Hazing Lawyers in Greenville, SC
When college experiences turn harmful or tragic due to hazing incidents, victims and their families deserve justice and compensation for their suffering. At Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC, our Greenville hazing lawyers are dedicated to holding fraternities, sororities, and educational institutions accountable for preventable injuries and deaths that occur during dangerous initiation rituals.
Understanding South Carolina’s Hazing Laws
South Carolina takes hazing seriously under its comprehensive hazing statute. The law makes it unlawful for any person to “intentionally or recklessly engage in acts that have a foreseeable potential for causing physical harm to a person for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with a chartered or nonchartered student, fraternal, or sororal organization.” This statute applies to both chartered and non-chartered fraternities, sororities, and other organizations operating in connection with schools, colleges, or universities.
Importantly, the law excludes “customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, or military training,” focusing specifically on dangerous initiation practices that serve no legitimate educational or competitive purpose. This distinction helps clarify what constitutes illegal hazing versus acceptable organizational activities.
The Reality of Hazing Injuries
Hazing incidents often result in devastating consequences that go far beyond typical college mishaps. Common hazing injuries include:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Physical assault injuries
- Burns
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma
These incidents often occur in environments where victims feel pressured to endure dangerous activities to gain acceptance into desired organizations.
Pursuing Justice Through Civil Claims
When hazing results in serious injuries and lasting complications, victims may have the opportunity to pursue a personal injury claim. Civil cases allow victims to seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. They focus on holding individuals and institutions responsible for the harm they cause.
Lawsuits often seek compensation for medical expenses, mental health treatment, lost academic opportunities, and long-term psychological harm. The basis for personal injury law or a wrongful death lawsuit is that a plaintiff (the injured person or their survivor) is entitled to recover damages from a defendant whose negligence caused their injury.
Institutional Responsibility
Universities, fraternities, and sororities have legal obligations to protect students from foreseeable harm. Many college and university organizations, like fraternities and sororities carry liability insurance. These policies often apply when members of the organization commit negligence which causes injury. Unlawful hazing activities that result in injury or death may be covered, so victims may have viable claims against these organizations.
Many universities attempt to sweep these issues under the rug so that their name isn’t tarnished, but protecting students should be the top priority. Our attorneys work to ensure that institutions face appropriate consequences for failing to prevent foreseeable hazing incidents.
Contact Our Greenville Hazing Attorneys Today
We believe victims of fraternity hazing and their families who suffered severe injuries and deaths have the right to file for financial compensation. Our Greenville hazing lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases while recognizing that college students and their families need to understand their rights. They should feel safe at school.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hazing incident at a Greenville-area college or university, contact Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC for a confidential consultation. A successful lawsuit will provide you with financial compensation and can often lead to reform in fraternities and sororities on campus. Let us help you seek justice and prevent future tragedies. Call 864-432-1796 or contact us online at no cost.