The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Families in Lauderdale County, Alabama

If Your Child Was Hazed at an Alabama or Out-of-State University, Here’s What You Need to Know

You get a call in the middle of the night. Your child, a freshman at an Alabama university or a school in another state, sounds disoriented and scared. They mumble something about a “pledge event,” not feeling well, and not wanting to get anyone in trouble. The pieces start coming together: late-night “study sessions,” mandatory group chats buzzing at all hours, unexplained exhaustion, and now this. As a parent in Lauderdale County—whether your child attends the University of North Alabama locally, Auburn University, the University of Alabama, or any college across the country—your protective instincts scream that something is very wrong. This is the nightmare scenario families in Florence, Rogersville, Killen, and throughout Lauderdale County face when hazing infiltrates their child’s college experience.

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In Houston, Texas, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; “waterboarding” with a hose; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items. The physical toll was catastrophic—Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, demonstrates exactly what we do: take on powerful universities and national fraternities when they fail to protect students.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like today, your legal rights as an Alabama family, how national patterns apply to organizations in your state, and what steps to take immediately if you suspect abuse. While our firm is Texas-based, we serve families nationwide through co-counsel arrangements and consultation, bringing the same investigative depth and institutional-fighting experience to every case.

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 in Alabama and Nationwide

For families in Lauderdale County, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond stereotypes of “boys will be boys” or “harmless pranks.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and disguised as “tradition” or “bonding.” Whether your child is at an Alabama university or an out-of-state school, these patterns persist.

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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Students Everywhere

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little” nights, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean consuming more alcohol. Students may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, sometimes leading to alcohol poisoning with blood alcohol levels reaching lethal concentrations (0.40% or higher).

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, and extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning. “Smokings”—exhaustive workouts meant to punish rather than train—are common. Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments also fall under this category.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, and degrading costumes represent this category. Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones—slurs, role-play, or targeted humiliation—create profound psychological harm.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media constitute psychological hazing. This systematic breaking down of identity and boundaries can lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Digital/Online Hazing
Modern hazing has moved to digital spaces: group chat dares, “challenges” shared via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord, and pressure to create or share compromising images/videos. Constant monitoring via shared location apps and 24/7 response demands in GroupMe or WhatsApp groups creates unprecedented control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

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

Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. Organizations often use coded language, calling hazing “tradition,” “bonding,” “new member education,” or “character building.”

Law & Liability Framework: Alabama, Federal, and Texas Insights

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Lauderdale County families, whether your child attends an Alabama university or a school in another state.

Alabama Hazing Law

Alabama has specific anti-hazing legislation under Code of Alabama § 16-1-23. The law defines hazing 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 include:

Criminal penalties: Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months imprisonment and a fine of up to $500
Organizational liability: Any organization that knowingly permits hazing forfeits its official recognition and may be fined up to $5,000
Individual liability: Students, faculty, or staff who knowingly participate in or permit hazing may face both criminal charges and civil liability
Reporting requirements: Educational institutions must adopt policies prohibiting hazing and provide information about hazing to students and staff

For Lauderdale County families with students at University of North Alabama, these Alabama statutes apply directly to incidents occurring at state institutions.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

Criminal Cases
Brought by the state (prosecutor) with the aim of punishment (jail, fines, probation). Typical hazing-related criminal charges in Alabama can include:

Hazing offenses under state law
Furnishing alcohol to minors
Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases
Brought by victims or surviving families with the aim of monetary compensation and accountability. These 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. In fact, many hazing cases are resolved through civil litigation when criminal charges aren’t pursued or don’t fully address the harm.

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

Federal laws create additional layers of protection and obligation:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

This applies to virtually all major universities, including those in Alabama and nationwide.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and address these incidents, providing protections for victims.

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

Multiple parties may share liability:

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up can face personal liability. In some cases, individual officers have been ordered to pay millions personally.

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

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters face liability based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. National organizations often have deeper insurance coverage.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions involve prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist.

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

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Lauderdale County Families

Major national cases establish patterns and legal precedents that affect cases everywhere, including those involving Alabama students. These stories demonstrate why institutions can be held accountable.

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. Help was delayed for hours, resulting in Piazza’s death from traumatic brain injuries. Dozens of criminal charges were filed, civil litigation followed, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case shows how extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence create devastating legal exposure.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where pledges drank when answering questions incorrectly led to Gruver’s death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members faced criminal charges, and Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The family received a $6.1 million verdict.

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, with additional settlements from the fraternity and individuals totaling approximately $10 million.

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, suffering fatal head injuries while help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000. This case established precedent for organizational criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and staff, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired (and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially), and the university faced massive reputational damage. This demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Lauderdale County Families

Common threads in these cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—repeat across the country. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Alabama families facing hazing are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The same national organizations involved in these cases have chapters at Alabama universities and nationwide.

