Hazing Lawsuits & Litigation in Franklin County: A Guide for Alabama Families Seeking Justice

When Your Child is Hurt Far From Home: Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night. Your son, a freshman at an out-of-state university hundreds of miles from Franklin County, is in the emergency room. Through tears and confusion, you piece together fragments of a story: a fraternity “pledge event,” forced drinking, physical exhaustion, and now a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis—a life-threatening muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure. You feel helpless, furious, and overwhelmed, wondering how the bright future you envisioned for your child turned into a medical nightmare in what was supposed to be a safe campus environment.

For families in Franklin County and across Northwest Alabama, this scenario represents a particular kind of heartbreak. Our children leave the familiar communities of Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, and Hodges to pursue education at universities across the country, often in states with different laws, different campus cultures, and different legal systems. When hazing injures them, you’re suddenly navigating a crisis from hundreds of miles away, dealing with unfamiliar university bureaucracies, powerful national organizations, and the devastating realization that institutions failed to protect your child.

Right now, as you read this, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In Texas, we represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter—a case involving forced physical abuse, simulated waterboarding, and hospitalization for acute kidney failure. We mention this not because it happened in Alabama, but to show you the level of seriousness we bring to hazing litigation and what we’re capable of uncovering. The same national fraternities that operate at Alabama schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University also have chapters in Texas and nationwide, with the same organizational structures, the same insurance companies, and often, the same dangerous patterns.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Franklin County families whose children have been hazed or injured in connection with fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletics, spirit groups, or other campus organizations anywhere in the United States. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like in 2025, how different state laws apply, what we’ve learned from national cases, and most importantly, how a Texas-based firm with nationwide hazing expertise can help your family seek accountability—even when the harm occurred far from Alabama.

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 Beyond Stereotypes

Modern hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “frat party” images. For Franklin County families, understanding these realities is crucial because what your child describes might sound like “tradition” or “team bonding” when it’s actually dangerous, illegal abuse.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing often happens in plain sight—digitally. Group chats on GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord have become command centers for coercion. We’ve seen cases where:

• Pledges are required to respond to messages within minutes, regardless of time (3 AM texts demanding immediate compliance)
• Location sharing is mandated via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social media humiliation is orchestrated through TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares
• Digital “tasks” are assigned with documented proof required via photo/video

This digital trail often becomes the most powerful evidence in hazing cases, which is why immediate preservation is critical.

Geographic Dispersion: The “Retreat” Strategy

Increasingly, the most severe hazing occurs off-campus at remote locations—Airbnbs, rural properties, or “retreat centers”—specifically chosen to avoid university oversight and security cameras. For Alabama students attending out-of-state schools, this might mean being transported hours from campus to locations in different counties or even different states, complicating jurisdictional issues but not eliminating liability.

The “Wellness” Disguise

One of the most insidious modern developments is hazing disguised as legitimate activities:

• Extreme workouts framed as “fitness challenges” or “conditioning”
• Sleep deprivation justified as “team bonding overnights”
• Food/water restriction called “nutritional discipline”
• Psychological abuse labeled “resilience training”

This framing creates confusion for victims and plausible deniability for organizations, but legally, the intent and impact remain what matters.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Alabama Families Can Learn

Before we discuss Alabama specifically, it’s important to understand the national landscape. The cases below have shaped hazing litigation nationwide and demonstrate patterns that repeat across state lines.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Predictable and Preventable

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and multiple criminal convictions. Why this matters for Alabama families: The same Pi Kappa Alpha organization has chapters at Alabama universities, operating under the same national policies and risk management systems.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant drinking. He died with a BAC of 0.495%. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony. Why this matters: Phi Delta Theta operates nationally, including at SEC schools where many Alabama students enroll.

Physical Hazing with Permanent Consequences

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent brain damage after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care. The family settled with 22 defendants. Why this matters: These catastrophic injury cases demonstrate that death isn’t the only terrible outcome—lifetime disability creates different but equally devastating damages.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021)
Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. Why this matters: SAE has chapters nationwide, and their national headquarters’ response to similar incidents creates patterns that affect liability everywhere.

What These National Patterns Mean for Franklin County Families

1. The same organizations operate everywhere: Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and other nationals with documented hazing histories have chapters at Alabama schools and nationwide.

