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San Diego County (Earth/North America/United States/California/San Diego County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | 125+ Greek Organizations Tracked with IRS Records | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 13 min read
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Hazing Lawyers in San Diego County – Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims

San Diego County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice

If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in San Diego County, you’re not alone. Hazing is not “tradition” – it’s abuse. And the institutions that allow it must be held accountable.

At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – proving that fraternities, sororities, and universities can and will pay when they fail to protect students. San Diego County families deserve the same aggressive legal representation.

⚠️ Hazing Happens in San Diego County Too

The same fraternities involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma – have active chapters at San Diego State University, University of California San Diego (UCSD), University of San Diego (USD), California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), and other San Diego County colleges.

If your child was:
Forced to drink until alcohol poisoning
Physically abused (paddled, beaten, forced exercise to exhaustion)
Humiliated or psychologically tortured
Sexually harassed or assaulted
Hospitalized from hazing injuries (rhabdomyolysis, concussions, etc.)

You have legal rights. We can help.

Why San Diego County Families Choose Attorney 911

1️⃣ We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.

This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom fighting for hazing victims TODAY. San Diego County families get the same aggressive representation.

2️⃣ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peñaworked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they try to deny, delay, and lowball claims.

We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation.

3️⃣ Federal Court Authority – We Can Sue Anywhere in the U.S.

While based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including San Diego County, because:
Admitted to U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) – can pursue federal claims
Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) – strategic advantage against national fraternities
Willing to travel to San Diego County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Remote consultations available – no need to come to Texas

4️⃣ Proven Results – Millions Recovered for Injury Victims

We’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for victims of:
💰 Wrongful death (including hazing-related deaths)
💰 Catastrophic injuries (rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage)
💰 Sexual assault & harassment
💰 Institutional negligence (universities, fraternities, sororities)

We apply the same winning strategies to San Diego County hazing cases.

5️⃣ We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront Costs

You pay nothing unless we win your case. No hourly fees, no retainers – just aggressive legal representation at no risk to you.

San Diego County Hazing Cases We Handle

We represent victims of hazing in:
🔹 Fraternities & sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
🔹 Sports teams (football, baseball, lacrosse, etc.)
🔹 Marching bands & ROTC programs
🔹 Student clubs & organizations
🔹 Military academies & prep schools

If your child was hazed at any San Diego County institution, we can help.

Who Is Liable for San Diego County Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:

Defendant Why They’re Liable San Diego County Application
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter Directly organized & conducted hazing SDSU, UCSD, USD, CSUSM chapters
National Organization Failed to supervise; ignored prior hazing incidents Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc.
University/College Failed to prevent hazing; owned/controlled property SDSU, UCSD, USD, CSUSM, etc.
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) Directed hazing activities Individual students at San Diego County schools
Individual Members Participated in hazing Students who carried out abuse
Alumni/Advisors Enabled hazing culture Former members who allowed abuse
Insurance Companies Covered hazing incidents Policies held by fraternities, universities

We sue EVERYONE responsible – not just the students who carried out the abuse.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in San Diego County

🚨 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Case

  1. 🏥 Seek Medical Attention Immediately

    • Even if injuries seem minor, document everything (rhabdomyolysis, concussions, alcohol poisoning, etc.)
    • Hospital records are critical evidence.
  2. 📱 Preserve All Evidence

    • Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
    • Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
    • Witness names & contact information
    • Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
  3. 🚫 Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Alone

    • They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, or pressure your child into silence.
    • Let us handle all communications.
  4. 📞 Call Attorney 911 Immediately

    • 2-year statute of limitations in California – don’t wait.
    • Evidence disappears fast – the sooner we act, the stronger your case.

San Diego County Hazing Lawsuits: What You Can Recover

If your child was hazed, you may be entitled to compensation for:

💰 Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
Educational costs (tuition, scholarships lost due to hazing)
Future medical expenses (dialysis, kidney transplant, long-term care)

😢 Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

Physical pain from hazing injuries
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Humiliation & shame from hazing rituals
Loss of enjoyment of life (impact on college experience)

💥 Punitive Damages (Punishing Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was especially cruel or reckless (waterboarding, forced drinking to the point of hospitalization, sexual assault), we may seek punitive damages to punish the institution and prevent future abuse.