Alabama Universities & Greek Life: What Lauderdale County Families Should Know

While our firm is Texas-based, we understand that Lauderdale County families have children at Alabama universities and colleges nationwide. Here’s what you should know about hazing risks at institutions Alabama students commonly attend.

University of North Alabama (Local to Lauderdale County)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Located in Florence within Lauderdale County, UNA has approximately 8,500 students with active Greek life through the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other organizations. As a regional comprehensive university, it serves many local Lauderdale County families.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
UNA prohibits hazing under its Student Code of Conduct, defining it consistently with Alabama law. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, University Police, and anonymous reporting systems. The university is required to enforce Alabama’s anti-hazing statutes.

Recent Context
While specific recent hazing incidents at UNA may not be widely publicized, the university, like all Alabama institutions, operates under the state’s anti-hazing framework. Families should know that Alabama law provides specific protections and reporting requirements.

How a UNA Hazing Case Might Proceed
Cases would involve local jurisdiction in Lauderdale County courts. The Florence Police Department or University Police might investigate criminal aspects. Civil suits could be filed in Lauderdale County Circuit Court. Given UNA’s status as a public university, sovereign immunity considerations would apply but wouldn’t prevent all claims.

Major Alabama Universities with Significant Greek Life

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
With one of the largest Greek systems in the country, UA has approximately 11,000 students in Greek organizations. The university has faced hazing incidents across various organizations and has established anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms through its Office of Student Conduct.

Auburn University
Auburn’s Greek community includes approximately 6,000 students across more than 60 chapters. The university has dealt with hazing allegations in recent years and maintains an anti-hazing policy requiring all organizations to complete prevention education.

Alabama State University & Other HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Alabama have active National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) organizations with rich traditions. These institutions have their own hazing prevention initiatives while honoring organizational histories.

What Alabama Students & Parents Should Do

For families with students at Alabama universities:

Know Alabama Law: Understand Code of Alabama § 16-1-23 and how it protects your child
University Reporting: Each Alabama university has specific reporting channels—know them before you need them
Document Everything: Alabama cases rely on evidence just like cases everywhere
Legal Options: Alabama law provides both criminal and civil pathways for accountability
Timing Matters: Alabama has its own statute of limitations—generally two years for personal injury claims

For Lauderdale County families specifically, having matters potentially heard in local courts adds a layer of geographic convenience, but the legal principles remain consistent with national patterns.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories & Local Chapters

The same national organizations involved in heavily publicized hazing cases have chapters at Alabama universities and nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Lauderdale County families recognize risks.

Why National Histories Matter

When a chapter at an Alabama university repeats behaviors that got chapters shut down in other states, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known the risks. This strengthens negligence claims against nationals.

National headquarters often:

Have extensive anti-hazing manuals because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries
Know the patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals
Receive dues and exercise control over local chapters

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/Pike)

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10 million in settlements
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple other alcohol-related hazing deaths nationwide

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/SAE)

One of the largest fraternities with chapters nationwide, including Alabama
Multiple hazing-related deaths leading to elimination of traditional pledge process in 2014
Recent lawsuits involving traumatic brain injuries, chemical burns, and assaults

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple other alcohol hazing incidents nationwide

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Currently defending the $10 million Bermudez case we’re litigating in Texas

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

Multiple hazing suspensions and incidents nationwide
Paddling and alcohol-related hazing patterns

These organizations—and others with similar histories—have chapters at Alabama universities and colleges nationwide. Their national patterns create liability when local chapters repeat known dangerous behaviors.

The Divine Nine & NPHC Organizations

The National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations have rich histories and traditions at Alabama HBCUs and nationwide. While these organizations have official policies against hazing, incidents involving physical hazing, paddling, and endurance tests have occurred. Each has its own national governance structure and risk management approach.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy for Lauderdale County Families

Whether your case involves an Alabama university or an out-of-state school, building a strong hazing case requires sophisticated investigation and strategy.

Evidence: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital footprints. Key evidence includes:

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments
Both live and recovered/deleted messages (digital forensics can often retrieve deleted content)

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 “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials

University Records

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

Medical & Psychological Records

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

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Hazing cases can involve multiple categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing care)
Future medical expenses (long-term therapy, medication, life care plans)
Lost earnings/educational impact (missed semesters, delayed graduation)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent disabilities)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, punitive damages may punish defendants and deter future hazing. Availability varies by state.

