Hazing Victims in Wilkes County: Your Legal Rights and How We Can Help
If Your Child Was Hazed in Wilkes County, You’re Not Alone — And You Have Powerful Legal Options
Wilkes County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations near Wilkes County will protect their students. But all too often, that trust is betrayed by a culture of abuse disguised as “tradition.”
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that’s making national headlines. The same fraternities that operate near Wilkes County universities have the same dangerous cultures. The same institutions that should be protecting students are failing them. And Wilkes County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Texas.
If your child was hazed at a Wilkes County university or nearby institution, we can help you fight back.
The Hazing Crisis in Wilkes County and Beyond
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s happening right here in North Carolina — including at universities near Wilkes County.
What Hazing Really Looks Like
In our current case, we’re representing a young man who was:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to lie in his own vomit
- Humiliated and degraded — carrying sexual objects, stripped in cold weather
- Exhausted through sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
The result? Rhabdomyolysis — a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and damages the kidneys. Our client spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life.
This isn’t happening just in Texas. It’s happening near Wilkes County too.
Why Hazing Happens at Wilkes County Universities
Wilkes County is home to several universities and colleges where Greek life thrives. These institutions include:
- Appalachian State University in Boone
- Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory
- Catawba College in Salisbury
- Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs
- Western Carolina University in Cullowhee
These schools attract students from Wilkes County who want to pursue higher education close to home. But the same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — have active chapters at these institutions.
The problem isn’t limited to fraternities. Hazing occurs in sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC programs, and other student organizations across Wilkes County universities.
The Culture of Silence
Why does hazing continue? Because of a culture of silence and fear:
- Victims are afraid of retribution
- They’re told “everyone goes through it”
- They don’t want to be seen as “weak” or “not a team player”
- They believe they “consented” to the activities
- They fear being ostracized or losing their social group
But here’s the truth: Consent is not a defense under North Carolina law. No one can legally consent to being hazed. And no one should have to endure torture to be part of a group.
North Carolina Hazing Laws: What Wilkes County Families Need to Know
North Carolina has strong laws against hazing, and Wilkes County families have legal rights when their children are victimized.
North Carolina General Statute § 14-35: Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
Any act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization.
Criminal Penalties:
- Class 2 Misdemeanor — Hazing that does not result in serious injury
- Class 1 Misdemeanor — Hazing that results in serious injury
- Class H Felony — Hazing that results in death
Key Provisions for Wilkes County Families:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, and other groups can face consequences
- Universities have a duty to protect students — If they knew or should have known about hazing, they can be held accountable
Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens Near Wilkes County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we’re pursuing 10 defendants — and Wilkes County families should know that these same defendants exist in North Carolina.
1. The Local Chapter
The chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing is primarily responsible. This includes:
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
- Members who participated in hazing
- Members who witnessed and failed to stop hazing
Example: If your child was hazed at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter near Wilkes County, the local chapter and its members can be sued.
2. The National Organization
National fraternities and sororities have millions of dollars in assets and insurance. They’re supposed to supervise their chapters and enforce anti-hazing policies. When they fail, they’re liable.
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce their own rules
- They had 8 years to fix their culture after a student died at their Florida State chapter — they did nothing
- Now another student has been hospitalized
Wilkes County families: If your child was hazed by a national fraternity or sorority chapter, the national organization can be held accountable.
3. The University
Universities near Wilkes County have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be held liable for:
- Negligent supervision — Failing to monitor Greek life or other organizations
- Premises liability — If hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Institutional negligence — Knowing about hazing risks and failing to act
In our current case:
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
- They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at a different fraternity — they knew the risks
- They failed to implement real oversight
Wilkes County families: If your child was hazed at a Wilkes County university or nearby institution, the university may share liability.
4. Individual Perpetrators
Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:
- Members who carried out hazing activities
- Members who witnessed and did nothing
- Alumni who hosted hazing events
- Advisors who failed to intervene
Precedent: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
5. Insurance Companies
Most national fraternities, universities, and homeowners have liability insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. These policies often have million-dollar limits.
As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know how to pursue these policies and maximize recovery for Wilkes County families.
What Damages Can Wilkes County Families Recover?
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. Wilkes County families can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
- Future medical costs — Ongoing treatment for injuries like rhabdomyolysis
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — The agony of injuries and recovery
- Emotional distress — PTSD, anxiety, depression from the abuse
- Humiliation and shame — Psychological impact of degrading hazing
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages
When hazing is particularly egregious or reckless, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
In our current case, punitive damages are appropriate because:
- The fraternity waterboarded a student — a form of torture
- They forced exercise until collapse
- They knew about prior hazing deaths and did nothing
- They showed no remorse — they’re already planning to reopen the chapter
Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Wilkes County families should know that these outcomes are possible for them too.
Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million
- Victim: Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha pledge at Bowling Green State University
- What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million settlement — largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history
Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict
- Victim: Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta pledge at LSU
- What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana
Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million Settlement
- Victim: Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi pledge at Penn State
- What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes during “the gauntlet”
- Result: Fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania
Andrew Coffey — Same Fraternity as Our Current Case
- Victim: Andrew Coffey, Pi Kappa Phi pledge at Florida State
- What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon
- Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: Chapter permanently closed; multiple criminal convictions
Wilkes County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and their families win big. The same legal strategies apply to Wilkes County cases.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Wilkes County
If your child was hazed at a Wilkes County university or nearby institution, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury)
- Document everything — hospital records, doctor’s notes, therapy records
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
2. Preserve All Evidence
Save everything that documents the hazing:
- Text messages — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp
- Photos and videos — From hazing events or of injuries
- Social media posts — Anything referencing hazing or pledge activities
- Emails — From the organization or university
- Witness information — Names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
- Physical evidence — Items used in hazing, clothing worn during events
Do NOT:
- Delete anything
- Talk to the organization without legal counsel
- Sign any documents from the fraternity, sorority, or university
- Post about the incident on social media
3. Report the Hazing
- File a police report — Hazing is a crime in North Carolina
- Report to the university — Request a Title IX investigation
- Report to the national organization — If it’s a Greek organization, file a complaint with the national headquarters
Note: Reporting can be intimidating, but it’s essential for building your case.
4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
Hazing cases are complex and high-stakes. Universities and national organizations have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need your own legal team to level the playing field.
At Attorney 911, we:
- Offer free consultations for Wilkes County families
- Work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
- Travel to Wilkes County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Provide remote consultations if you can’t travel to Houston
- Handle all communications with the defendants and their lawyers
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Why Wilkes 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 the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases.
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 — and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Nationwide Reach
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide — including Wilkes County families. We have:
- Federal court authority — U.S. District Court admission
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Willingness to travel — We come to Wilkes County for your case
4. Proven Results
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases
- Significant recoveries in catastrophic injury cases
- Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large institutions
5. We Speak Spanish
Se habla español. Hazing affects students from all backgrounds, including Wilkes County’s Hispanic community. We can serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
6. We Care
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We’re fighting to protect Wilkes County students because we truly care about ending this culture of abuse.
The Attorney 911 Difference: How We Handle Wilkes County Hazing Cases
Step 1: Immediate Case Evaluation
- Free, confidential consultation
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Explain your legal rights and options
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand they preserve all evidence (texts, photos, videos, documents)
- Work with experts to document injuries and damages
Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties
- Local chapter
- National organization
- University or college
- Individual perpetrators
- Insurance carriers
Step 4: Build a Strong Case
- Gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Consult with hazing culture experts
- Calculate full economic and non-economic damages
Step 5: Aggressive Negotiation
- Demand fair compensation from all defendants
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Push for policy limits when appropriate
Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)
- File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial
- Fight for maximum compensation in court
Step 7: Resolution
- Secure settlement or jury verdict
- Ensure all damages are paid
- Work to implement systemic changes to prevent future hazing
Frequently Asked Questions for Wilkes County Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand that victims often feel ashamed or afraid. However, hazing is a crime, and reporting it is important for:
- Protecting other students from the same abuse
- Preserving evidence for your legal case
- Holding the responsible parties accountable
We can help you report the hazing safely and confidentially.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Under North Carolina law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Q: We’re in Wilkes County, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Wilkes County families. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Remote case management
- Willingness to travel to Wilkes County for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery
- There are no hourly charges or retainers
Wilkes County families pay $0 out of pocket.
Q: How long will the case take?
A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take:
- 6-12 months for minor injuries with clear liability
- 12-24 months for moderate injuries with multiple defendants
- 2-4 years for severe injuries or wrongful death cases
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most hazing cases settle before trial. However, if the case does go to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If your child was hazed at an off-campus location, the organization and individuals involved can still be held liable.
Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life or other organizations, they can be held liable even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.
The Message to Wilkes County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Wilkes County:
We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know your chapters have the same dangerous cultures that hospitalized our client in Houston.
If you haze students in Wilkes County, we will find every liable entity — and we will make you pay.
To the universities near Wilkes County:
The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses. You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.
Act now — or face the same accountability.
Wilkes County Families: You Have the Power to Stop Hazing
Every time a hazing victim comes forward, lives are saved. Our client in Houston is brave enough to speak out because he doesn’t want this to happen to anyone else. Your child’s case could be the one that finally forces change at Wilkes County universities.
What You Can Do:
- Contact Attorney 911 — Free consultation at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Preserve evidence — Save texts, photos, witness info
- Report the hazing — To police, the university, and the national organization
- Tell your story — Media coverage puts pressure on defendants
- Demand accountability — From the fraternity, the university, and the individuals involved
Call Attorney 911 Today — Free Consultation for Wilkes County Families
If your child was hazed at a Wilkes County university or nearby institution, we can help you fight back.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
We travel to Wilkes County — distance is not a barrier.
We speak Spanish — se habla español.
We care — and we will fight for your family.
Together, We Can End Hazing in Wilkes County
Wilkes County families deserve safe colleges. Students deserve to pursue their education without fear of torture. And victims deserve justice.
At Attorney 911, we’re committed to ending the culture of hazing — one case at a time. We’ve seen what happens when institutions prioritize reputation over safety. We’ve seen the devastation it causes families. And we’re fighting to make sure it never happens again.
If your child was hazed, call us today. Let’s hold them accountable — and protect the next student.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Wilkes County and nationwide from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it right now — and we’ll fight for Wilkes County families too.
