The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing for Baldwin County, Alabama Families: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

For parents in Baldwin County—from the coastal communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to the family neighborhoods of Daphne, Fairhope, and Foley—sending a child to college represents both incredible pride and natural worry. You’ve worked hard to provide opportunities, and the excitement of Greek life, athletic teams, or campus organizations can feel like part of the traditional college experience. But what happens when tradition turns dangerous? When “bonding” becomes abuse? When the group your child trusted causes physical injury, psychological trauma, or worse?

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity headquarters, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are stark: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races; cold-weather exposure in underwear; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and a November 3 workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Our client developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended November 6 and voted to surrender its charter November 14. University of Houston officials called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This isn’t just a Texas problem. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor also have chapters at Alabama universities where Baldwin County students enroll. The same dangerous behaviors, the same institutional cover-ups, and the same legal principles apply whether your child is at the University of Alabama, Auburn University, or any campus nationwide. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights as an Alabama family, and how experienced legal counsel can help you navigate this crisis toward accountability and healing.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Steps for Baldwin County Families

MEDICAL EMERGENCY RIGHT NOW?

• Call 911 if your child is injured, intoxicated, or in danger
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

FIRST 48-HOUR CRITICAL ACTIONS:

1. Medical Attention: Get emergency care even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Evidence Preservation: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, texts, WhatsApp) immediately—messages disappear fast
3. Document Injuries: Photograph bruises, burns, or other injuries from multiple angles
4. Write Everything Down: Record dates, times, locations, and everyone involved while memory is fresh
5. Secure Physical Evidence: Save clothing, receipts, or objects used in hazing

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
• Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company
• Don’t post details on public social media
• Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

CALL AN EXPERIENCED HAZING ATTORNEY WITHIN 24-48 HOURS: Evidence disappears rapidly, universities move to control narratives, and early legal guidance protects your rights. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “Animal House” clichés. For Baldwin County families, understanding modern hazing means recognizing behaviors that might be dismissed as “tradition” or “team bonding” but actually constitute illegal abuse.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

• 24/7 Digital Control: Constant GroupMe messages requiring immediate response at all hours
• Mandatory Servitude: Acting as designated drivers for older members at any time, cleaning rooms, running personal errands
• Social Isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends, requiring permission to socialize
• Identity Stripping: Being assigned demeaning nicknames, prohibited from speaking unless spoken to
• Geo-Tracking Demands: Forced sharing of location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep Deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Food/Water Manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland items
• Psychological Abuse: Yelling, screaming, public humiliation, “roasting” sessions
• “Voluntary” Coercion: Activities framed as optional but with clear social consequences for refusal
• Digital Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram posts, meme harassment in group chats

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—often escalating over time
• Dangerous “Tests”: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackles, forced fights, extreme calisthenics to collapse
• Sexualized Abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Environmental Endangerment: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, denial of bathroom access

Where Hazing Happens at Alabama Universities

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) & Panhellenic Sororities: Traditional social Greek organizations
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Historically Black fraternities and sororities (“Divine Nine”)
• Multicultural Greek Council: Cultural and identity-based organizations
• Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and other sports
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Often with entrenched traditions
• Academic & Honor Societies: Surprisingly common in competitive programs
• ROTC & Military Groups: Despite explicit prohibitions
• Spirit Organizations & Campus Traditions: Groups with longstanding rituals

Legal Framework: Alabama Hazing Laws and Your Rights

Alabama’s Hazing Statutes

Alabama has specific anti-hazing legislation under Code of Alabama § 16-1-23. Key provisions include:

Definition of Hazing:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, 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 whose members are or include students at an educational institution.”

Criminal Penalties:

• Class C Misdemeanor: For hazing that does not result in serious physical injury
• Class A Misdemeanor: For hazing that results in physical injury to any person
• Class C Felony: For hazing that results in serious physical injury or death

Critical Protections:

• Consent is NOT a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
• Immunity for Reporters: Individuals who report hazing in good faith may be protected from civil or criminal liability
• Organizational Liability: The organization itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $5,000 per violation

Federal Laws Overlaying Alabama Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain transparent data—phased implementation through 2026.

Title IX of the Education Amendments:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX imposes specific obligations on universities to investigate and respond.

