Hazing & Campus Abuse in Alabama: A Complete Legal Guide for Jackson County Families

If you’re a parent in Jackson County whose child attends college anywhere in Alabama or across the country, you’ve likely worried about their safety in Greek life, athletic programs, or campus organizations. That fear becomes reality when your student calls from school with vague explanations about “traditions,” shows unexplained injuries, or withdraws from the family they once confided in. Hazing isn’t just excessive partying or harmless initiation—it’s systematic abuse that can cause permanent physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.

Right now, 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, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. During his Fall 2025 pledge period, Bermudez was subjected to violent hazing that included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and extreme physical workouts that caused him to develop rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended and later voted to surrender its charter, but the physical and psychological harm to Bermudez remains.

This case demonstrates exactly what we do at Attorney911. We take on universities and national fraternities when they fail to protect students. While this particular case is in Texas, the same patterns of abuse, institutional cover-ups, and dangerous organizational cultures exist at colleges nationwide—including those where Jackson County families send their children.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Many parents envision hazing as cartoonish pranks or excessive drinking from movies, but modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that leaves lasting damage. For Jackson County families with students at University of Alabama, Auburn University, or other colleges, understanding these patterns could save your child’s life.

Three Levels of Modern Hazing

Subtle Hazing often starts seemingly harmless but establishes dangerous power dynamics:

• Mandatory “on-call” status 24/7 through group chats
• Forced servitude (cleaning, running errands, chauffeuring older members)
• Social isolation from non-members and family
• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or tasks
• Geographical tracking through apps like Find My Friends

Harassment Hazing escalates the abuse:

• Verbal abuse, screaming, and degradation sessions
• Forced physical exertion beyond safe limits (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
• Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
• Food and water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Digital humiliation through social media challenges or compromising videos

Violent Hazing puts students in immediate danger:

• Forced alcohol consumption through “games” like lineups or “Bible study”
• Physical beatings, paddling, or “branding”
• Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
• Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles, swimming while intoxicated)
• Kidnapping or restraint for extended periods

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama

Jackson County students face hazing risks across multiple organization types:

• Fraternities and Sororities: Both social Greek organizations and academic/professional societies
• Athletic Teams: From NCAA Division I programs to club sports
• Spirit Organizations: Cheerleading, dance teams, mascot programs
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Military-Style Programs: While less common in Alabama than Texas, some universities maintain corps traditions
• Honor Societies and Service Organizations

The common thread across all organizations is power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition being used to justify abuse.

Alabama Hazing Laws: What Jackson County Families Need to Know

Alabama’s Hazing Statutes

Alabama has specific anti-hazing legislation under Alabama Code § 16-1-23. The law defines hazing as “any willful action taken or situation created which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student” for purposes of initiation or admission into any organization.

Key provisions Jackson County parents should understand:

• Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor for first offenses
• Subsequent offenses become Class A misdemeanators
• Organizations that knowingly permit hazing may face fines up to $1,000
• Individual participants can face criminal charges beyond hazing statutes (assault, providing alcohol to minors, etc.)

Consent Is Not a Defense

Like Texas and many other states, Alabama law specifically states that the consent of the victim is not a defense in hazing prosecutions. This recognizes the power dynamics at play—when a student fears social exclusion or wants desperately to belong, their “agreement” isn’t truly voluntary.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Criminal Cases:

• Prosecuted by the state (district attorney’s office)
• Focus on punishment (fines, probation, potential jail time)
• Require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”
• Can include charges beyond hazing: assault, providing alcohol to minors, reckless endangerment

Civil Cases:

• Filed by victims or their families seeking compensation
• Focus on financial recovery for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost opportunities
• Require proof “by a preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
• Can target multiple parties: individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities

These cases can proceed simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice.

Federal Laws That Apply Everywhere

Regardless of Alabama state law, these federal frameworks apply:

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, universities receiving federal funds must investigate and address the misconduct.