San Diego County Hazing Cases: What to Expect

📅 Timeline of a Hazing Lawsuit

Phase What Happens Duration
1️⃣ Free Consultation We evaluate your case, explain your rights 1-2 weeks
2️⃣ Evidence Gathering Obtain medical records, witness statements, fraternity documents 1-3 months
3️⃣ Demand Letter We send a demand to defendants for full compensation 1-2 months
4️⃣ Negotiation We negotiate with insurance companies & defendants 3-6 months
5️⃣ Lawsuit Filed (if needed) If no fair settlement, we file in court 6-12 months
6️⃣ Discovery & Depositions We depose witnesses, gather more evidence 6-12 months
7️⃣ Mediation Neutral mediator helps reach settlement 1 day
8️⃣ Trial (if needed) If no settlement, we take the case to court 1-2 years

Most cases settle before trial – but we’re prepared to go to court if needed.

San Diego County Hazing Lawsuit FAQ

❓ Can we sue if our child “consented” to hazing?

YES. California law (and most states) says consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.

❓ What if the hazing happened off-campus?

You can still sue. Hazing is illegal on or off campus, and universities still have a duty to protect students.

❓ How much is a San Diego County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits have resulted in:

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

We fight for the maximum compensation possible.

❓ What if our child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients’ identities and pursue legal action against anyone who retaliates. Many hazing victims fear coming forward – we understand and will keep your child safe.

❓ How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

$0 upfront. We work on contingency – you only pay if we win.

San Diego County Hazing Lawyers: Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child was hazed in San Diego County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations expire.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing

Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront costs.

San Diego County Hazing Resources

🚨 Emergency Help

  • San Diego County Sheriff’s Department: (858) 565-5200
  • San Diego Police Department: (619) 531-2000
  • UCSD Police: (858) 534-4357
  • SDSU Police: (619) 594-1991
  • USD Public Safety: (619) 260-7777

🏥 Medical & Mental Health Support

  • UC San Diego Health: (855) 827-3633
  • Scripps Mercy Hospital: (619) 294-8111
  • Sharp Memorial Hospital: (858) 939-3400
  • San Diego Crisis Line: (888) 724-7240

📞 Hazing Hotlines

  • National Hazing Hotline: (888) NOT-HAZE
  • StopHazing.org: stophazing.org

San Diego County Hazing Prevention: What Parents Can Do

🔍 Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
Sudden withdrawal from social activities
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Changes in behavior (anxiety, depression, fear)
Secretive about Greek life activities
Forced to carry strange objects (fanny packs, paddles, etc.)

🗣️ Talk to Your Child About Hazing

  • “If something feels wrong, it probably is.”
  • “You can always call me – no matter what.”
  • “Hazing is illegal. You won’t get in trouble for reporting it.”

📢 Report Hazing Immediately

  • To the university (SDSU, UCSD, USD, etc.)
  • To local law enforcement (San Diego Police, Sheriff’s Department)
  • To the national fraternity/sorority organization
  • To Attorney 911 (we can guide you through the process)

San Diego County Hazing Lawyers: We’re Here to Fight for You

Hazing is not a rite of passage – it’s abuse, assault, and sometimes manslaughter. The fraternities, sororities, and universities that allow it must be held accountable.

At Attorney 911, we’re actively fighting this battle in court, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to San Diego County families.

If your child was hazed, we will:
Investigate the incident thoroughly
Identify ALL responsible parties (fraternity, university, individuals)
Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Take the case to trial if needed

You are not alone. We are here to help.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

🌐 Visit: attorney911.com/hazing

Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No upfront costs.

🔥 Enough is Enough. It’s Time to Hold San Diego County Hazing Perpetrators Accountable.

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