2. Insurance companies are national: The same insurance carriers that handle claims in Texas or Ohio also handle claims involving their Alabama chapters.

3. Legal precedents cross state lines: While state laws differ, factual patterns and organizational knowledge established in one state’s courts can influence cases in others.

4. Investigation techniques are universal: Digital evidence preservation, witness interviewing, and organizational discovery work the same whether the hazing occurred in Alabama, Texas, or any other state.

Alabama’s Hazing Reality: Where Franklin County Students Are at Risk

While Attorney911 is Texas-based, we recognize that Franklin County families have strong connections to Alabama’s university systems and often send children to out-of-state schools with significant Greek life traditions. Understanding this landscape helps us serve you better, whether we’re working with local Alabama co-counsel or handling aspects of your case that intersect with Texas connections.

Major Alabama Universities with Significant Greek Life

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
Home to one of the largest Greek systems in the country, with approximately 11,000 students involved in fraternities and sororities. The scale itself creates monitoring challenges, and the university has faced scrutiny over Greek life incidents.

Auburn University
A substantial Greek community embedded in campus tradition, with similar risks and patterns to other large Southern universities.

Other Alabama Schools
University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of South Alabama, Troy University, and others each have Greek systems with their own histories and challenges.

Where Alabama Students Go Out-of-State

Many Franklin County students attend universities in neighboring states or traditional Greek life strongholds:

• SEC schools: University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, University of Mississippi
• Other Southern universities: Clemson, University of Florida, Florida State
• National Greek life hubs: University of Texas, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Penn State

This geographic spread means Alabama families often face hazing incidents in states with different laws and legal systems.

Alabama Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing and establishes penalties. Key points for Franklin County families:

Definition: “Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off any school, college, university, or other educational institution’s property, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student.”

Penalties:

• Class C misdemeanor for general hazing
• Class A misdemeanor if hazing results in physical injury
• Class C felony if hazing involves alcohol/drugs and results in serious physical injury
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Key Provisions:

• Consent is not a defense
• Requires schools to adopt anti-hazing policies
• Provides immunity for those reporting in good faith

Important Distinction: Unlike Texas (where we’re based), Alabama’s law establishes different penalty structures. This is why working with attorneys who understand multi-state issues matters—we coordinate with local Alabama counsel on state-specific aspects while bringing our national hazing expertise to the organizational investigation.

The Attorney911 Approach: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Hazing Expertise

Why a Texas Firm Can Help Alabama Families

You may wonder why a Texas-based firm is relevant to your Alabama family’s case. The answer lies in how modern hazing litigation works:

National Organizations, National Patterns
The Pi Kappa Phi that hazed Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston is the same national organization that has chapters at Alabama schools. Their insurance carriers, risk management policies, and organizational structure are identical nationwide. Our deep dive into their Texas operations gives us insights that apply wherever they operate.

Multi-State Legal Strategy
Many hazing cases involve multiple jurisdictions:

• Where the hazing occurred (possibly out-of-state for your Alabama student)
• Where the national headquarters is incorporated (often different states)
• Where insurance carriers are based
• Where individual defendants reside

Our federal court experience and multi-state litigation capability allow us to navigate these complexities effectively.

Co-Counsel Collaboration
For cases entirely within Alabama, we work with experienced local counsel who handle Alabama-specific procedural aspects while we contribute:

• Hazing-specific investigation techniques
• National organization discovery strategies
• Digital evidence expertise
• Insurance coverage analysis
• Damages calculation for catastrophic injuries

This collaborative approach gives Alabama families both local knowledge and specialized hazing litigation experience.

Our Active Hazing Litigation: The Bermudez Case

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. While this case is in Texas, it demonstrates the level of investigation and advocacy we bring to hazing matters:

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

• What happened: Bermudez, a transfer student pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, was subjected to months of systematic abuse culminating in extreme physical hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing health risks.
• Specific hazing acts documented: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation carrying condoms and sex toys, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, simulated waterboarding with a hose, 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, cold-weather exposure in underwear, and lying in vomit-soaked grass.
• Medical consequences: Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine, critically elevated creatine kinase levels requiring hospitalization.
• Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary and criminal referrals.
• Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders/members.
• Media coverage: Detailed in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline.