Clery Act: Requires colleges to report certain crimes, maintain crime logs, and issue timely warnings. Some hazing incidents trigger Clery reporting obligations.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): While still being implemented, this federal law will require increased transparency about hazing incidents and prevention efforts at federally funded institutions.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat Everywhere

The same dangerous scripts play out on campuses nationwide because the same national organizations operate everywhere. Jackson County families should understand these patterns because the fraternities and sororities involved in these high-profile cases also have chapters at Alabama schools.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)
Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement with the fraternity national and university. This case shows how “traditional” drinking events turn deadly.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)
Phi Delta Theta pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mandated drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. This case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony. The same Phi Delta Theta national organization operates chapters nationwide.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017)
Pi Kappa Phi pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” His death led to FSU suspending all Greek life temporarily. The Pi Kappa Phi national organization involved here is the same one we’re currently suing in Texas for the Bermudez case.

Physical Hazing With Lasting Injury

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)
Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage after being forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. His family reached multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants. This shows how non-fatal hazing can still destroy a life.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021)
Pledges were covered with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years. This demonstrates how physical hazing extends beyond alcohol.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football Program (2023-2025)
Multiple former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program. The head coach was fired, and the university reached confidential settlements with multiple players. This proves hazing isn’t limited to Greek life—it infects athletic programs too.

The Alabama Campus Landscape for Jackson County Families

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

For Jackson County Students: While Tuscaloosa is approximately 180 miles from Jackson County, many local students attend UA, particularly given its strong academic programs and in-state tuition benefits.

Greek Life Reality: UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the country with approximately 11,000 students in fraternities and sororities. The scale increases both opportunity and risk.

Recent History: The university has faced multiple hazing incidents over the years, including:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon investigations for alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple fraternities placed on suspension for hazing violations
• Ongoing scrutiny of alcohol policies and Greek life oversight

What UA Students Should Know:

• Report hazing to the UA Office of Student Conduct at (205) 348-8234
• UAPD (University Police) has jurisdiction on campus
• The university maintains hazing prevention resources but enforcement varies
• Document everything immediately—group chats disappear quickly

Auburn University

For Jackson County Students: Auburn is approximately 220 miles from Jackson County, serving as another major destination for local students seeking strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs.

Campus Culture: Auburn’s Greek system includes approximately 6,000 students across 50+ chapters, with significant influence on campus social life.

Notable Incidents: Auburn has faced its share of hazing challenges, including:

• Multiple fraternity suspensions in recent years
• Ongoing challenges with alcohol-related incidents
• National attention on Greek life culture and oversight

Critical Resources:

• Auburn’s Hazing Prevention website provides reporting options
• The Office of Student Conduct handles investigations
• Campus Safety and Security can be reached at (334) 844-8888
• Preservation of digital evidence is crucial—Auburn students use GroupMe, Instagram, and Snapchat extensively

Other Alabama Institutions Jackson County Students Attend

Jacksonville State University: Approximately 75 miles from Jackson County, serving as a regional option with growing Greek presence.

University of North Alabama: Located in Florence, about 90 miles away, with active Greek life and athletic programs.

Community Colleges: Many Jackson County students begin at Northeast Alabama Community College or other two-year institutions before transferring, encountering Greek life at their transfer destinations.

National Fraternities and Sororities: The Same Organizations, Everywhere

The dangerous patterns we see in national hazing cases repeat because the same organizations operate with similar cultures nationwide. For Jackson County families, this means the fraternity that killed a pledge in Ohio or Louisiana has chapters at Alabama schools with similar “traditions.”