Jeanne Clery Act:
Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics and security information, including certain hazing incidents that constitute crimes.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Pathways

Criminal Prosecution:

• Brought by the state (local district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (fines, jail time, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Baldwin County jurisdiction: Cases involving University of Alabama or Auburn University students might be prosecuted in Tuscaloosa or Lee County, but if hazing occurred in Baldwin County during breaks or at local venues, Baldwin County District Attorney could have jurisdiction

Civil Lawsuit:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability
• Venue considerations: Can often be filed where injury occurred, where defendants are located, or where the university is based

Both processes can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil justice.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
2. Chapter Leadership: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who knew or should have known
3. Local Chapter: The campus organization as a legal entity
4. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or address known patterns
5. Universities: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations
6. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts, venue owners
7. Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Alabama Families Can Learn

Major cases nationwide establish patterns and precedents that apply directly to situations Baldwin County families might face.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
20-year-old pledge died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Multiple criminal convictions followed, with Bowling Green State University settling for nearly $3 million and Pi Kappa Alpha national settling for approximately $7 million. Lesson for Alabama families: The “Big/Little” tradition is a repeated script for disaster nationally.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Pledge died from alcohol poisoning after “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers mandated drinking. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing penalties. Lesson: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition” are especially dangerous.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Pledge died during “Big Brother” night after consuming excessive alcohol. Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life. Lesson: National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi have repeated patterns across chapters.

Physical & Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge died from traumatic brain injury during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. National fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability—they often increase danger.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, among other degrading acts. Sought over $1 million in damages. Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to military-style programs.

Athletic Program Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Multiple former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially in August 2025. Lesson: Multi-million dollar athletic programs harbor systemic abuse with institutional complicity.

What These National Cases Mean for Baldwin County

These patterns repeat because the same national organizations operate at Alabama universities. When Pi Kappa Alpha has alcohol-related deaths at Bowling Green, they have constructive notice about risks at Alabama chapters. When Sigma Alpha Epsilon faces chemical burn lawsuits at Texas A&M, they should be implementing stricter controls at Auburn. National histories create legal “foreseeability” that strengthens claims by Alabama families.

Alabama University Focus: Where Baldwin County Students Attend

Baldwin County families send students primarily to University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, and other in-state institutions. Understanding each campus’s Greek ecosystem and hazing history is crucial.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus & Greek Culture Snapshot:
UA hosts one of the nation’s largest Greek systems, with approximately 11,000 students in 67 social Greek organizations. The university has faced scrutiny over hazing incidents and alcohol-related deaths.

Recent Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple national hazing incidents create pattern evidence; UA chapter has faced disciplinary actions
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): National organization involved in Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury case at University of Missouri
• University Response: UA maintains Office of Student Conduct hazing investigations, but many cases result in confidential resolutions

For Baldwin County Families:

• Distance: Approximately 4-hour drive from coastal Baldwin County to Tuscaloosa
• Jurisdiction: Potential cases might involve Tuscaloosa County courts, but injuries occurring during breaks in Baldwin County could create local jurisdiction
• Action Steps: Document all communications with UA Office of Student Conduct; request prior disciplinary records for involved organizations through Alabama Public Records Law

Auburn University

Campus & Greek Culture Snapshot:
Auburn’s Greek community includes approximately 6,000 students in 50+ organizations. The university has faced hazing allegations in fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams.

Recent Documented Incidents:

• Sorority Hazing Investigations: Multiple Panhellenic sororities faced university investigations in recent years
• Athletic Team Hazing: Swimming and diving program faced allegations
• Transparency Challenges: Auburn typically discloses minimal public information about hazing investigations

For Baldwin County Families:

• Distance: Approximately 3.5-hour drive from Baldwin County to Auburn
• Legal Considerations: Lee County jurisdiction; potential for claims against both local chapters and national headquarters
• Evidence Preservation: Crucial given Auburn’s tendency toward confidential resolutions

University of South Alabama (Mobile)

Campus & Greek Culture Snapshot:
USA’s smaller Greek system serves commuter and residential students. Proximity to Baldwin County means many local students participate.

Geographic Relevance:

• Immediate Access: 30-60 minute drive from most Baldwin County locations
• Local Jurisdiction: Mobile County courts would handle cases
• Community Impact: Incidents directly affect Baldwin County families and communities

Practical Considerations:

• Medical treatment often occurs at Baldwin County or Mobile hospitals
• Local law enforcement (Baldwin County Sheriff, municipal police) may have jurisdiction if planning or aftermath occurs locally
• Community connections can aid witness cooperation

Other Alabama Institutions with Baldwin County Students

Coastal Alabama Community College: Local chapters of national honor societies and organizations
Troy University: Growing Greek presence with Baldwin County recruitment
University of Mobile: Faith-based institution with Greek organizations
Spring Hill College: Historic campus with Greek life traditions

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories at Alabama Chapters

The same national organizations with hazing histories nationwide operate at Alabama universities. This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing liability.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois), multiple other alcohol-related incidents
• Alabama Presence: Chapters at University of Alabama, Auburn University
• Legal Significance: National headquarters had notice of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• National History: Chemical burn lawsuit (Texas A&M), traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide
• Alabama Presence: Chapters at University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama
• Pattern Evidence: Repeated physical and alcohol hazing across chapters establishes foreseeability

