Hazing Victims in Chilton County Deserve Justice — We’re Fighting for Them Now

If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority in Chilton County, Alabama, they didn’t deserve what happened to them. What was passed off as “tradition” or “brotherhood” was actually abuse. It was assault. It was torture. And it may have been criminal.

At Attorney 911, we’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively fighting it in court right now. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t theoretical for us. This is our current case.

And we bring the same aggressive representation to Chilton County families who have suffered through similar nightmares.

This Happens in Chilton County Too

Chilton County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect their kids. But the truth is, hazing is happening right here in Alabama — including in Chilton County and the surrounding areas.

The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — have active chapters at universities near Chilton County. These organizations have paid millions of dollars in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country. They know the risks. They do it anyway.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Chilton County, they face the same dangers that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Hazing Really Looks Like — A Warning for Chilton County Families

Our client at the University of Houston was subjected to:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
• Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to continue running while in physical distress
• Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
• Psychological abuse — carrying objects of a sexual nature, threats of expulsion

This didn’t happen in some distant state. This happened at a major university. It happens at universities near Chilton County. And it could happen to your child.

Another pledge in the same fraternity lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout just weeks before our client was hospitalized. The fraternity members knew what they were doing was dangerous. They did it anyway.

Chilton County Parents: You Have Rights

If your child has been hazed in Chilton County, you have legal rights. Alabama law prohibits hazing, and victims can seek compensation for:

• Medical bills from injuries or hospitalization
• Psychological trauma — therapy, counseling, PTSD treatment
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
• Educational disruption — missed classes, failed courses, delayed graduation
• Punitive damages — to punish the organization and prevent future hazing

And unlike criminal cases, you don’t need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil lawsuits, we only need to show that it’s more likely than not that the hazing occurred. This is a much lower standard, and it means hazing victims in Chilton County can win even if no criminal charges are filed.

Who Is Responsible? Everyone Who Allowed It to Happen

In our University of Houston case, we’re suing:

• The local fraternity chapter — for organizing and conducting the hazing
• The national organization — for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”
• The university — for owning the fraternity house and failing to protect students despite prior hazing incidents
• Individual members — for participating in or allowing the abuse

This same liability applies to Chilton County. If your child was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Chilton County, we can pursue:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members who participated

The Pattern Is Undeniable — And Chilton County Is Part of It

Pi Kappa Phi has a documented history of hazing:

• 2017: Andrew Coffey died from forced alcohol consumption at Florida State University
• 2025: Our client hospitalized with kidney failure at University of Houston

Same fraternity. Same negligence. Eight years apart.

And it’s not just Pi Kappa Phi. Other fraternities with chapters near Chilton County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): $10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz case)
• Phi Delta Theta: $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver case)
• Beta Theta Pi: $110+ million settlement (Timothy Piazza case)

This isn’t “boys being boys.” This is a systemic problem — and it’s happening near Chilton County.

Why Chilton County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. We know the defendants. We know their tactics. We know how to win.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities will argue: “He agreed to participate. He knew the risks.” Alabama law says consent is not a defense to hazing. We will use this law to protect Chilton County victims.

3. We Have Insider Knowledge

Both of our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how insurance companies think. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to dismantle their defenses.

4. We’ll Travel to Chilton County

We’re based in Houston, but we serve hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations for Chilton County families and will travel to Chilton County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

We understand that Chilton County families can’t afford expensive legal fees. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. There are no upfront costs. We take the risk so you can seek justice.

6. We Speak Spanish

Many hazing victims in Chilton County come from Hispanic families. We have bilingual staff and can serve Spanish-speaking clients without language barriers.

7. We Have Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which means we can pursue federal civil rights claims for Chilton County victims if needed.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Chilton County

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Chilton County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And Alabama’s statute of limitations means you only have a limited time to act.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

If your child has been injured, get them to a doctor immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away. Medical records are crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all communications — texts, emails, GroupMe chats, social media messages
• Document everything — write down what happened, who was involved, where it occurred
• Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization

• Do not confront the fraternity or sorority leadership
• Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization or their lawyers
• Do not post about the incident on social media

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Or email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer free consultations for Chilton County hazing victims and their families. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you decide the best path forward.

We Will Fight for Chilton County Families

We understand the pain and anger Chilton County families feel when their child is hazed. We understand the betrayal of trust. And we understand the desire for justice.

We are not afraid to take on universities, national fraternities, or powerful institutions. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to hold them accountable.

If your child has been hazed in Chilton County, you are not alone. We’re here to fight for you — just like we’re fighting for our client in Houston.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The consultation is free. The call could change everything.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chilton County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. Should we still contact a lawyer?

A: Yes. Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences for speaking out. We can help protect your child’s identity and guide you through the process with minimal risk. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that mean we can’t sue?

A: No. Alabama law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t excuse the organization’s conduct. We will use this law to protect Chilton County victims.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can we still sue the university?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our Houston case, the university owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred — making their liability even clearer.

Q: How much is a hazing case worth?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases can result in significant compensation, especially when:

• The victim was hospitalized or suffered serious injuries
• The organization had prior hazing incidents
• The university failed to protect students
• The conduct was particularly egregious (like waterboarding or physical abuse)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

• $10.1 million settlement (Stone Foltz case)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver case)
• $110+ million settlement (Timothy Piazza case)

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much will this cost?

A: You don’t need to afford a lawyer. We work on contingency. This means:

• $0 upfront costs — no retainer, no hourly fees
• We only get paid if you win — our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

This allows Chilton County families to pursue justice without financial risk.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, you should contact a lawyer immediately — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case.

Q: My child is an international student. Can they still sue?

A: Yes. Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your status.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve “suspended” the chapter. Does that mean they’re taking responsibility?

A: No. Fraternities often suspend or close chapters to limit liability and control the narrative. In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter before the lawsuit was even filed — proving they knew litigation was coming. This is damage control, not accountability.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a different university, not in Chilton County?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide. If your child was hazed at any university in Alabama or across the country, we can evaluate your case. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but hazing cases typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Some settle quickly, while others may go to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring Chilton County families receive full and fair compensation.

Chilton County: This Is Your Wake-Up Call

Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Chilton County. The same universities that failed to protect students in Houston fail to protect students in Alabama.

Chilton County families deserve to know the truth:

• Hazing is happening at universities near Chilton County
• Universities know about it and often fail to act
• National fraternities know about it and fail to stop it
• The consequences can be life-threatening

But Chilton County families also deserve to know this:

• You have legal rights
• You can seek justice
• You can hold powerful institutions accountable
• You don’t have to do it alone

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are fighting for hazing victims — including Chilton County families.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The call could save your child’s life — or the life of someone else’s child.

Together, We Can End Hazing in Chilton County

Hazing thrives in secrecy. It thrives when victims are afraid to speak out. It thrives when institutions prioritize reputation over safety.

But it ends when victims stand up. It ends when families demand justice. It ends when attorneys like us hold them accountable.

If your child has been hazed in Chilton County, we’re ready to fight for you. And if you’re a parent who wants to protect your child from hazing, we’re ready to help you demand change.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s send a message that Chilton County won’t tolerate hazing. Let’s protect the next generation of students. Let’s make sure no other Chilton County family has to go through what our client’s family is going through.

Enough is enough.