High-Risk National Organizations With Alabama Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths including Stone Foltz (Bowling Green) and David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois)
• Alabama Chapters: Active at University of Alabama, Auburn University, and other campuses
• Risk Factors: Known for alcohol-focused “Big/Little” events and physical hazing traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National Pattern: Numerous hazing incidents nationwide; eliminated traditional pledging in 2014 but problems persist
• Alabama Chapters: Major presence at UA and Auburn with historical hazing incidents
• Risk Factors: Continues to face allegations of alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Phi Delta Theta

• National Pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU led to felony hazing legislation
• Alabama Chapters: Active at multiple Alabama institutions
• Risk Factors: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tests”

Pi Kappa Phi

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death at FSU; currently facing our lawsuit in Texas for the Bermudez kidney failure case
• Alabama Chapters: Present at several Alabama universities
• Risk Factors: Physical endurance hazing and alcohol coercion

Why National Histories Matter for Your Case

When we represent Alabama families, we investigate not just what happened locally, but what the national organization knew about similar risks. This establishes foreseeability—the legal concept that they should have anticipated and prevented the harm.

Pattern Evidence Strengthens Your Case:

1. Prior Incidents: We subpoena national organization records showing similar incidents at other chapters
2. Policy vs. Practice: We compare their written anti-hazing policies against what they actually enforced
3. Training Gaps: We examine whether education was meaningful or just box-checking
4. Response History: We document how they handled prior violations—meaningful punishment or wrist-slaps?

This investigative depth is why our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine matters for Alabama families. We maintain databases tracking:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and legal addresses
• 96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence
• National hazing incident patterns across all 50 states

While this data focuses on Texas, the same investigative rigor applies to Alabama cases. The national organizations, insurance companies, and defense strategies are identical.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, and admissions
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos of events
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” content
• Location Data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geo-tagged photos

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries (take multiple angles immediately and over several days)
• Medical records specifically stating “hazing-related” injuries
• Blood tests showing alcohol toxicity or other substances
• Clothing or objects used in hazing

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges who experienced the same treatment
• Former members who left the organization
• Roommates, friends, or partners who observed changes
• Medical providers who treated injuries

Organizational Records:

• Chapter meeting minutes or communications
• National organization policies and training materials
• University disciplinary records for prior incidents

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
• Future medical expenses (therapy, medications, long-term care)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the student would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Egregious):

• Intended to punish the defendant and deter future conduct
• Available when behavior shows reckless disregard or intentional harm
• Amounts vary based on severity and defendant’s financial situation

The Insurance Battle You Don’t See

One of our greatest advantages comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies fight these claims:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

• Arguing hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Delaying investigations hoping evidence disappears
• Using Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Offering quick, low settlements before families hire attorneys
• Arguing comparative fault (“the student agreed to participate”)

We counter these tactics with:

• Immediate evidence preservation before deletion
• Expert medical testimony to counter IME bias
• Thorough investigation of all potential insurance policies
• Aggressive litigation readiness that forces serious settlement discussions

Practical Guide for Jackson County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
• Financial strain from unexplained expenses
• Academic decline despite previous success

48-Hour Action Plan:

1. Medical First: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
2. Document Everything: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages, save physical evidence
3. Write It Down: Record who, what, when, where while memory is fresh
4. Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
5. Preserve Digital Evidence: Help your child backup group chats before deletion
6. Do Not Confront: Avoid contacting the organization directly—they’ll destroy evidence
7. Medical Records: Request copies of all treatment records
8. Witness List: Document names and contact information for others involved

For Students: Safety and Evidence Preservation

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s apartment, public area)
• You won’t get in trouble for seeking help in medical emergencies

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my family?
• Does this activity endanger my physical or mental health?

If You Decide to Leave the Organization:

• You have the legal right to quit at any time
• Send written notice (email or text) to chapter leadership
• Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured
• Document any retaliation or harassment
• Report threats to campus police immediately

Evidence Collection Checklist:

• Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
• Photograph injuries with multiple angles and scale reference
• Save voicemails, emails, or written communications
• Record conversations (Alabama is a one-party consent state)
• Preserve social media posts and stories
• Keep physical items (clothing, props, receipts)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want my child to get in more trouble.”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible.
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses.
Better approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements.
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often minimal.
Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it.

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging.

5. Waiting for the University Investigation
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs.
Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball.
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you.”

