Hazing Victims in Crenshaw County, Alabama: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice
Crenshaw County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been a victim of hazing in Crenshaw County or at any college or university nearby, you need to know this: what happened was not “tradition,” not “team bonding,” and not “harmless fun.” It was abuse. It was assault. And it was preventable.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—where a young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities, the same negligent universities, and the same culture of abuse exist right here in Alabama.
Crenshaw County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we provide in Houston. If your child has been hazed, we will fight for you.
The Hazing Crisis in Alabama: It’s Closer Than You Think
Hazing isn’t just happening in Texas or Florida—it’s happening right here in Alabama. Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Crenshaw County have the same hazing cultures that led to multi-million-dollar lawsuits and criminal convictions nationwide.
Universities Near Crenshaw County with Greek Life:
- Troy University (Troy, AL) – Less than 30 miles from Crenshaw County
- Auburn University (Auburn, AL) – Major Greek life presence
- University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) – Largest Greek system in the country
- Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL)
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits operate at these schools:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Kappa Sigma
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Crenshaw County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
What Crenshaw County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Alabama
Alabama law explicitly prohibits hazing under Alabama Code § 16-1-23. It defines hazing as:
“Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization.”
Penalties in Alabama:
- Misdemeanor for hazing (up to 1 year in jail and $6,000 fine)
- Felony if hazing results in serious physical injury or death (up to 10 years in prison)
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Alabama law says that does not matter.
2. Hazing Causes Real, Life-Threatening Injuries
Hazing isn’t just “roughhousing.” It can lead to:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) – like our Houston client, who was hospitalized for 4 days
- Alcohol poisoning – forced drinking has killed students at other schools
- Traumatic brain injuries – from beatings or falls
- Heatstroke or hypothermia – from extreme physical exertion or exposure
- Sexual assault – forced nudity, inappropriate touching, or worse
- Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicide
If your child was hazed in Crenshaw County or nearby, get them medical attention immediately—even if they say they’re “fine.” Some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, don’t show symptoms right away.
3. Universities Are Liable for Hazing on Their Campuses
If hazing happened at a university near Crenshaw County, the school can be held legally responsible. Why?
- They have a duty to protect students. Universities know hazing happens—they just choose not to stop it.
- They own or control the property. Many fraternity houses are university-owned, just like in our Houston case.
- They profit from Greek life. Universities collect fees, donations, and prestige from fraternities and sororities—they can’t ignore the abuse and still take the money.
In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. The same is true at many Alabama schools.
4. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets—and a History of Paying Millions
Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, and Pike are not just groups of college kids. They are multi-million-dollar organizations with:
- National headquarters (with insurance policies)
- Alumni networks (with money and influence)
- House corporations (that own property)
- Insurance coverage (that pays settlements)
They’ve paid before—and they’ll pay again.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1M settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110M+ settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | $10M lawsuit pending |
The same fraternities with chapters near Crenshaw County have paid millions in settlements. Your child’s case could be next.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Crenshaw County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if your child says they’re fine.
- Document everything. Get copies of all medical records.
- Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.).
- If your child was forced to drink, get a toxicology report.
Why? Medical records are critical evidence in a hazing lawsuit.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Save:
✅ Text messages (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, iMessage)
✅ Social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter)
✅ Photos & videos (from hazing events or injuries)
✅ Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
✅ Witness contact info (other pledges, friends, bystanders)
DO NOT:
❌ Delete anything (even if it’s embarrassing)
❌ Talk to the fraternity or university without a lawyer
❌ Sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
❌ Post about the incident on social media
Step 3: Report the Hazing (But Do It the Right Way)
- File a police report. Hazing is a crime in Alabama.
- Report to the university’s Title IX office. Hazing often involves gender-based discrimination.
- Report to the fraternity’s national headquarters. (But don’t expect them to help—we’ll handle that.)
WARNING: Universities and fraternities will try to cover this up. They will pressure your child to stay quiet. Do not let them.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical. Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue.
