π¨ Hazing Lawyer in Greene County, Alabama | Attorney 911
Justice for Greene County Hazing Victims β Nationwide Representation from Texas
β οΈ Hazing Happens in Greene County, Alabama β And It’s Not “Tradition.” It’s Abuse.
If your child was hazed at Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, or any other Greene County institution β or if they were hazed at an out-of-state university and you’re a Greene County family β you have legal rights.
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys.” It isn’t “building brotherhood.” It isn’t “just part of pledging.”
It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s illegal in Alabama.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will fight for Greene County families with the same aggression.
If your child was hazed in Greene County or anywhere in America, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911
ποΈ Greene County, Alabama: Your Community, Your Values, Your Fight
Greene County is known for its deep sense of community, family values, and commitment to education. Families here send their children to college expecting them to be safe β not to be waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until their muscles break down, or struck with wooden paddles.
But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Greene County. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Montgomery have chapters at institutions accessible to Greene County students. And too often, these organizations prioritize “tradition” over safety.
Your Greene County values matter. Your child’s safety matters. And justice matters.
π₯ The Hazing Crisis: What’s Happening in Alabama and Beyond
Hazing isn’t limited to large universities. It happens at:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Stillman College in Tuscaloosa β just a short drive from Greene County
- Community colleges like Shelton State Community College
- Small private colleges throughout Alabama
- Out-of-state universities where Greene County students enroll
And it’s not just fraternities:
- Sororities
- Sports teams
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
The statistics are alarming:
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
- 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear of retaliation or social exclusion
Greene County families: If your child is involved in any student organization, they could be at risk.
π What Hazing Really Looks Like β The Case That Shows Greene County Families Why We Fight
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. His story is a warning to every Greene County family.
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez β And What Could Happen to Your Child in Greene County
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that hospitalized him for three nights and four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
The hazing activities he endured include:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose β simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Being struck with wooden paddles β physical assault with weapons
- Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups β until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting β then forced to continue running
- Sleep deprivation β forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological humiliation β forced to carry a fanny pack with objects of sexual nature
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour β while fraternity members prepared for a meeting
The result: Leonel Bermudez spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. He couldn’t walk or move for days. His muscles literally broke down from the abuse.
This happened in Houston. But it could happen in Greene County.
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Alabama. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at fraternities near Greene County.
Greene County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, they face the same risks.
ποΈ Who Is Liable When Hazing Happens in Greene County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we are suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Greene County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Any Greene County fraternity/sorority chapter that hazes |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, and others with Greene County-area chapters |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite having authority to do so | Stillman College, Shelton State, or any institution where hazing occurs |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing | Chapter officers, pledgemasters, active members |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | Any organization that owns fraternity/sorority houses near Greene County |
| Former Members/Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Any Greene County alumni who enable hazing |
Greene County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every responsible party and hold them accountable.
βοΈ Alabama Hazing Laws β What Greene County Families Need to Know
Alabama Code Β§ 16-1-23 β Hazing Defined and Prohibited
Alabama law defines hazing as:
Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off any school, college, university, or other educational premises, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student, or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Confinement in small spaces
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury
Alabama Code Β§ 16-1-23.1 β Criminal Penalties for Hazing
Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor in Alabama, punishable by:
- Up to 3 months in jail
- Fines up to $500
If hazing results in serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $3,000
Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that does not matter.
Civil Liability β Suing for Damages in Greene County
In addition to criminal charges, Greene County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Greene County families: You don’t have to wait for a criminal case to pursue justice. A civil lawsuit allows you to hold institutions accountable and recover compensation for your child’s injuries.
π° How Much Is a Greene County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Recent precedent cases include:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our current case: We are seeking $10 million for Leonel Bermudez’s injuries.
Greene County families: Your child’s hazing case could be worth millions of dollars, depending on:
- The severity of the injuries
- The egregiousness of the conduct
- The number of defendants
- Whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing
- The long-term impact on your child’s health and future
π₯ Common Hazing Injuries β What Greene County Families Should Watch For
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. If your child experiences any of these symptoms after pledging, seek medical attention immediately:
| Injury | Symptoms | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark brown urine, difficulty moving | Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, unconsciousness | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Headache, dizziness, memory problems, confusion, loss of consciousness | Permanent cognitive impairment, disability |
| Broken Bones | Severe pain, swelling, inability to move limb | Permanent disability, chronic pain |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, shock | Organ damage, death |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Heat Stroke | High body temperature, nausea, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness | Organ failure, death |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Nightmares, flashbacks, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts | Long-term mental health issues, substance abuse |
Greene County families: If your child was hazed and is experiencing any symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately. Delaying treatment can worsen injuries and weaken your legal case.