The Role of Different Defendants & Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may provide coverage, but insurers frequently argue:

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

Experienced hazing lawyers:

Identify all potential coverage sources (national policies, chapter policies, university policies, individual homeowner’s policies)
Navigate disputes about exclusions and intentional conduct
Pursue “bad faith” claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage

For Lauderdale County families, this means even if an incident occurs out-of-state, insurance coverage might be pursued in multiple jurisdictions depending on where policies were issued and where defendants are located.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lauderdale County Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety when phone buzzes
Academic decline (dropping grades, missing classes)
Financial red flags (unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards)

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions without judgment: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Listen more than you speak
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Assure them of your support regardless of decisions

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get medical attention immediately—even if they insist they’re “fine”
Document everything: photograph injuries, screenshot messages, save physical items
Write down details while memories are fresh (who, what, when, where)
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours

Dealing with the University

Document every communication (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization
Understand the difference between university discipline and legal accountability
Do NOT sign anything from the university without legal review

For Students: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

Exiting Safely

You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for safety
Send a written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Reporting Options

Campus channels: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Office
Local police if crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
An experienced attorney who can advise on protections

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence
- What seems protective actually looks like a cover-up
- Digital forensics can often recover content, but preservation is easier
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
- They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses
- Let your attorney handle all communications
Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms
- Universities often pressure quick settlements that waive legal rights
- Never sign anything without attorney review
Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
- Defense attorneys monitor everything
- Inconsistencies damage credibility
Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
- Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
- University process rarely provides real accountability or adequate compensation
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
- Recorded statements are used against you
- Early settlement offers are typically lowball amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Alabama?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities in Alabama have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence and certain claims. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Alabama?”
Alabama currently classifies hazing as a Class C misdemeanor under state law. However, related charges (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, etc.) can be more serious. Some states have upgraded hazing to felonies when injuries or deaths occur—an important consideration if the incident occurred out-of-state.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Alabama law and most state laws recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Alabama’s statute specifically addresses actions taken “recklessly or intentionally,” focusing on the conduct rather than purported consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Time limits vary by state. In Alabama, personal injury claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations. However, if the incident occurred in another state, that state’s limitations period may apply. The “discovery rule” may extend deadlines if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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. However, some aspects may become public if a lawsuit is filed.

“Can Attorney911 help with an Alabama case even though you’re Texas-based?”
Yes. We serve families nationwide through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys, consultation on case strategy, and direct representation when appropriate. If your case has connections to Texas (national organization headquarters, Texas-based insurance, etc.), we may be able to serve as lead counsel. Even for purely Alabama matters, we provide consultation and can work with local counsel. The same national organizations, insurance companies, and defense tactics exist everywhere—our expertise transfers.

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911: Why Choose Us for Your Hazing Case

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the United States, including those in Lauderdale County, Alabama. While we’re physically based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our hazing litigation expertise knows no geographic boundaries. We understand that hazing at universities—whether in Alabama, Texas, or any other state—follows similar patterns and involves the same national organizations.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña)
Mr. 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.” His Spanish-language fluency (Se habla Español) ensures Hispanic families receive culturally competent representation.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal resources. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and isn’t intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. His membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides unique insight into the criminal aspects of hazing cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury 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 accountability and adequate compensation.

Investigative Depth & Digital Evidence Expertise
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: deleted group chats recovered through forensics, chapter records subpoenaed from national headquarters, university files obtained through discovery. As we tell families, “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Current, Active Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing lawsuit involving life-altering injuries. This isn’t historical experience; it’s current, active litigation against a major university and national fraternity. We’re in the trenches right now, facing the same defenses and tactics your family would encounter.

How We Handle Non-Texas Cases

For Lauderdale County families and others outside Texas, we provide:

Co-Counsel Arrangements
We partner with local attorneys in your state, bringing our national hazing expertise while they handle local procedure and court requirements.

Consultation & Case Evaluation
We review cases from anywhere in the U.S., providing strategic advice, evidence preservation guidance, and evaluation of potential claims and defendants.

Direct Representation When Appropriate
If your case has Texas connections (national organization headquartered in Texas, Texas-based insurance, events occurring in Texas, etc.), we may be able to serve as lead counsel directly.

The Same Rigorous Approach, Regardless of Location
We apply the same investigative thoroughness, strategic planning, and aggressive advocacy to every case, whether it’s next door or across the country.

Call to Action for Lauderdale County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any university—whether in Alabama, Texas, or anywhere in the United States—we want to hear from you. Families in Florence, Rogersville, Killen, and throughout Lauderdale County have the right to answers and accountability when institutions fail to protect students.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
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

Contact Information

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) or lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Clarifying Expectations

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under applicable law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in Lauderdale County or anywhere across the United States, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same national patterns, institutional defenses, and insurance tactics exist everywhere—and so does our expertise in overcoming them.

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

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

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com
Attorney911 Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Attorney911 Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/
Click2Houston UH Hazing 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 UH Hazing Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline UH Hazing Coverage: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
Attorney911 Evidence Preservation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Attorney911 Statute of Limitations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Attorney911 Client Mistakes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Attorney911 Contingency Fees Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc