members at all hours, forced late-night activities
• Psychological torture – carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied for hours, threats of expulsion

These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re systematic, organized abuse that happens at fraternities and sororities across Orangeburg County. And too often, universities turn a blind eye until it’s too late.

Orangeburg County Universities and the Hazing Crisis

South Carolina State University and Claflin University both have active Greek organizations, including chapters of national fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing scandals nationwide:

• Pi Kappa Phi – currently facing our $10 million lawsuit for waterboarding and hospitalizing a student
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – has paid millions in hazing settlements nationally
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – responsible for multiple hazing deaths, including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State
• Kappa Sigma – has faced lawsuits for hazing-related injuries
• Phi Delta Theta – responsible for Maxwell Gruver’s death at LSU

These same organizations have chapters at Orangeburg County universities. The question isn’t whether hazing happens here—it’s how many Orangeburg County students have been hurt and never spoken up.

The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to Bodies

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It causes serious, sometimes permanent physical damage:

• Rhabdomyolysis – muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (what hospitalized our client)
• Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Alcohol poisoning – from forced drinking, can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – from exposure to extreme temperatures
• Broken bones and internal injuries – from physical abuse
• Cardiac arrest – from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression – long-term psychological damage

In our current case, the victim spent four days in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t move. He passed brown urine—a classic sign of muscle breakdown. And this happened because a fraternity decided torture was an acceptable way to “build brotherhood.”

Legal Rights for Orangeburg County Hazing Victims

If your child has been hazed at a South Carolina State University or Claflin University fraternity or sorority, you have legal rights. South Carolina law is clear:

South Carolina’s Anti-Hazing Law

South Carolina Code § 59-101-200 defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of an institution of higher learning, by one student alone or acting with others, directed against another student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

This law applies to:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Any student organization

Key provisions:

• Consent is not a defense – even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them
• Criminal penalties – hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fine and 30 days in jail
• Organizational penalties – fraternities/sororities can lose recognition
• Civil liability – victims can sue for damages

Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable

Beyond criminal charges, Orangeburg County families can file civil lawsuits against:

1. The local fraternity/sorority chapter – for organizing and conducting the hazing
2. The national organization – for failing to supervise and allowing a culture of abuse
3. The university – for failing to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
4. Individual members – for participating in or facilitating the hazing
5. Alumni and housing corporations – for allowing hazing on their property

What you can recover:

• Medical expenses – past and future treatment costs
• Lost wages – if hazing impacted your child’s ability to work
• Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages – to punish the organization and deter future hazing
• Legal fees – in some cases

The University’s Responsibility: They Knew This Was Happening

Universities in Orangeburg County have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

In our current case against the University of Houston:

• The university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
• They knew Greek life had a culture of abuse
• They did nothing to implement real oversight
• They allowed torture to happen on their property

South Carolina State University and Claflin University have the same responsibilities. They know hazing happens. They have the power to stop it. When they don’t, they share liability.

Why Orangeburg County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re not just lawyers. We’re former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how these institutions operate. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side. Now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.

Our Experience:

• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Former insurance defense attorneys – we know how defendants try to minimize claims
• Federal court admission – we can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses – Texas and New York
• Proven track record – millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Multilingual staff – we serve Orangeburg County’s diverse community

Why We Fight:

We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We see your child as a person—not a paycheck. We’ll fight hard for Orangeburg County families because we truly care.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Orangeburg County

If your child has been hazed at South Carolina State University, Claflin University, or any other Orangeburg County institution, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Legal deadlines approach.

Immediate Steps:

1. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor, get them documented
2. Preserve all evidence – take photos of injuries, save all communications (texts, social media, emails)
3. Do not talk to the fraternity/sorority – they will try to control the narrative
4. Do not sign anything – from the organization or the university
5. Do not post on social media – anything you post can be used against you
6. Contact Attorney 911 immediately – call 1-888-ATTY-911

Evidence to Preserve:

• Medical records – hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
• Photos/videos – of injuries, hazing locations, items used
• Communications – text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
• Witness information – names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
• Documents – pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
• Financial records – medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments

The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Fight for Orangeburg County Families

1. We Know the Defendants’ Playbook

As former insurance defense attorneys, we know exactly how fraternities and universities will try to defend themselves:

• “He consented to participate” – South Carolina law says consent is not a defense
• “It was just tradition” – tradition doesn’t justify abuse
• “We didn’t know it was happening” – universities own the houses; they have a duty to know
• “It was just a few bad apples” – hazing is systemic; organizations must be held accountable

We know all their tricks because we used to use them. Now we dismantle them.