π What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Greene County
If you suspect your child has been hazed, follow these steps immediately:
1. Ensure Their Safety
- Remove them from the dangerous situation
- If they are injured, call 911 or take them to the emergency room
2. Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of any injuries
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails)
- Document the timeline of what happened
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
- Keep any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
3. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence for your case
4. Report the Incident
- Report to the university/college (Stillman College, Shelton State, etc.)
- File a police report with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office or local police
- Report to the national organization (if applicable)
5. Do NOT Talk to the Organization Without Legal Counsel
- The fraternity, sorority, or university will try to control the narrative
- They may ask for statements or offer settlements
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
- Do not post about the incident on social media
6. Contact a Hazing Attorney Immediately
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- We offer free consultations for Greene County families
- We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win
- We will preserve evidence, handle communications, and fight for maximum compensation
π― Why Greene County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re 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 β we’re in the fight.
Greene County families get the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β We Know Their Playbook
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies and national defense firms before switching sides to represent victims.
We know how they think. We know how they fight. And we know how to beat them.
3. Nationwide Representation β Distance Doesn’t Matter
While we’re based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Greene County families.
We can handle your case through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Video consultations β meet with us remotely
- Travel β we come to Greene County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Local partnerships β we work with Alabama attorneys when needed
If your child was hazed in Greene County, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or anywhere in America, we can help.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission β Texas and New York
We are licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages for cases involving national fraternities and sororities headquartered out of state.
5. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β Bilingual Support for Greene County Families
We understand that language barriers can prevent families from seeking justice. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with Spanish-speaking clients in their native language.
No family should be denied justice because of language.
6. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of courtroom experience, including:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience
- High-profile criminal defense cases β media and trial experience
- Federal court admissions β ability to pursue cases nationwide
7. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront for Greene County Families
We understand that Greene County families may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney. We take hazing cases on contingency:
- $0 upfront
- $0 unless we win
- We only get paid if you get paid
You have nothing to lose by calling us.
8. We Care About Greene County Families
We see your child as a person β not a paycheck. We understand the pain and anger Greene County families feel when their child is abused in the name of “tradition.”
We will fight for your family because we truly care.
π Greene County Families β Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child was hazed at Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, or any other institution, call us immediately.
Time is critical:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget
- Statutes of limitations expire
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
We serve Greene County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Our Commitment to Greene County
At Attorney 911, we believe that Greene County families deserve the same aggressive representation as families in Houston, New York, or Los Angeles.
We are committed to:
- Protecting Greene County students from hazing abuse
- Holding institutions accountable for failing to keep students safe
- Changing the culture so no other Greene County family has to go through this
- Fighting for maximum compensation for Greene County victims
Greene County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
π Frequently Asked Questions for Greene County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university outside Alabama. Can you still help us?
A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Greene County families whose children were hazed at out-of-state universities. We have federal court authority and can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?
A: No. Alabama law (and most state laws) explicitly state that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does this cost?
A: We work on contingency for hazing cases. This means:
- $0 upfront
- $0 unless we win
- We only get paid if you receive compensation
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
Greene County families pay nothing unless we win your case.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. However, you should not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your case becomes harder to prove.
Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation from the organization. We protect our clients’ identities and interests. Many hazing cases involve multiple victims, and we can help you connect with others who have experienced the same abuse.
Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, we are suing both the fraternity and the university.
Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?
Greene County hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In recent cases, hazing victims have recovered millions of dollars.
ποΈ Greene County Institutions β We Are Watching
To the fraternities, sororities, and universities operating near Greene County:
We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. And we know your hazing histories.
If you haze students in Greene County, we will:
- Expose your culture of abuse
- Hold you financially accountable
- Pursue every liable party β from the national organization to the individual members
- Fight for maximum compensation for Greene County victims
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client in Houston? They’re now shut down. Your chapter could be next.
π Greene County Families β Call Now
If your child was hazed, call Attorney 911 immediately.
1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Greene County hazing emergencies.
We serve Greene County families nationwide. You pay nothing unless we win.
π Serving Greene County, Alabama and Beyond
Attorney 911
Nationwide Hazing Litigation β Greene County Families Welcome
Headquarters:
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Greene County families: We come to you. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Additional Resources for Greene County Families
- Alabama Hazing Laws
- StopHazing.org
- Hazing Prevention Network
- Stillman College Student Handbook
- Shelton State Community College Student Code of Conduct
Β© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
Greene County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com