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Our Texas Base, National Capability

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

Direct Representation for Cases With Texas Connections:

• National fraternity headquarters based in Texas
• Texas-based insurance companies
• Students originally from Texas attending out-of-state schools
• Cross-border incidents with multi-state elements

Co-Counsel Arrangements for Alabama Cases:

• We partner with experienced local Alabama attorneys
• Combine our national hazing expertise with local courtroom knowledge
• Handle complex litigation while your local counsel manages day-to-day proceedings
• Share resources, experts, and strategic advantages

Consultation and Case Evaluation Nationwide:

• Free initial consultations for families anywhere in the U.S.
• Case evaluation and strategy guidance
• Referrals to qualified local counsel when appropriate
• Ongoing consultation on complex legal issues

Proven Experience Where It Matters Most

The Bermudez Case: Active High-Stakes Litigation
Right now, we’re leading one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from Pi Kappa Phi hazing at University of Houston. Our attorneys are currently in federal court fighting for justice against a major university and national fraternity. This isn’t historical—it’s what we’re doing today.

Insurance Insider Advantage
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 claims
• Use Independent Medical Examinations to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under intentional act exclusions

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same insurance companies that cover Alabama fraternities and universities.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Attorney Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (taking on billion-dollar defendants)
• Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
• 25+ years of complex personal injury litigation
• Membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (elite criminal defense credential)

We’ve faced massive institutional defendants before. Universities and national fraternities don’t intimidate us.

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families in Alabama and nationwide. Se habla Español.

Our Investigative Advantage: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While we built this data system for Texas cases, it demonstrates the investigative depth we bring to every matter:

We Track What Others Don’t:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs, legal names, and addresses
• Cross-referenced data from IRS records, university rosters, and public filings
• Historical patterns of organizational behavior and risk

Sample Texas Public Records (Demonstrating Our Investigative Approach):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | Various Texas entities with EINs and addresses
• SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – TEXAS SIGMA INCORPORATED | 2104 OLD RANCH RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666
• TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY CHAPTER ORGANIZATIONS | Multiple house corporations and alumni chapters

This Same Rigor Applies to Alabama Cases:

• We identify all potentially liable entities: local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters
• We trace insurance coverage through corporate structures
• We uncover pattern evidence from other chapters of the same organization
• We build institutional knowledge cases showing what they knew and when

How We Work With Alabama Families

Free Initial Consultation:
We listen to your story, review any evidence you’ve preserved, and provide honest assessment of your legal options. No pressure to hire us immediately.

Co-Counsel Partnership Model:
For Alabama-based cases, we typically work with local counsel through:

• Joint representation agreements
• Shared responsibility for different case aspects
• Regular strategy coordination
• Combined resources for maximum impact

Contingency Fee Basis:
We handle hazing cases on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We cover case expenses initially and recover them from any settlement or judgment.

Communication Commitment:
We provide regular updates (at least every 2-3 weeks) and are always available for urgent questions. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not paralegals or case managers.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jackson County Families

Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Each case depends on specific facts—contact us for case-specific analysis.

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

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

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

What if my child “agreed” to participate?
Alabama law, like Texas law, recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent. Consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

How much is a hazing case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, long-term impact, and defendant conduct. National cases have settled for amounts ranging from $375,000 to $14 million. We work with economists to calculate full damages.

Do we need an Alabama lawyer or a Texas lawyer?
You need lawyers with specific hazing expertise. We work with Alabama co-counsel to combine national hazing experience with local knowledge. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Take Action Today: Jackson County Families Deserve Answers

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends University of Alabama, Auburn, or any college nationwide—you don’t have to navigate this alone. The same national fraternities, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. We’ve faced them in Texas, and we can help you face them in Alabama.

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved
3. Explain your legal options clearly
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs and process
6. Provide next steps regardless of whether you hire us

Immediate Help Available:

• Evidence preservation guidance before deletion
• Emergency consultations for recent incidents
• Referrals to medical and psychological resources
• Coordination with local Alabama counsel when appropriate

Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t let organizations control the narrative. Don’t struggle alone with institutional bureaucracy. Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Statute of Limitations Explained:
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

News Coverage of Our Active UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

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

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

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)