2. We Build Cases That Win

In our current hazing case, we’ve already:

• Documented weeks of systematic abuse
• Identified multiple defendants (chapter, nationals, university, individuals)
• Gathered medical evidence of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Secured media coverage exposing the fraternity’s culture
• Forced the chapter to close permanently

We’ll do the same for Orangeburg County families.

3. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation. Recent precedents:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz case (Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver case (Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza case (Beta Theta Pi)

These cases show that juries and courts take hazing seriously. The same results are possible for Orangeburg County victims.

4. We Serve Orangeburg County Families

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Orangeburg County. We offer:

• Free consultations – in-person or by video
• Contingency fee representation – you pay nothing unless we win
• Willingness to travel – we’ll come to Orangeburg County for depositions and meetings
• Remote case management – we handle everything electronically when needed

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Common Hazing Scenarios in Orangeburg County

Hazing takes many forms at South Carolina State University, Claflin University, and other Orangeburg County institutions:

Greek Life Hazing

• Physical abuse – paddling, beating, branding
• Forced consumption – alcohol, food, non-food substances
• Extreme exercise – until collapse or injury
• Sleep deprivation – forced late-night activities
• Psychological torture – humiliation, degradation, threats
• Sexual abuse – forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Waterboarding – simulated drowning (as in our current case)

Sports Team Hazing

• Alcohol poisoning – forced drinking
• Physical assaults – beatings, “tackle the freshman” rituals
• Degrading activities – forced to wear embarrassing clothing
• Isolation – being excluded or treated as inferior

Marching Band Hazing

• Physical punishment – forced exercise, beatings
• Sleep deprivation – late-night rehearsals
• Humiliation – forced to perform degrading acts
• Injury risks – dangerous physical activities

ROTC and Military-Style Programs

• Physical abuse – forced exercise, beatings
• Sleep deprivation – all-night activities
• Psychological pressure – verbal abuse, threats
• Dangerous activities – high-risk training without safety measures

The Psychological Impact: What Hazing Does to Minds

The damage from hazing goes far beyond physical injuries. Victims often experience:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
• Depression – persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities
• Anxiety disorders – constant worry, panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation – thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Trust issues – difficulty forming relationships
• Academic decline – difficulty concentrating, falling grades
• Substance abuse – self-medicating to cope with trauma
• Social withdrawal – isolating from friends and family

In our current case, the victim is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real and is itself evidence of the psychological harm hazing causes.

How Universities Enable Hazing in Orangeburg County

Universities like South Carolina State and Claflin have the power to stop hazing. They choose not to. Here’s how they enable the culture:

1. They own the fraternity houses – giving them control and responsibility
2. They have prior incidents – they know hazing happens
3. They implement weak policies – that don’t actually prevent abuse
4. They conduct superficial investigations – that don’t uncover the truth
5. They impose light punishments – that don’t deter future hazing
6. They prioritize reputation over safety – protecting the institution, not students

In our current case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
• They did nothing meaningful to prevent future incidents
• They allowed torture to happen on their property

The same pattern exists at Orangeburg County universities.

The National Fraternity Problem: They Know and They Don’t Care

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, and Pike have a documented history of hazing deaths and injuries:

The pattern is clear:

1. A student is hurt or killed
2. The chapter is “suspended” or “closed”
3. The national organization claims to be “shocked”
4. They wait a few years
5. They reopen the chapter
6. It happens again

In Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement about our case, they said:

“We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

No remorse. No apology. Just planning their comeback.

What Orangeburg County Families Can Expect from the Legal Process

If you choose to pursue legal action, here’s what to expect:

1. Free consultation – we evaluate your case at no cost
2. Evidence gathering – we collect all medical records, communications, and documentation
3. Demand letter – we send a demand to the defendants
4. Negotiation – we negotiate with the defendants’ insurance companies
5. Litigation – if necessary, we file a lawsuit
6. Discovery – both sides exchange evidence and take depositions
7. Mediation – a neutral mediator helps facilitate settlement
8. Trial – if we can’t reach a fair settlement, we take the case to court
9. Resolution – settlement or verdict, followed by payment

Timeline:

• Most cases settle within 12-24 months
• Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer
• Wrongful death cases often take 2-4 years

Your role:

• Be honest and complete with your attorney
• Follow medical treatment recommendations
• Preserve all evidence
• Avoid discussing the case with others
• Be patient – justice takes time

Why Orangeburg County Families Should Act Now

1. Evidence Disappears

• Text messages get deleted
• Social media posts get removed
• Witnesses forget details
• Organizations destroy records

2. Legal Deadlines Approach

• South Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
• The clock starts ticking from the date of injury
• If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever

3. Other Victims Exist

• Hazing is rarely an isolated incident
• Other Orangeburg County students may have been hurt
• Your case could help protect future victims

4. Institutions Will Try to Silence You

• Fraternities will pressure victims to stay quiet
• Universities will offer “internal resolutions”
• Insurance companies will offer lowball settlements
• They want this to go away quietly

Don’t let them silence your child. Don’t let them protect the institution over your family.

