The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases & Rights for Families in Blount County

If Your Child Was Hazed at College, You’re Not Alone

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night. Your child, a student at a respected Alabama university, is in the emergency room. Their story comes out in pieces: forced drinking, humiliating acts, physical exhaustion pushed far beyond safe limits. They tell you it was “just part of pledging” or “team bonding,” but their injuries tell a different story. For families throughout Blount County—from Oneonta to Cleveland, Hayden to Locust Fork—this nightmare scenario has become a devastating reality for some.

Right now, in Houston, Texas, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The details are chilling: a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, and ultimately a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that required four days of hospitalization. This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, shows exactly what we’re fighting against and the level of expertise we bring to hazing litigation.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Blount County and throughout Alabama who need to understand hazing in today’s college environment. Whether your child attends the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Samford University, or any other campus with Greek life or athletic programs, you have the right to know what hazing really looks like, how the law protects your child, and what legal options exist when things go terribly wrong.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Blount County who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or athletic team dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally documented, and frighteningly dangerous.

A Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical understanding for Blount County families is this: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. A student from Oneonta attending Auburn University might feel they have no real choice when facing social exclusion from their desired group.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most deadly form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” chugging challenges, games like “beer pong” or “century club” that require rapid consumption, and being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. The national cases we see—like Stone Foltz at Bowling Green who died after being forced to drink a bottle of whiskey—follow this exact pattern.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling and beatings, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “smokings,” sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” food and water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments. In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the physical component included being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass and extreme cold exposure.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These acts are particularly damaging psychologically and can lead to long-term trauma.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether in meetings or on social media—constitute psychological hazing. The damage from this form can be as severe as physical injuries.

Digital/Online Hazing
This is the new frontier. Group chat dares, “challenges” shared via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord, and pressure to create or share compromising images/videos are all forms of digital hazing. The evidence often exists in these digital spaces before being deleted.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Alabama

Blount County families should understand that hazing extends far beyond just fraternities:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
ROTC and military-style groups
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads across all these groups are social status, tradition, and secrecy—factors that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Alabama, Federal & What Blount County Families Need to Know

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Blount County families navigating a hazing crisis. While we’re Texas-based hazing specialists, the same national organizations operate in Alabama, and many legal principles transfer across state lines.

Alabama Hazing Law Basics

Alabama has specific anti-hazing statutes that families should understand. Under Alabama Code § 16-1-23, hazing is defined as any willful action taken or situation created that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization operating under the sanction of an educational institution.

Key provisions for Alabama families:

Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor for first offenses
It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if serious physical injury occurs
Consent is not a defense – even if the student “agreed” to participate
Organizations can lose recognition and funding
Individuals can face expulsion and criminal charges

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related charges can include:
- Hazing offenses
- Furnishing alcohol to minors
- Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on:
- Negligence and gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Negligent hiring/supervision
- Premises liability
- Emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many Blount County families pursue civil cases to cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges that receive federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen hazing education and prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026). This means Alabama universities must comply.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students
The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up.

Local Chapter / Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). Individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” can be key.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. This is where our national database and pattern evidence become crucial.

University or Governing Board
The school may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

Third Parties
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially responsible parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Blount County Families Can Learn

The national hazing cases we’ve litigated and studied provide crucial patterns and precedents that apply directly to situations Alabama families might face. These cases show why immediate action and experienced legal counsel matter.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for hours. Dozens of criminal charges were filed against fraternity members, followed by civil litigation and a new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him.

Takeaway for Blount County families: Extreme intoxication combined with a culture of silence about calling 911 can be legally devastating. The delay in seeking medical care dramatically increased liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game forced pledges to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Gruver died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, creating felony hazing statutes.

Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing. Your case could help prevent future tragedies.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
During a pledge night, Foltz was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, and BGSU agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family.

Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities. They’re not immune from liability.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
At a fraternity retreat, Deng was subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, suffered fatal head injuries, and help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can face serious sanctions including being banned from entire states.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and staff, with the head coach being fired and later settling a wrongful-termination suit confidentially.

Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse. The same institutional cover-up patterns exist.

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

Common threads in all these cases: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Alabama families facing hazing at their children’s universities are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Alabama University Focus: Where Blount County Students Attend

Blount County families send their children to universities throughout Alabama and the Southeast. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Alabama

Campus Culture & Greek Life
The University of Alabama has one of the largest Greek systems in the country, with deep traditions and significant social influence. For Blount County students attending UA, understanding this environment is crucial.

