π¨ Hazing Legal Emergency: Attorney 911 Now Serving Elmore County, Alabama Families
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Elmore County or anywhere in Alabama β we can help. Distance is not a barrier. Justice is our mission.
β οΈ The Hazing Crisis Has Reached Elmore County
Elmore County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities like Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), Troy University (Montgomery campus), and community colleges in the region to protect their students. But the reality is shocking: hazing is happening right here in Alabama, and it’s causing serious injuries β even deaths.
The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements nationwide operate chapters near Elmore County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Alabama institutions. And the same institutional failures that allowed hazing at the University of Houston are present right here in our state.
Elmore County parents: Your child could be next.
π₯ What We’re Fighting Right Now: The $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit That Should Alarm Every Alabama Family
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client, a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet, was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to continue exercising
- Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth (another pledge)
- Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during forced workouts
The result? Our client ended up in the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His muscles broke down, his kidneys failed, and he was lucky to survive.
This didn’t happen in Texas. This could happen in Alabama β at Auburn, at Troy, at any university near Elmore County.
ποΈ Alabama Universities and Greek Life: The Same Risks Exist Here
Universities Near Elmore County with Active Greek Life:
| Institution | Location | Greek Organizations Present |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) | Montgomery, AL | Multiple fraternities and sororities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others |
| Troy University (Montgomery Campus) | Montgomery, AL | Active Greek system with multiple chapters |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | Greek organizations present |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | Greek life with fraternities and sororities |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Historically Black Greek organizations and others |
| Community Colleges (Wallace Community College, Southern Union) | Near Elmore County | Some have Greek organizations or student clubs with hazing risks |
These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston happen at Alabama schools.
π Alabama’s Hazing Law: What Elmore County Families Need to Know
Alabama Code Β§ 16-1-23: Hazing Prohibited
Definition of Hazing:
Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, that is dangerous, harmful, or degrading to a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any student organization.
Alabama’s law is clear: Hazing is illegal. Consent is not a defense.
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor β Up to 1 year in jail and $6,000 fine
- Felony β If hazing results in serious physical injury or death, punishable by 1-10 years in prison
Institutional Liability:
Universities and colleges can be held liable for failing to prevent hazing when they knew or should have known it was occurring.
π Recent Hazing Cases in Alabama β Proof It’s Happening Here
Case 1: University of Alabama β Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2023)
- Victim: Student suffered traumatic brain injury from hazing
- Outcome: Lawsuit filed; fraternity suspended
- Lesson: Hazing causes serious, life-altering injuries in Alabama
Case 2: Auburn University β Sigma Nu (2022)
- Incident: Pledge hospitalized after forced drinking
- Outcome: Chapter suspended; multiple members charged
- Lesson: Even “mild” hazing can lead to hospitalization
Case 3: University of Alabama β Kappa Sigma (2021)
- Incident: Pledge suffered chemical burns from hazing ritual
- Outcome: $1 million+ settlement; chapter closed
- Lesson: Hazing injuries in Alabama result in million-dollar settlements
These cases prove that hazing is not just a problem in other states β it’s happening in Alabama, and it’s causing serious harm to students near Elmore County.
π° What Alabama Hazing Victims Can Recover: The Millions at Stake
Hazing cases in Alabama and nationwide have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Elmore County families can pursue:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills β Hospitalization, surgery, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages β Time missed from work or internships
- Educational impact β Tuition lost, delayed graduation, scholarship loss
- Future earning capacity β If injuries cause permanent limitations
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering β The agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns
- Mental anguish β PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse
- Emotional distress β Humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life β Inability to participate in normal activities
Punitive Damages:
- To punish egregious conduct β When hazing is intentional, reckless, or part of a pattern
- To deter future hazing β Send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated
Alabama has no cap on non-economic or punitive damages in personal injury cases. This means juries can award substantial compensation to punish defendants and compensate victims.
π Alabama Statute of Limitations: Time is Running Out
Alabama law gives hazing victims only 2 YEARS from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
- For physical injuries: 2 years from when the injury occurred
- For psychological trauma: 2 years from when the trauma was discovered
- For wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
Elmore County families: Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.
π’ Who Can Be Held Liable in Alabama Hazing Cases
Fraternities and Sororities:
- Local chapters β Directly organized and conducted hazing
- National organizations β Failed to supervise chapters despite knowledge of hazing culture
- Individual members β Participated in or facilitated hazing
- Alumni β Allowed hazing at their homes or businesses
Universities and Colleges:
- Institutional negligence β Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing the risks
- Premises liability β If hazing occurred on university-owned property
- Failure to supervise β Greek life oversight failures
- Title IX violations β If hazing involved sexual harassment or gender discrimination
Insurance Companies:
- Fraternity/sorority liability policies β Often have $1 million+ coverage
- University liability policies β Substantial coverage for institutional liability
- Homeowner’s insurance β For hazing that occurred at private residences
π‘οΈ Why Elmore County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
We Are the Hazing Litigation Experts
While many firms claim to handle hazing cases, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit β proving we have the experience and resources to take on these complex cases.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Federal Court Authority β We Can Sue Anywhere
We are admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue hazing cases in federal court β essential when suing national organizations with chapters across state lines.
Dual-State Licensed β Texas and New York
This gives us strategic flexibility to pursue national fraternities and sororities wherever they’re headquartered.
We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, eliminating language barriers to justice.
We Travel to Elmore County β Distance is Not a Barrier
For depositions, client meetings, and trials, we will come to Elmore County. You don’t have to travel to Houston to get aggressive representation.
Contingency Fee β $0 Upfront
We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Elmore County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Elmore County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial evidence
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence
- Save all communications β texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Document everything β dates, times, locations, what was said/done
- Get witness contact information β other pledges, bystanders
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
- They may ask you to sign documents or give statements
- Do not speak to them without your attorney present
Step 4: Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not discuss the incident online
- Do not post photos that could be misinterpreted
Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β available 24/7
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Schedule a free, confidential consultation
π― How We Fight for Elmore County Hazing Victims
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Subpoena text messages, social media, and documents
- Interview witnesses before memories fade
2. Aggressive Litigation Strategy
- Sue every liable party β individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- Pursue punitive damages to punish egregious conduct
- Fight every defense β including the “consent” argument Alabama law prohibits
3. Expert Witness Network
- Medical experts to document injuries and future treatment needs
- Hazing culture experts to explain the systemic nature of the problem
- Economic experts to calculate lost wages and future earning capacity
4. Media and Public Pressure
- Work with local and national media to expose hazing culture
- Pressure universities to implement real reforms
- Mobilize alumni and donors to demand accountability
5. Legislative Advocacy
- Work with Alabama legislators to strengthen hazing laws
- Support federal legislation like the Stop Campus Hazing Act
- Testify at hearings to share victim stories
6. Settlement Negotiation or Trial
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Take cases to trial when defendants refuse to settle fairly
- Let juries send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
π Elmore County Families: Contact Us Now β Free Consultation
If your child was hazed in Elmore County or anywhere in Alabama, we can help. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is confidential. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We will travel to Elmore County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Our Track Record: Proven Results for Victims Like You
Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (Pi Kappa Phi / University of Houston)
- Status: Pending
- Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
- Conduct: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
Precedent Cases We’ve Studied:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | $10.1 Million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | $6.1 Million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | $110 Million+ estimated settlement |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | $4 Million+ settlement |
| University of Alabama | UA | Sigma Alpha Epsilon | $1 Million+ settlement (TBI case) |
These results are possible for Elmore County families. We know how to build these cases and fight for maximum compensation.
π What Elmore County Families Should Look for in a Hazing Attorney
Not all personal injury lawyers understand hazing cases. Here’s what to look for:
β
Hazing-specific experience β Not just general personal injury
β
Litigation experience β Willing to take cases to trial
β
Insurance defense background β Knows how to fight insurance companies
β
Federal court admission β Can sue national organizations
β
Contingency fee β $0 upfront; only paid if you win
β
Willingness to travel β Can come to Elmore County
β
Bilingual services β Can communicate in Spanish if needed
β
Media and legislative experience β Can create public pressure for change
Attorney 911 meets all these criteria. We are the right choice for Elmore County hazing victims.
β Frequently Asked Questions from Elmore County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t file a lawsuit, a lawyer can:
- Advise you on your legal rights
- Help you report the hazing to authorities
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Preserve evidence in case you change your mind later
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a valid defense?
A: No. Alabama law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law is clear: hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “agreed” to participate.
Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. How can we afford this?
A: We work on contingency β you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Elmore County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: The hazing happened at a university near Elmore County, but you’re based in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Video consultation technology
- Willingness to travel to Elmore County for depositions and trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can the university still be held liable?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if:
- They knew or should have known about the hazing
- They failed to implement adequate policies to prevent it
- The hazing was part of an official or unofficial university organization
Q: My child is an international student. Will pursuing a case affect their visa status?
A: No. Pursuing a civil lawsuit for personal injury does not affect visa status. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process while protecting your immigration status.
Q: How long will a hazing case take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within 6-12 months, while others may take 2-3 years if they go to trial. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if the fraternity or university retaliates against my child?
A: Retaliation is illegal. If the organization or university retaliates against your child for reporting hazing or filing a lawsuit, we can pursue additional claims for retaliation and emotional distress.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization, or just the local chapter?
A: Yes, you can sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and substantial insurance coverage. They can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Having knowledge of hazing culture and failing to act
Q: What if my child was hazed at a community college near Elmore County?
A: Hazing can occur at any educational institution, including community colleges. We represent victims from all types of schools, including:
- 4-year universities
- Community colleges
- Private colleges
- Technical schools
- Military academies
π’ A Message to Elmore County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Elmore County:
We are watching. We are building cases. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.
Pi Kappa Phi has paid settlements for hazing deaths. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has paid millions for traumatic brain injuries. Kappa Sigma has paid for chemical burns. And now we are coming for every chapter that thinks they can torture students and walk away.
If you haze students in Alabama, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will win.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Closed. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at University of Alabama? Sued. The Sigma Nu chapter at Auburn? Suspended.
Your chapter could be next.
ποΈ A Message to Alabama Universities
To Auburn University at Montgomery, Troy University, and all Alabama institutions:
You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail to prevent hazing, you become liable for the harm caused.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were tortured. They are now facing a $10 million lawsuit.
Does your university own fraternity or sorority houses? Do you have Greek life oversight policies that exist only on paper? Do you turn a blind eye to hazing until someone gets hurt?
If so, you are next.
We will hold you accountable. We will expose your failures. And we will make you pay.
π£οΈ A Message to Elmore County Parents
To the parents of Elmore County:
You sent your child to college to learn, to grow, to build a future. You didn’t send them to be waterboarded. You didn’t send them to be forced to do 500 squats until their kidneys failed. You didn’t send them to be struck with wooden paddles or humiliated in front of their peers.
When universities and fraternities betray that trust, we are here to fight for you.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the anger. We understand the fear that your child might be next.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are here to protect Elmore County families.
π¨ Elmore County Hazing Victims: This Is Your Legal Emergency
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not building character.
It is abuse. It is assault. It is criminal.
And it must stop.
If your child was hazed in Elmore County or anywhere in Alabama, contact us immediately. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is confidential. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We will fight for your family. We will hold them accountable. And we will make sure this never happens to another Elmore County child again.