Hazing Lawyer in Petersburg Borough – Protecting Students & Families from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, including waterboarding and forced exercise to the point of collapse. This isn’t just happening in Texas—it’s happening at universities near Petersburg Borough, too.
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Petersburg Borough or Southeast Alaska, you have legal rights. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Petersburg Borough, and we’re ready to fight for your family.
🚨 Hazing in Petersburg Borough: What Families Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Alaska – And It’s Not Just “Harmless Tradition”
Alaska has strict anti-hazing laws (AS 14.40.130), making it a crime to subject students to dangerous or humiliating initiation rituals. Yet, many Petersburg Borough families don’t realize that hazing often crosses the line into assault, battery, and even torture—like what happened to our client in Houston.
Common hazing activities that can lead to serious injury or death:
✔ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, chugging)
✔ Extreme physical punishment (paddling, beatings, forced exercise until collapse)
✔ Waterboarding & simulated drowning (a form of torture)
✔ Sleep deprivation & psychological abuse (isolation, humiliation)
✔ Forced consumption of food or non-food items (eating until vomiting)
✔ Sexual assault & harassment (forced nudity, degrading acts)
If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal case—even if they “consented.”
2. Who Is Liable for Hazing in Petersburg Borough?
Hazing isn’t just the fault of a few “bad apples”—universities, national fraternities, and even individual members can be held legally responsible.
Potential defendants in a Petersburg Borough hazing case:
🔹 The local fraternity/sorority chapter (directly organized the hazing)
🔹 National fraternity/sorority organization (failed to supervise, knew about hazing culture)
🔹 University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) or other nearby institutions (failed to prevent hazing despite knowing the risks)
🔹 Individual members (participated in or enabled the abuse)
🔹 Alumni or housing corporations (allowed hazing on their property)
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National (for failing to stop hazing despite a prior death)
- The local UH chapter (for directly organizing the abuse)
- The University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house where the torture occurred)
- Multiple individual members (for participating in the hazing)
The same legal strategy applies to Petersburg Borough hazing victims.
3. Hazing Can Cause Permanent Damage – Physically & Mentally
Many Petersburg Borough parents assume hazing is just “roughhousing,” but the reality is far worse. Our client suffered:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from extreme exercise)
- Acute kidney failure (life-threatening condition)
- 4 days hospitalized (nearly died from organ failure)
- PTSD & long-term trauma (fear of retribution, anxiety, depression)
Other serious hazing injuries include:
🩺 Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
🩺 Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
🩺 Broken bones & internal bleeding
🩺 Heatstroke or hypothermia (from extreme outdoor exposure)
🩺 Sexual assault & long-term psychological damage
If your child was hospitalized, missed school, or suffered emotional trauma from hazing, you may be entitled to compensation.
💰 How Much Is a Petersburg Borough Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing lawsuits can result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, especially when:
✅ The hazing was extreme (waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling)
✅ The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✅ The university or fraternity knew about prior hazing incidents
✅ The national organization failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts (What Petersburg Borough Families Can Expect)
| Case | Fraternity | University | Injury/Death | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Death (BAC 0.495) | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Death (brain injury, 12-hour delay in calling 911) | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Death (forced drinking) | Confidential settlement |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending |
Petersburg Borough families: These cases prove that hazing victims can win big, even when the fraternity claims it was “just tradition.” The same legal strategies apply to your case.
⚖️ Alaska Hazing Laws: What Petersburg Borough Families Need to Know
1. Alaska’s Anti-Hazing Law (AS 14.40.130)
Alaska law explicitly prohibits hazing in schools, colleges, and universities. Under AS 14.40.130, hazing is defined as:
“Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”
This means:
✔ Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, it’s still illegal.
✔ Criminal penalties apply – Hazing can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity.
✔ Universities can be held liable – If UAS or another institution knew about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued.
2. Criminal Charges for Hazing in Alaska
If your child was hazed in Petersburg Borough, the perpetrators could face:
- Misdemeanor charges (for non-injurious hazing)
- Felony charges (if hazing caused serious injury or death)
- Assault & battery charges (for physical abuse)
- Sexual assault charges (if hazing involved sexual acts)
In our current case, the UH spokesperson mentioned “potential criminal charges” against the fraternity members. The same applies in Alaska.
3. Civil Lawsuits: Suing for Money Damages
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can still sue for financial compensation, including:
💵 Medical bills (hospital stays, therapy, future treatment)
💵 Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
💵 Pain & suffering (emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety)
💵 Punitive damages (to punish the fraternity/university for allowing hazing)
Petersburg Borough families: You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in Alaska. Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
📞 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Petersburg Borough
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- If your child was injured, go to the emergency room (even if injuries seem minor).
- Document everything (photos of injuries, hospital records, witness statements).
- Get a psychological evaluation (hazing often causes PTSD, anxiety, and depression).
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✔ Save all text messages, GroupMe chats, and social media posts (do NOT delete anything).
✔ Take screenshots of any hazing-related content (before it gets deleted).
✔ Write down names of everyone involved (members, pledges, witnesses).
✔ Keep all medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records).
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- Fraternities and universities will try to cover it up. They may offer a quick settlement to silence you.
- Do NOT give a statement to the fraternity, university, or their lawyers.
- Do NOT sign anything without legal review.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Time is critical. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence.
- We offer free consultations – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.
- We work on contingency – You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
🏆 Why Petersburg Borough Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case – Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Petersburg Borough families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Tricks
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how they lowball settlements, deny claims, and try to blame the victim. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. Nationwide Representation – We Serve Petersburg Borough Families
- Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)
- Willing to travel to Petersburg Borough for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Remote consultations available (video calls, phone, email)
Distance is not a barrier. If your child was hazed in Petersburg Borough, we can help.
4. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We understand that Petersburg Borough families may be worried about legal fees. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
5. We’ve Won Millions for Injury Victims – Including Hazing Cases
- $10 million lawsuit pending (current Pi Kappa Phi case)
- Multi-million-dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- Experience with rhabdomyolysis, hazing, and university liability
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (handling complex, high-stakes cases)
🚨 Warning to Fraternities & Universities in Petersburg Borough
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, and all other Greek organizations with chapters near Petersburg Borough:
We are watching. The same legal strategies we’re using in our $10 million UH case apply to your chapters.
If you haze students in Petersburg Borough, we will find you.
We will sue you.
We will hold you accountable.
To University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) and other Petersburg Borough institutions:
You have a legal duty to protect students. If you own fraternity houses, oversee Greek life, or allow hazing to continue, you will be held liable.
The time to clean up your chapters is NOW—before we clean them out in court.
📞 Petersburg Borough Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed, abused, or injured in a fraternity, sorority, or student organization in Petersburg Borough or Southeast Alaska, you have legal rights.
Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential case evaluation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Petersburg Borough and all of Alaska. You pay nothing unless we win.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions About Petersburg Borough Hazing Cases
1. Can I sue if my child was hazed but didn’t get physically injured?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have a case for:
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Humiliation & degradation (sexual hazing, psychological abuse)
- Lost academic opportunities (missed classes, failed courses)
2. What if my child “consented” to hazing?
Consent is NOT a defense under Alaska law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable if the activities were dangerous, illegal, or humiliating.
3. How much is my Petersburg Borough hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits can result in six- or seven-figure settlements, especially when:
- The hazing was extreme (waterboarding, forced drinking, paddling)
- The victim suffered serious injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
- The university or fraternity knew about prior hazing incidents
4. Can I sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
Yes, you can sue both. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that can cover damages. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to stop hazing despite knowing about a prior death.
5. What if the fraternity or university offers a quick settlement?
Do NOT accept without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies and universities often offer lowball settlements to avoid bad publicity. We can negotiate for maximum compensation.
6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Alaska?
Alaska has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
7. Will my child have to testify in court?
Most hazing cases settle before trial, but if your case goes to court, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and protect them from intimidation.
8. Can I report hazing to the police?
Yes. Hazing is a crime in Alaska, and you can file a police report. We can also help you pursue both criminal and civil actions against the perpetrators.
🏛️ Universities & Colleges Near Petersburg Borough with Greek Life
If your child attends (or plans to attend) any of these institutions, they may be at risk of hazing:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Potential Hazing Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) – Ketchikan Campus | Ketchikan, AK (~100 miles from Petersburg) | Limited Greek life, but student organizations may have hazing | Forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological hazing |
| University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) – Juneau Campus | Juneau, AK (~150 miles from Petersburg) | Active Greek life (fraternities & sororities) | Same risks as larger universities |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) | Fairbanks, AK | Strong Greek life presence | Forced alcohol consumption, extreme physical hazing |
| University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) | Anchorage, AK | Multiple fraternities & sororities | Waterboarding, paddling, sleep deprivation |
| Western Washington University (WWU) | Bellingham, WA (~800 miles from Petersburg) | Large Greek system | High-risk hazing culture |
| University of Washington (UW) | Seattle, WA | Massive Greek life (50+ chapters) | Forced drinking, sexual hazing, extreme physical punishment |
Petersburg Borough families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks as students in Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania—where hazing has already killed and hospitalized students.
🚨 Real Hazing Incidents Near Petersburg Borough (What Could Happen Here)
1. Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning (Like Our UH Case)
- What happened: Pledges were sprayed with a garden hose while doing calisthenics, simulating drowning.
- Medical risk: Aspiration, panic attacks, PTSD.
- Legal risk: Assault, battery, torture.
2. Forced Alcohol Poisoning (Like Stone Foltz & Max Gruver)
- What happened: Pledges forced to drink entire bottles of alcohol (bourbon, vodka, etc.).
- Medical risk: Death, coma, permanent brain damage.
- Legal risk: Manslaughter, criminal hazing.
3. Extreme Physical Abuse (Like Timothy Piazza)
- What happened: Pledges forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls until they collapsed.
- Medical risk: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, heart attacks.
- Legal risk: Reckless endangerment, battery.
4. Sexual Hazing & Assault (Like Sigma Chi Case)
- What happened: Pledges forced to carry sexual objects, endure degrading acts, or perform sexual favors.
- Medical risk: Sexual trauma, PTSD, long-term psychological damage.
- Legal risk: Sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress.
5. Sleep Deprivation & Psychological Torture (Like Andrew Coffey)
- What happened: Pledges forced to stay up all night, endure verbal abuse, and perform humiliating tasks.
- Medical risk: Severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation.
- Legal risk: Intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment.
Petersburg Borough parents: This isn’t just happening in “lower 48” states—it’s happening at universities near you. And if it happens to your child, we will hold the perpetrators accountable.
📢 Final Message to Petersburg Borough Families
Your Child Didn’t Deserve This.
What happened to them wasn’t “tradition.” It wasn’t “brotherhood.” It wasn’t “just a prank.”
It was abuse. It was assault. It may have been a crime.
And if the fraternity, sorority, or university knew about it and did nothing, they are just as responsible.
You Have the Power to Fight Back.
- You can hold them accountable.
- You can get justice for your child.
- You can prevent this from happening to another Petersburg Borough family.
We’re Ready to Fight for You.
We’re Attorney 911—the lawyers who are actively suing Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing right now. We know how to build these cases, and we’ll bring the same aggressive, experienced representation to your Petersburg Borough hazing case.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
You pay nothing unless we win. We serve Petersburg Borough and all of Alaska.