At Attorney 911, we offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations – No obligation, no upfront cost
✔ Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
✔ Aggressive litigation – We sue universities, fraternities, and individuals
✔ Nationwide reach – We represent victims in Crenshaw County and across Alabama
Call us 24/7 at 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Why Crenshaw County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom right now.
2. We Know How to Win Against Universities and Fraternities
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how they try to avoid paying
- Federal court admission – We can sue in federal court if needed
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – We can pursue national fraternities anywhere
3. We Have a Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – Multi-billion-dollar mass tort
- Wrongful death cases – Millions recovered for grieving families
- Catastrophic injury cases – Including rhabdomyolysis and brain injuries
4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We pursue every possible defendant to maximize your recovery:
- The fraternity chapter (local and national)
- The university (for negligent oversight)
- Individual members (who participated in hazing)
- Alumni & house corporations (who enabled the abuse)
- Insurance companies (that cover these organizations)
We don’t settle for lowball offers. We fight for what you deserve.
What Your Hazing Lawsuit Could Cover
If your child was hazed in Crenshaw County or nearby, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | ER visits, hospital stays, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost wages | Time missed from work or school |
| Pain & suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Disfigurement | Scars, burns, permanent injuries |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Impact on college experience, social life |
| Punitive damages | To punish the fraternity/university for reckless conduct |
In serious cases, hazing lawsuits can recover millions of dollars—just like in the cases we’ve cited.
The Message to Fraternities Near Crenshaw County
To Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, and every other fraternity with chapters in Alabama:
We are watching. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Crenshaw County or anywhere in Alabama, we will hold you accountable.
Your “traditions” are not an excuse for abuse. Your insurance won’t protect you forever. And your alumni donors won’t stand by you when the lawsuits start.
Clean up your chapters now—or we’ll clean them out in court.
Crenshaw County Hazing Victims: It’s Time to Fight Back
If your child was hazed in Crenshaw County or at a nearby university, you have legal rights. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to let them get away with it.
We will:
✔ Investigate the hazing and gather evidence
✔ Identify all responsible parties (fraternity, university, individuals)
✔ File a lawsuit to hold them accountable
✔ Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
✔ Take the case to trial if they won’t settle fairly
You pay nothing unless we win.
🚨 Crenshaw County Families: Contact Us Now
Free Consultation – Available 24/7
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Crenshaw County and all of Alabama. Distance is not a barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits
1. “My child signed a waiver—does that mean we can’t sue?”
No. Alabama law says consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed something, they cannot legally consent to abuse.
2. “The fraternity said this was just a ‘prank.’ Is it still illegal?”
Yes. Hazing is defined by whether it endangers a student’s health or safety—not by whether it’s called a “prank” or “tradition.” Waterboarding, forced exercise, and beatings are not pranks.
3. “Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Yes. Alabama’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If hazing happened at a private home, hotel, or anywhere else, the fraternity and individuals can still be held liable.
4. “What if my child was drinking? Does that affect the case?”
No. Even if your child consumed alcohol, forced drinking is still hazing. Fraternities cannot use peer pressure or coercion to make students drink.
5. “How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
6. “Will this affect my child’s future at the university?”
No. Filing a lawsuit is your legal right. Universities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their rights. We protect our clients from retaliation.
7. “How much is my child’s case worth?”
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can recover hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:
- The severity of injuries
- The egregiousness of the hazing
- Whether the university knew about prior incidents
- The financial resources of the defendants
We will fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Crenshaw County Parents: Protect Your Child’s Future
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it can ruin your child’s education, career, and mental health.
If your child was hazed:
- They may be too traumatized to return to school.
- They may lose scholarships or financial aid.
- They may develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- They may blame themselves for what happened.
You can help them recover. You can hold the abusers accountable. You can prevent this from happening to another Crenshaw County family.
📞 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
We fight for hazing victims in Crenshaw County and across Alabama.
