A Parent’s Guide to Hazing Injuries & Legal Rights in Alabama

Your child calls from campus. Their voice is shaky, their story doesn’t add up. There’s talk of “pledge activities,” unexplained bruises, extreme exhaustion, and a sudden, desperate need for money. You’re a parent in Alabama, and the terrifying thought creeps in: Is my child being hazed?

You are not alone. Hazing—the systematic abuse masked as tradition—is a national crisis that reaches into colleges and universities in every state, including Alabama. Whether your child attends the University of Alabama, Auburn University, or any school across the South, the dangers are real, and the consequences can be catastrophic.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. His story—involving a Pi Kappa Phi chapter, forced physical abuse, and a diagnosis of life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—is a stark reminder of what is happening on campuses nationwide. This active, multi-million dollar lawsuit demonstrates the level of expertise and tenacity required to hold powerful institutions accountable. The same national fraternities and organizational failures present in Texas exist in Alabama.

This guide is for you—Alabama parents, students, and families. We will explain what modern hazing looks like, the legal landscape in Alabama, the national patterns that predict local risk, and the practical steps you can take to protect your child and seek justice.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

In the First 48 Hours:

• Seek Medical Attention: Get your child to a doctor or ER immediately, even if they resist. Internal injuries like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) may not be visible.
• Preserve Evidence BEFORE It Disappears:
  • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), DMs, and social media posts.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (torn clothing, paddles, receipts for forced purchases).
  • Write Down everything your child tells you while their memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
  • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” their phone.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney. Evidence vanishes quickly—deleted chats, coached witnesses, destroyed paddles. Universities often move to control the narrative. We can help you navigate this crisis from the first call. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Alabama

Gone are the days when hazing was just a silly prank. Today’s hazing is a calculated pattern of abuse designed to test loyalty through humiliation, exertion, and danger. It happens in fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, spirit groups, band, and even academic clubs.

A Modern Definition: Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining, participating in, or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. In Alabama, as elsewhere, the power dynamic—the desire to belong—makes true consent impossible.

The Main Categories of Abuse

1. Alcohol & Substance Hazing: This remains the most lethal. It includes forced chugging, “family drink” games, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, and being pressured to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous amounts.

2. Physical Hazing: This includes paddling, beatings, “smokings” (extreme calisthenics), forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, sleep deprivation, and food/water restriction. The Leonel Bermudez case involved being forced to do hundreds of push-ups and squats, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose.

3. Psychological & Sexualized Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, humiliating costumes or roles, verbal abuse, isolation, and threats. It is designed to break down a person’s dignity and autonomy.

4. Digital Hazing: A 21st-century evolution. Pledges may be forced to post embarrassing content on social media, participate in risky “challenges,” or be subjected to 24/7 monitoring and demands via group chats, leading to severe sleep deprivation and anxiety.

For Alabama families, it’s critical to understand that these activities are not “team building.” They are often illegal, always dangerous, and can form the basis for both criminal charges and serious civil lawsuits for damages.

Law & Liability: Understanding the Legal Framework in Alabama

Hazing is not just a violation of school policy; it is against the law. Liability can extend far beyond the individual who swings the paddle or hands out the drink.

Alabama State Hazing Law

Alabama has its own specific hazing statute (Alabama Code § 16-1-23). Key provisions include:

• Definition: Hazing is defined as any willful act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in any organization connected to a school, college, or university that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor in Alabama. However, if the hazing results in serious physical injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, carrying more severe penalties.
• Consent is Not a Defense: The law explicitly states that the consent of the hazing victim is not a valid defense. This is crucial—the argument that “they wanted to do it” holds no legal weight.
• Duty to Report: The law encourages reporting and provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone who reports hazing in good faith.

Civil Liability: The Path to Accountability and Compensation

A criminal case is brought by the state to punish wrongdoing. A civil lawsuit is brought by the victim or their family to recover damages and hold all responsible parties accountable. They can proceed simultaneously.

In a civil hazing case, we look to build liability against a “universe” of defendants:

1. The Individuals: The members who planned, executed, or supervised the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity, sorority, or team as an entity.
3. The National Organization: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and have a history of similar incidents at other chapters. Their prior knowledge is key.
4. The University: Schools can be liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or violations of their duty to provide a safe environment.
5. Third Parties: This can include landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred.