Why This Texas Case Matters for Alabama Families:

1. Demonstrates our current, active hazing litigation capability
2. Shows the depth of investigation we conduct (documenting specific acts, medical outcomes, institutional responses)
3. Illustrates how we hold multiple entities accountable (university, national org, housing corporation, individuals)
4. Proves we take on powerful institutions and navigate complex cover-up attempts

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Critical Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Whether your case is in Alabama or another state, certain evidence types consistently prove crucial:

Digital Communications (Most Important Category)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord conversations showing planning, coercion, and aftermath
• Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat messages documenting events
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover what students try to erase
• Location data: GPS information from phones and apps

Medical Documentation

• Immediate care records: ER reports, ambulance records, initial hospitalization documents
• Lab results: Blood tests showing alcohol/drug levels, kidney/liver function, muscle enzyme levels
• Specialist evaluations: Follow-up care documenting ongoing issues
• Psychological records: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals

Organizational Records

• Chapter documents: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records
• National headquarters files: Prior incident reports, risk management communications, insurance policies
• University records: Prior disciplinary actions, Clery Act reports, internal investigation files

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
• Former members willing to speak honestly
• Roommates, friends, or bystanders who observed changes or heard admissions
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Our Investigation Methodology

Our approach combines traditional investigation with modern digital forensics:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • Securing devices before deletion occurs
   • Forensic imaging of phones and computers
   • Cloud storage preservation

2. Organizational Discovery

   • Subpoenaing national fraternity/sorority records
   • Obtaining university conduct files through public records requests or discovery
   • Identifying all potentially liable entities (national, housing corps, alumni associations)

3. Medical Damage Documentation

   • Working with medical experts to document current injuries and future needs
   • Economic analysis of lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries
   • Psychological evaluation of trauma impact

4. Legal Strategy Development

   • Analyzing multi-jurisdictional issues
   • Identifying optimal venues for different claims
   • Coordinating with local counsel where appropriate

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Families Can Recover

Hazing cases can involve several categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Lost income/earning capacity
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to relationships and social functioning

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available)
(Available when defendants’ conduct is especially reckless or malicious)

• Intended to punish egregious behavior
• Deter future similar conduct
• Vary by state law and specific facts

Practical Guide for Franklin County Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Immediate Action Steps

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for your child to share
2. Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and details
3. Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
4. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation
5. Contact an attorney: Before reporting to the university or organization

Working with Universities:

• Document all communications (save emails, take notes on calls)
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Don’t accept promises of “internal handling” at face value
• Remember: The university’s interests and your family’s interests may diverge

Financial and Logistical Considerations:

• Medical leave/withdrawal processes
• Tuition reimbursement requests
• Travel for medical care or legal proceedings
• Emotional support for the entire family

For Students: Safety and Evidence Preservation

If You’re Currently Being Hazed:

1. Prioritize safety: Remove yourself from dangerous situations immediately
2. Use good-faith reporting protections: Many states and schools protect those who report emergencies
3. Document discreetly: Take photos of injuries, screenshot messages when safe
4. Identify allies: RA’s, counselors, trusted professors who can help

Evidence Preservation Checklist:

• Screenshot all relevant group chats and DMs
• Photograph injuries from multiple angles
• Save voicemails or record conversations (check Alabama’s consent laws)
• Preserve physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
• Write detailed notes while memories are fresh
• Identify witnesses with contact information

Common Mistakes That Damage Hazing Cases

Based on our experience handling cases nationwide, these errors frequently undermine otherwise strong claims:

Mistake #1: Deleting Digital Evidence
What happens: Students embarrassed by messages or photos delete them.
The consequence: Appears like evidence destruction; eliminates strongest proof.
Better approach: Preserve everything; if already deleted, consult digital forensics expert.

Mistake #2: Premature Confrontation
What happens: Families angrily confront the fraternity/sorority before consulting counsel.
The consequence: Organizations lawyer up, destroy evidence, and prepare defenses.
Better approach: Investigate quietly first; let your attorney control communications.

Mistake #3: Accepting “Internal Resolution”
What happens: Universities pressure families to accept internal disciplinary processes.
The consequence: Minimal consequences for organizations; families waive legal rights.
Better approach: Understand that university discipline and legal accountability are separate.