Recent Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): In 2023, a lawsuit was filed alleging a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing rituals
Multiple other fraternities have faced suspensions and disciplinary action for hazing violations in recent years

UA’s Anti-Hazing Measures

Public hazing violation reports
Required education for Greek organizations
Anonymous reporting systems

What Blount County Families Should Know
If your child is involved in Greek life at Alabama, ensure you understand:

The specific organization’s national history (see next section)
UA’s reporting mechanisms
The medical resources available in Tuscaloosa

Auburn University

Campus Culture
Auburn’s Greek life is smaller than Alabama’s but still significant. The university has faced multiple hazing incidents across various organizations.

Recent Issues

Several fraternities have been suspended for hazing violations
Athletic teams have faced hazing allegations
The university has strengthened anti-hazing education in recent years

For Blount County Students
Auburn’s proximity to Blount County makes it a common choice. Families should:

Review Auburn’s hazing policy online
Understand the reporting process
Know the local medical facilities

Samford University

Unique Aspects
As a private Christian university, Samford has different dynamics but still faces hazing risks in Greek organizations and athletic teams.

Recent History
While less publicized than larger universities, Samford has dealt with hazing incidents requiring disciplinary action.

Other Alabama Universities

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Growing Greek system
Recent hazing investigations in various organizations

University of North Alabama

Smaller Greek community but still present
Documented hazing incidents in recent years

Jacksonville State University

Active Greek life
History of hazing investigations

What This Means for Blount County Families

Regardless of which Alabama university your child attends:

Research the specific organization’s history – both nationally and on that campus
Understand the university’s reporting system
Know the local medical resources
Have a plan for emergency response

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter to Alabama Families

The national organizations present on Alabama campuses have histories that matter for liability and prevention. Understanding these patterns helps Blount County families make informed decisions and know what to look for.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities/sororities on Alabama campuses (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Alpha Order, etc.) are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories. National headquarters often have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they have seen deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past.

When an Alabama chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that can show foreseeability and support negligence or punitive arguments against national entities.

Major Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide
Alabama Connection: Active chapters at UA, Auburn, and other Alabama schools
Recent Lawsuits: Traumatic brain injury case at University of Alabama (2023)

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green (2021)
Pattern: Forced drinking during “big/little” events
Alabama Presence: Multiple chapters across the state

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (2017)
Pattern: Alcohol hazing games
Alabama Chapters: Active throughout the state

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
Alabama Presence: Chapters at major universities

Other Organizations with National Patterns

Sigma Chi
Lambda Chi Alpha
Delta Tau Delta
And many others

Sororities with Hazing Histories

While less publicized, sororities also engage in hazing. National organizations like:

Alpha Chi Omega
Delta Delta Delta
Kappa Delta
Others have faced hazing allegations and disciplinary action

How This Applies to Legal Strategy

Patterns across states and campuses show that certain organizations had repeated warnings. Courts can consider whether national organizations:

Meaningfully enforced anti-hazing policies
Responded to prior incidents aggressively enough

This affects:

Settlement leverage
Insurance coverage disputes
Potential for punitive damages

For Blount County families, this means that if your child is hazed by an organization with a known national history, that history becomes part of your case strategy.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing occurs, building a strong case requires immediate action, thorough investigation, and strategic planning. Here’s what Blount County families need to know about the process.

Critical Evidence Collection

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, fraternity apps
Instagram DMs, TikTok messages
Both live and recovered/deleted messages matter

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Footage shared in group chats or posted on social media
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, warning letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit or were expelled
Bystanders and medical personnel

Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases

Medical Bills & Future Care

Immediate care (ER, ICU, hospital stays)
Surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy
Long-term care for brain injuries or permanent damage

Lost Earnings & Educational Impact

Missed semesters or delayed graduation
Setbacks in entering the workforce
Reduced earning capacity if injuries are permanent
Lost scholarships or academic opportunities

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (for families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Lost future earnings and support

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may come into play. Insurers sometimes argue:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded
The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants

Experienced hazing lawyers:

Identify all potential coverage sources
Navigate disputes about exclusions and intentional conduct
Build cases that overcome insurance company defenses

Why Early Legal Involvement Matters

Evidence Preservation

Digital evidence disappears quickly (messages are deleted, social media posts removed)
Witnesses graduate or become harder to locate
Organizations destroy internal documents

Strategic Positioning

Early investigation shapes how the case develops
Proper evidence collection strengthens negotiation position
Timing affects statute of limitations considerations

Protection from Retaliation

Legal counsel can help protect your child from intimidation or retaliation
Proper procedures ensure rights are protected during university investigations

Practical Guides & FAQs for Blount County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs of Hazing

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation
Drastic changes in mood, anxiety, withdrawal from family
Constant secret phone use for group chats
Fear of missing “mandatory” events
Unexplained financial expenses
Personality changes or increased secrecy

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions without judgment: “How are things really going with your group?”
Express concern without accusation: “I’m worried about how tired you seem.”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any organization.”
Assure support: “We’re here for you no matter what.”