The Federal Overlay: Title IX and the Clery Act

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, or is based on sex or gender, it triggers a university’s obligations under Title IX to investigate and address a hostile environment.
• Clery Act: Requires colleges to report campus crime statistics and issue timely warnings. Certain hazing acts may be Clery-reportable crimes.

The national Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 now requires increased transparency and reporting from universities, aiming to bring more of these incidents to light.

National Hazing Case Patterns: A Blueprint for What Happens in Alabama

The tragedies that have made national headlines are not isolated. They are a repeating script, and the same national organizations involved operate chapters in Alabama. Understanding these patterns shows how foreseeable—and preventable—these injuries are.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Forced to drink a bottle of alcohol; died. Resulted in a $10 million settlement.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died after a “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’ felony hazing law.
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after a “Big Brother” night. These patterns are documented and repeated.

The Physical & Ritualized Abuse Pattern

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.

The Athletic & Institutional Hazing Pattern

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, coach firings, and confidential settlements, proving hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

What This Means for Alabama Families: These cases establish precedent. They show that national organizations are on notice about specific, dangerous rituals. When a chapter at the University of Alabama or Auburn engages in similar conduct, that prior national history becomes powerful evidence of negligence and foreseeability in a civil lawsuit.

Hazing Reality at Alabama Schools: Where Alabama Families Send Their Kids

Alabama is home to universities with deep traditions and vibrant campus life, which includes a significant Greek system and athletic culture. Understanding the landscape is the first step to recognizing risk.

The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus Profile: UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the nation, with a significant percentage of students involved in fraternities and sororities. The scale and tradition-heavy culture require diligent oversight.
Notable Incidents: National fraternities present at UA, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) and Pi Kappa Alpha, have faced hazing allegations and lawsuits at chapters across the country. While specific recent public cases at UA may be limited, the national patterns of these organizations are well-established. Any hazing incident would likely involve the UA Office of Student Conduct, the UA Police Department, and potentially the Tuscaloosa Police.

Auburn University

Campus Profile: Auburn’s strong sense of family and tradition extends to its Greek life and athletic teams. The close-knit community can sometimes make reporting abuse feel more difficult for students.
Notable Incidents: As with UA, the major national fraternities and sororities at Auburn have histories elsewhere. The university has anti-hazing policies and reporting channels through the Office of Student Conduct and Auburn Campus Safety & Security.

Other Alabama Universities

• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), University of South Alabama, Troy University, Jacksonville State University, and others all have Greek life and student organizations where hazing can occur. The same dangerous dynamics are present regardless of school size.

For All Alabama Schools: The process following an incident typically involves an internal university investigation, which runs parallel to any criminal or civil legal action. It is vital to consult with an attorney before making statements in these internal proceedings, as they can impact legal strategy.

Organizations & National Patterns: The Letters Behind the Abuse

The same national organizations involved in deadly hazing cases across the country have chapters in Alabama. This connection is not incidental; it is central to building a legal case.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): National history includes the Stone Foltz death. Chapters are present at UA, Auburn, and others.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): One of the largest fraternities, with a long history of hazing incidents and lawsuits nationwide, including cases involving traumatic brain injury and severe burns.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The national organization our firm is currently suing in the Leonel Bermudez case. Their history includes the Andrew Coffey death at FSU.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): National history includes the Max Gruver death at LSU.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Has faced hazing suspensions and lawsuits at multiple universities.

Why This Matters for Your Case: In litigation, we don’t just sue the local kids. We use the national organization’s own records—their prior incident reports, their internal warnings, their failed policies—to show they knew or should have known this could happen. This “pattern and practice” evidence is how we secure accountability from the entities with the deepest pockets and the greatest ability to enact change.

Why Attorney911? Texas-Based Hazing Specialists for Alabama Families

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a local personal injury attorney. You need lawyers who understand the complex ecosystem of national fraternities, university insurance defenses, and the specific tactics used to cover up hazing. Though we are based in Texas, our expertise is national in scope and directly applicable to cases in Alabama.