Mistake #4: Social Media Posts
What happens: Emotional posts about the incident on Facebook or other platforms.
The consequence: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you; waive privacy protections.
Better approach: Keep discussions private; let your attorney handle public statements.

Mistake #5: Statute of Limitations Delay
What happens: Families wait to see if the university “handles it properly.”
The consequence: Critical deadlines pass; case becomes legally barred.
Better approach: Consult attorney immediately to understand your state’s deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Families

“My child was hazed at an out-of-state school. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?”
Yes. We serve families nationwide through several approaches: (1) direct representation for cases with Texas connections (Texas-based defendants, Texas insurance carriers, etc.), (2) co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys in other states, and (3) consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere. The initial consultation helps us determine the best approach for your specific situation.

“How does Alabama law compare to other states for hazing cases?”
Alabama has specific hazing statutes (Alabama Code § 16-1-23) that criminalize hazing and provide for organizational fines. However, civil liability (monetary damages) operates under general negligence and intentional tort principles. States vary significantly in their hazing laws—some have stronger criminal penalties, some have specific civil cause of actions. We coordinate with local Alabama counsel on state-specific legal issues while bringing our national hazing expertise to organizational investigation and multi-jurisdictional strategy.

“What if the hazing happened in another state where my child goes to school?”
This is common for Franklin County families. We analyze: (1) where the hazing occurred, (2) where defendants are located, (3) where insurance coverage exists, and (4) which courts have jurisdiction. Often, cases involve multiple states, requiring careful strategic decisions about where to file which claims. Our federal court experience and multi-state practice help navigate these complexities.

“How much does it cost to pursue a hazing case?”
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury hazing cases, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you. Initial consultations are always free. We can explain fee structures and expense arrangements during our first meeting.

“Will my child’s name become public if we pursue legal action?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can often negotiate protective orders and sealed settlements. When cases do proceed publicly, we work to protect your family’s privacy as much as possible while pursuing accountability.

“How long do hazing cases typically take?”
Timelines vary based on complexity, jurisdiction, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months; complex cases with multiple defendants can take years. We provide realistic timelines during our initial consultation based on your specific circumstances.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate in the activities?”
Consent is generally not a defense in hazing cases. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t truly voluntary. Alabama law specifically states consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need attorneys who understand both the human devastation and the legal complexity of these cases. Here’s what makes our approach different:

Insider Knowledge of How Institutions Fight Back

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background
Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña worked for years at a national insurance 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 medical examinations (IMEs) to minimize injuries
  This insider perspective allows us to anticipate and counter defense strategies effectively.

Experience Against Powerful Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation Credentials

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved in this massive case against a billion-dollar corporation
• Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association membership signals elite criminal defense capability
• 25+ Years Practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their teams of defense attorneys. We’ve faced powerful institutions before and won.

Comprehensive Investigation Capability

Our hazing investigations go deeper than typical personal injury cases:

• Digital forensics expertise for recovering deleted messages
• National organization discovery to uncover pattern evidence
• Medical expert network for documenting complex injuries like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury
• Economic analysis for calculating lifetime damages in catastrophic cases

Geographic Flexibility with Local Collaboration

While based in Texas, we serve families nationwide through:

• Direct representation for Texas-connected cases
• Co-counsel arrangements with experienced local attorneys
• Consultation and strategy for families anywhere in the U.S.

For Alabama families, this means you get both specialized hazing expertise and appropriate local counsel collaboration when needed.

Spanish Language Services Available

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult directly with Spanish-speaking families. Se habla Español.

Your Next Steps: Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has injured your child—whether at an Alabama university, an out-of-state school, or anywhere in between—you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and PR professionals protecting their interests. You deserve experienced advocates protecting yours.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen carefully to your story without judgment
2. We explain your legal options clearly and honestly
3. We review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
4. We discuss realistic expectations for timelines and outcomes
5. We answer all your questions about process, costs, and strategy
6. No pressure to hire us—take time to make the right decision for your family

Contact Us Today:

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

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español. Contacte a Lupe Peña directamente.

Service Areas: While physically located in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we serve families nationwide through consultation, co-counsel arrangements, and direct representation for cases with Texas connections.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Coverage:
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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline Coverage:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

Evidence Preservation Video – Using Your Phone to Document a Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Statute of Limitations Explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

https://attorney911.com

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 vary by state and 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)