If Your Child is Injured

Get medical attention immediately – even if they resist
Document everything – photos of injuries, screenshots of messages
Write detailed notes – who, what, when, where, while memory is fresh
Preserve physical evidence – clothing, objects, receipts
Contact an attorney before dealing with the university or organization

Dealing with the University

Document every communication
Ask specific questions about prior incidents
Request copies of policies and procedures
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Understand that the university’s interests may not align with yours

For Students: Recognition and Response

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
Am I being forced to drink or endure pain?
Is the activity hidden from public view?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?

Why “Consent” Isn’t the Whole Story
Under Alabama law and most state laws, consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not truly voluntary.

Safe Exit Strategies

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send a clear written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to campus authorities

Reporting Options

Campus police or security
Dean of Students office
Title IX coordinator (if sexual harassment involved)
Anonymous reporting systems
Local law enforcement for criminal acts

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What happens: Messages are deleted, photos erased, digital trail disappears
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible to prove
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: They lawyer up immediately, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Why it’s wrong: Gives them time to build defenses and cover tracks
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive legal rights or accept inadequate settlements
Why it’s wrong: Early settlements are often far below case value; waivers limit options
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Why it’s wrong: Public statements can be used against you; may waive certain privileges
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It”
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Why it’s wrong: Universities often prioritize their reputation over victim justice
What to do instead: Preserve evidence now; consult a lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university in Alabama for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Alabama?”
Under Alabama law, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor for first offenses but becomes a Class A misdemeanor if serious physical injury occurs. Certain related acts (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors) may be charged as felonies depending on circumstances.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Alabama law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance is not truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Alabama, but this can vary based on specific circumstances. The discovery rule may extend timelines if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing. This means you pay no upfront fees—we only get paid if we recover money for you. Learn more in our video How Do Contingency Fees Work?

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

When your family faces a hazing crisis in Alabama, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Although we’re based in Texas, the same national fraternities, the same insurance companies, and the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions
Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for the most complex cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and navigate both legal tracks effectively.

Investigative Depth
We maintain a network of experts: medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence—deleted group chats, chapter records, university files that organizations try to keep secret.

How We Help Alabama Families

National Perspective, Local Application
While we’re Texas-based, we serve families nationwide through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys and direct representation for cases with Texas connections. The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating against the University of Houston involves the same national organization that has chapters throughout Alabama.

Pattern Recognition
Our national hazing database lets us identify patterns that local attorneys might miss. When we see the same hazing methods used in Alabama that caused deaths in other states, we know how to use that pattern evidence effectively.

Resource Commitment
We invest in cases properly—hiring the right experts, conducting thorough discovery, and preparing for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers will actually go to trial versus those who will settle cheap. Our track record changes how they negotiate.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation and emergency steps. Time is critical in hazing cases.

2. Thorough Investigation
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We pursue every lead: digital evidence, witness statements, organizational records, university files.

3. Strategic Case Development
We build cases that account for all potentially liable parties: individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities, and third parties.

4. Expert Collaboration
We work with medical experts, psychologists, economists, and other specialists to fully document damages and build compelling cases.

5. Trial Readiness
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation improves settlement outcomes and ensures we’re ready if settlement negotiations fail.

Call to Action for Blount County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Alabama campus or university nationwide, we want to hear from you. Families in Blount County—from Oneonta to Cleveland, Hayden to Locust Fork—have the right to answers and accountability when hazing causes harm.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911:

We listen to your story without judgment
We review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
We explain your legal options clearly: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
We answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Spanish Language Services Available

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
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)

Additional Resources

Educational Videos:

Practice Area Information:

Final Thoughts for Blount County Families

Hazing thrives in secrecy and fear. By speaking up, seeking accountability, and pursuing justice, you’re not just helping your own family—you’re potentially preventing future tragedies for other students. The organizations that engage in hazing count on silence and inaction. They hope you’ll feel intimidated by their resources or reputation. They hope you’ll accept the university’s internal “resolution” and go away quietly.

Don’t let them win that bet.

Whether your child attends the University of Alabama, Auburn, Samford, or any other campus, whether the hazing occurred in a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or other organization—you have rights. The law provides avenues for accountability. Experienced legal counsel can guide you through this difficult process.

The call is free. The consultation is confidential. And the decision to take action could change everything for your family and potentially for other families in the future.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

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, 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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active Hazing Case:

Click2Houston coverage of 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 UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/