Our Flagship Proof: The Leonel Bermudez Case

Right now, we are lead counsel in Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi, a $10 million lawsuit alleging horrific physical hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. We are actively litigating against a major university system, a national fraternity headquarters, a housing corporation, and 13 individual members. This is not historical—this is what we do every day. Read the Click2Houston report on this case.

Unique Advantages We Bring to Alabama Cases:

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense attorney for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background.
2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or large universities. We have federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar results. See Ralph Manginello’s full profile.
3. Data-Driven Investigation: We maintain detailed intelligence on Greek organizations. The same national brands, insurance carriers, and defense strategies used in Texas are used everywhere. We start your case with this investigative edge.
4. Dual Criminal & Civil Capability: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits. We can effectively advise victims and witnesses.
5. Nationwide Service Model for Alabama Families:
   • Co-Counsel Representation: We frequently work as co-counsel with local Alabama attorneys. We bring our specialized hazing and institutional litigation expertise; your local counsel handles Alabama procedural rules and local court nuances. This powerful combination gives your family the best of both worlds.
   • Consultation & Case Strategy: We provide comprehensive case evaluation and strategic guidance to families and their local attorneys anywhere in the U.S.
   • Direct Representation for Texas-Connected Cases: If your Alabama case has a connection to Texas (e.g., the national fraternity’s insurance is handled here, a key defendant is in Texas), we may be able to serve as lead counsel.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence Collection

The digital age means evidence is often abundant but fleeting. We immediately pursue:

• Digital Forensics: Deleted GroupMe, WhatsApp, and text messages; social media posts and archives; location data.
• Internal Records: Chapter minutes, pledge manuals, national fraternity communications and prior incident reports.
• University Files: Prior disciplinary records for the group obtained through discovery or public records requests.
• Medical Documentation: Thorough records linking the injuries directly to the hazing events.

Types of Recoverable Damages

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages can include:

• Economic Damages: All medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost educational costs, and diminished future earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the worst cases, families can seek funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious or reckless conduct, damages intended to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Practical Steps & FAQs for Alabama Parents and Students

A Parent’s Action Guide

1. Listen & Believe: If your child confides in you, stay calm. Your support is their lifeline.
2. Prioritize Health: Seek medical and mental health care immediately. Document everything.
3. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot everything before it’s deleted. Take photos of injuries.
4. Report Carefully: You can report to campus police and the Dean of Students, but understand the university’s interests may not fully align with yours. Consult an attorney first.
5. Consult a Specialist Early: Contact a firm with specific hazing experience to guide you through the parallel processes of university discipline, potential criminal action, and civil litigation.

FAQs for Alabama Families

Can we sue a university in Alabama for hazing?
Yes. While public universities have some legal protections, lawsuits can be brought for negligence, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations. Each case is fact-specific.

What is the statute of limitations for hazing in Alabama?
This is critical. In Alabama, the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complex rules regarding discovery of the injury and the age of the victim can apply. Do not wait. Watch our video on statutes of limitations.

My child “agreed” to it. Do we have a case?
Absolutely. Alabama law, like that of most states, explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The power imbalance and coercion inherent in the process negate true consent.

Will this be public? Will my child’s name be in the news?
Most civil cases settle confidentially before trial. We always prioritize our clients’ privacy and can seek protective orders from the court to seal sensitive documents.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you pay no upfront fees or hourly costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you. Learn how contingency fees work.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone: Contact Us Today

If hazing has hurt your child, you are facing powerful, well-insured institutions that will have lawyers working from day one. You need an equally experienced and determined team on your side.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) brings a unique combination of insider insurance knowledge, complex litigation experience, and a current, active track record in high-stakes hazing cases. We serve families across the country, and we are ready to listen to your story.

We offer free, confidential consultations. We will review what happened, explain your legal options clearly, and help you make the best decision for your family’s future and your child’s recovery.

Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also contact us via our website at https://attorney911.com or email Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.

Se habla Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active Hazing Case:

• Click2Houston report on the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage of the lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Understanding statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin a case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Our Firm:

• Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello’s profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña’s profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.