Orangeburg County Hazing Resources

If you or someone you know is being hazed in Orangeburg County:

1. Report to the University:

   • South Carolina State University: Office of Student Affairs
   • Claflin University: Office of Student Development
   • Report anonymously if needed

2. Report to Law Enforcement:

   • Orangeburg Department of Public Safety: (803) 533-6000
   • Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office: (803) 534-3550

3. National Hazing Hotline:

   • HazingPrevention.Org: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

4. Medical Attention:

   • MUSC Health Orangeburg: (803) 536-6000
   • Regional Medical Center: (803) 395-2200

5. Legal Support:

   • Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Orangeburg County

Q: My child doesn’t want to report the hazing. What should I do?

A: Many hazing victims fear retaliation or social consequences. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Document everything – take photos of injuries, save all communications
2. Seek medical attention – even if your child doesn’t want to report, get injuries documented
3. Consult an attorney – we can advise you on your options without your child having to report
4. Encourage reporting – the longer you wait, the harder it is to hold the organization accountable
5. Consider therapy – hazing causes real psychological trauma

Remember: consent is not a defense under South Carolina law. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. South Carolina law is clear: any activity that endangers a student’s health or safety is hazing, regardless of tradition.

In our current case, the fraternity waterboarded a student—a form of torture. They forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. They struck him with wooden paddles. These aren’t traditions. They’re crimes.

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a legal duty to protect students. When they own or control fraternity houses, they have a responsibility to know what’s happening on their property.

In our current case:

• The University of Houston owned the fraternity house
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity
• They did nothing meaningful to prevent future incidents
• They allowed torture to happen on their property

The same liability applies to Orangeburg County universities.

Q: My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. South Carolina’s anti-hazing law applies to activities on or off campus. If the hazing was related to a university-recognized organization, you can still pursue legal action.

In our current case, hazing occurred at:

• The fraternity house (owned by the university)
• A private residence (former member’s home)
• Other locations

The location doesn’t matter. What matters is that it was organized by the fraternity for the purpose of initiation.

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

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases can result in substantial compensation. Factors that affect case value:

• Severity of injuries – hospitalization increases value
• Medical expenses – past and future treatment costs
• Psychological impact – PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Academic impact – missed classes, delayed graduation
• Career impact – lost internships, job opportunities
• Defendants’ resources – fraternities and universities have deep pockets
• Pattern of abuse – if the organization has prior incidents

Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz case
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver case
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza case

Q: My child is an international student. Can we still pursue legal action?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We represent international students and can advise on any visa concerns related to the legal process.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for an Orangeburg County hazing case?

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

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

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

Q: The fraternity offered my child a settlement. Should we accept?

A: Not without consulting an attorney. Fraternities and universities often offer lowball settlements immediately after an incident, hoping victims will accept before they know the full extent of their injuries or legal rights.

Before accepting any settlement:

1. Get all injuries documented by a medical professional
2. Understand the long-term consequences of your injuries
3. Consult with an experienced hazing attorney
4. Know the full value of your case

In our experience, victims who hire attorneys receive far higher settlements than those who try to negotiate on their own.

Orangeburg County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing has been allowed to continue in Orangeburg County for too long. Universities turn a blind eye. National fraternities claim to be “shocked” when students are hurt. And families are left to pick up the pieces.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In our current case, we’re fighting back—and we’re winning. We’ve already:

• Forced Pi Kappa Phi to close their UH chapter permanently
• Exposed their culture of abuse in national media
• Built a $10 million case that sends a message

The same can happen in Orangeburg County. The same must happen in Orangeburg County.

If your child has been hazed at South Carolina State University, Claflin University, or any other Orangeburg County institution, you have options. You have rights. And you have allies.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve Orangeburg County families. We fight for hazing victims. And we won’t stop until justice is served.

“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” – Lupe Pena, Attorney 911

Orangeburg County families: Enough is enough.