Phi Delta Theta:

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU), multiple other incidents
• Alabama Presence: Multiple chapters across state universities
• Legislative Impact: Gruver case spurred Louisiana felony hazing law; similar arguments apply in Alabama

Pi Kappa Phi:

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State), currently defending our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit in Texas
  Released November 6 and charter surrendered November 14, 2025
• Alabama Presence: Chapters at Alabama universities
• Current Relevance: Our active litigation against this national organization demonstrates our capability against major Greek institutions

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Foreseeability Doctrine:
When a national organization has prior incidents at other chapters, they can reasonably “foresee” similar risks at Alabama chapters. This strengthens negligence claims.

Negligent Supervision Claims:
Nationals that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight relationships can be liable for failing to properly supervise local chapters.

Punitive Damage Potential:
When organizations ignore known patterns, courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless disregard for safety.

Insurance Coverage Implications:
National organizations typically carry insurance that may cover local chapter incidents, creating deeper pockets for compensation.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Successful hazing litigation requires sophisticated evidence collection and strategic positioning, especially when facing well-resourced national organizations and universities.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence in 2025):

• Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group texts, Discord servers
• Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot immediately), TikTok messages
• Chapter Apps: Fraternity/sorority-specific communication platforms
• Recovery Methods: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages; early preservation is crucial

Photographic & Video Evidence:

• Event Footage: Videos taken by participants during hazing
• Injury Documentation: Timestamped photos showing progression of bruises, burns, or other injuries
• Location Evidence: House interiors, specific rooms, off-campus venues
• Social Media Posts: Even “fun” posts can show dangerous activities or conditions

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge Manuals: Often contain required activities or “traditions”
• Chapter Meeting Minutes: May discuss planned events or prior incidents
• National Communications: Emails between local chapter and headquarters
• Risk Management Materials: Show what safety protocols were ignored

University Records:

• Prior Discipline: Previous hazing violations by same organization
• Incident Reports: Campus police or conduct office filings
• Clery Act Reports: May contain related crime statistics
• Internal Emails: Between administrators about the organization

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency Records: ER visits, ambulance reports, hospitalization records
• Laboratory Results: Blood alcohol levels, kidney function tests (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez)
• Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Ongoing Treatment: Therapy records documenting lasting impact

Witness Testimony:

• Other Pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently have valuable information
• Roommates & Friends: Noticed behavioral changes or physical injuries
• Medical Providers: Documented statements about cause of injuries

Damages Recoverable in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, future medical needs
• Lost Educational Costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Income Loss: Missed work, diminished future earning capacity (especially with permanent injuries)
• Therapy & Counseling: Long-term mental health treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
• Emotional Distress: Humiliation, fear, trauma, loss of dignity
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in college experiences, activities, relationships
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and privacy invasion

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral & Burial Expenses
• Loss of Financial Support: Future earnings deceased would have contributed
• Loss of Companionship: Parent-child relationship, sibling bonds
• Emotional Suffering: Grief, mental anguish of surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• To deter future hazing by the organization
• Available under Alabama law in cases of wantonness or malice

Strategic Considerations for Alabama Families

Jurisdiction Analysis:

• Where to File: Alabama state courts, federal courts (for constitutional or Title IX claims), or possibly other states where national headquarters are located
• Venue Shopping: Strategic consideration of which court might be most favorable
• Multi-District Litigation: When similar cases exist nationwide, potential for consolidation

Insurance Coverage Mapping:

• National Organization Policies: Typically largest coverage available
• University Insurance: May cover negligent supervision claims
• Individual Member Coverage: Homeowner’s policies of participating students
• Exclusion Battles: Insurers often argue “intentional act” exclusions; skilled attorneys counter with negligent supervision theories

Settlement vs. Trial Strategy:

• Confidential Settlements: Most hazing cases resolve privately—protects victim privacy but reduces public accountability
• Public Litigation: Can drive institutional change but exposes family to scrutiny
• Hybrid Approach: Pursue confidential settlement while advocating for policy changes

Practical Guide for Baldwin County Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden secrecy about organization activities; withdrawal from family and old friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Academic Red Flags: Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes; losing scholarships
• Digital Behavior: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleting communications
• Financial Patterns: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol; unexplained money requests

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose Neutral Time: Not when they’re stressed or hurried
2. Use Open Questions: “How are things with your sorority/fraternity?” rather than accusations
3. Express Concern, Not Judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you’ve been” not “You’re being hazed”
4. Offer Unconditional Support: Make clear your priority is their safety, not their membership status

If Your Child Reveals Hazing:

1. Listen Without Interruption: Let them tell the full story
2. Validate Their Experience: “This must have been frightening”
3. Prioritize Safety: Remove from immediate danger if present
4. Document Everything: Write down details while fresh
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor
6. Contact an Attorney: Before reporting to university or organization

For Students: Safety Planning & Rights Protection

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I feel pressured or coerced to participate?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 without hesitation
• Text for Help: If unable to speak, text 911 with location and “hazing emergency”
• Use Safe Words: Some organizations establish code words for dangerous situations
• Medical Amnesty: Alabama’s Good Samaritan laws may provide protection when calling for help in alcohol emergencies

Exiting Safely:

1. Tell Someone First: Trusted friend, family member, or RA
2. Formal Resignation: Email chapter president and new member educator: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
3. Document Everything: Save resignation confirmation
4. Report Retaliation: Any harassment or threats should be reported to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Preservation for Students:

• Screenshot Everything: Group chats, DMs, event photos—immediately
• Voice Recordings: Alabama is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
• Injury Photos: Take immediately and daily to show progression
• Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
• Witness Information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

For Witnesses & Former Members: Navigating Guilt & Responsibility

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

• Legal Consultation: Understand your potential exposure before making statements
• Cooperation Agreements: May provide limited immunity in exchange for truthful testimony
• Moral Reconciliation: Your testimony could prevent future harm to others

If You Witnessed Hazing:

• Anonymous Reporting: Most universities have anonymous tip lines
• Document What You Saw: Write down details with dates and names
• Support Victims: Your corroboration can make their case stronger
• Legal Protection: Alabama law provides some immunity for good-faith reporters

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence

• What Happens: Messages are deleted; case becomes “he said/she said”
• The Reality: Digital forensics can often recover deleted content, but original screenshots are strongest
• Correct Action: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What Happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• The Reality: Early confrontation almost always weakens your position
• Correct Action: Document everything, then consult attorney before any contact

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

• What Happens: Families waive legal rights for minimal concessions
• The Reality: Early settlements are typically far below case value
• Correct Action: NEVER sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• What Happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• The Reality: Social media becomes discoverable evidence used against you
• Correct Action: Maintain privacy; let your attorney control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”

• What Happens: Pressure, intimidation, or extracted statements that hurt the case
• The Reality: Organizations are skilled at minimizing liability in these meetings
• Correct Action: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your attorney

6. Waiting for University Investigation

• What Happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• The Reality: University process often prioritizes institutional protection over victim justice
• Correct Action: Parallel track—cooperate with university but preserve independent legal options

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What Happens: Recorded statements are used to minimize claim value
• The Reality: Adjusters work for insurance companies, not victims
• Correct Action: “My attorney will contact you” is the only appropriate response

About Attorney911: Why Our Texas Experience Matters for Alabama Families

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we’re currently fighting one of the nation’s most significant hazing cases—the $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. While we’re Texas-based, our expertise, strategies, and proven capability against national Greek organizations directly benefit Alabama families facing similar situations.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same insurance companies that cover Alabama fraternity chapters.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello’s experience includes:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar corporate defendants
• Federal Court Admission: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results: Proven track record in catastrophic injury cases

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets. We’ve faced larger defendants and won.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

• How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Defense strategies used in hazing prosecutions
• How to advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:
We maintain relationships with:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical specialists familiar with rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD
• Economists to calculate lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity
• Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics and coercion

National Pattern Recognition:
Our active litigation against Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters gives us current insight into how national organizations:

• Respond to hazing allegations
• Manage public relations during crises
• Negotiate with insurance carriers
• Value settlement versus trial risk

How We Serve Alabama Families

Geographic Reach:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide through:

• Direct Representation: For cases with Texas connections (Texas-based national headquarters, Texas insurance carriers, etc.)
• Co-Counsel Arrangements: Working with local Alabama attorneys on cases
• Consultation Services: Case evaluation, strategy guidance, and evidence preservation advice

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Alabama’s Hispanic community.

Contingency Fee Basis:
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality representation accessible regardless of financial resources.

Call to Action for Baldwin County Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, or any college nationwide—you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. The same national organizations, the same insurance companies, and the same institutional defense tactics exist everywhere. Our experience fighting them in Texas courts translates directly to helping Alabama families.

Your Confidential Consultation Includes:

1. Case Evaluation: We’ll listen to your story and assess legal options
2. Evidence Review: Examination of texts, photos, medical records, and other documentation
3. Strategy Discussion: Criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, or combination
4. Realistic Expectations: Honest assessment of challenges, timelines, and potential outcomes
5. No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Hablamos Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña for consultation in Spanish

Whether you’re in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, or anywhere in Baldwin County, if hazing has touched your family, call us. We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your options, and pursue the justice and accountability your child deserves.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights under Alabama and federal law, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services)