Hazing Victims in Claiborne Parish: Legal Rights & How to Seek Justice

When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: The Hazing Crisis Hitting Close to Home

Claiborne Parish families send their children off to college expecting them to grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships. What no parent expects is that their child might be subjected to waterboarding, forced to perform 500 squats until their muscles break down, or struck with wooden paddles—all in the name of “brotherhood.” Yet this is exactly what’s happening at universities across Louisiana and the nation, including institutions near Claiborne Parish.

The recent case of Leonel Bermudez—a University of Houston student who wasn’t even enrolled yet when he was hospitalized with kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing—proves that these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a systemic culture of abuse that universities and national fraternities have failed to stop. And if it can happen in Houston, it can—and likely does—happen at colleges and universities near Claiborne Parish.

The Shocking Reality of Hazing in Louisiana

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. It’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that has led to:

• Hospitalizations for rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries
• Permanent disabilities including chronic kidney disease and PTSD
• Deaths—at least one hazing death has occurred every year since 2000 in the United States
• Psychological trauma including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation

In Louisiana specifically:

• The Max Gruver Act (2018) made hazing a felony after Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during Phi Delta Theta hazing at LSU
• A $6.1 million jury verdict was awarded to the Gruver family
• Multiple hazing incidents have been documented at Louisiana universities in recent years

If your child attends college near Claiborne Parish—whether at Louisiana Tech, Grambling State, Northwestern State, or any other institution—they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Claiborne Parish Families Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Louisiana

Under the Max Gruver Act, hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a felony punishable by:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Potential civil liability

Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.8 defines hazing as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against another when both of the following apply:
(a) The person knew or should have known that the act would endanger the physical health or safety of the other person.
(b) The act was done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

Important: Louisiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

2. Universities Near Claiborne Parish Have a Duty to Protect Students

Colleges and universities have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for students. When they fail to prevent hazing—especially when they own the property where it occurs—they can be held liable.

In the University of Houston case:

• The university owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred
• They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha)
• They failed to implement effective oversight despite knowing the risks
• They are now being sued for $10 million

The same liability applies to universities near Claiborne Parish. If they own fraternity/sorority houses or have the power to regulate Greek life, they share responsibility when hazing occurs.

3. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets—and Deep Problems

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and other national fraternities operate chapters at universities near Claiborne Parish. These organizations:

• Have millions in assets and liability insurance
• Have documented histories of hazing deaths and injuries
• Often close chapters after incidents but plan to reopen later
• Have failed to implement effective safeguards despite knowing about problems

Pi Kappa Phi, for example:

• Had a member die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey at FSU)
• Had another member hospitalized in 2025 (Leonel Bermudez at UH)
• Knew about a “hazing crisis” but failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Is already planning to “return to campus” despite the lawsuit

4. Hazing Takes Many Forms—Not All Are Obvious

Hazing isn’t always physical abuse. It can include:

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Claiborne Parish

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

1. Seek Medical Attention

   • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
   • Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may have delayed symptoms
   • Medical records create crucial evidence

2. Preserve All Evidence

   • Photos/Videos: Document injuries, locations, items used in hazing
   • Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
   • Physical Evidence: Clothing, objects used in hazing
   • Witness Information: Names and contact info of other victims/witnesses

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

   • Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
   • They may destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses
   • Do not give statements without legal counsel

4. Report to Authorities

   • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Louisiana)
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Report to the national fraternity organization

5. Contact an Attorney

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free consultations for Claiborne Parish hazing victims
   • We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win

LONG-TERM STEPS

1. Document Everything

   • Keep a journal of symptoms, medical appointments, and emotional impact
   • Save all medical bills and receipts
   • Track missed work/school and academic impact

2. Follow Medical Advice

   • Attend all follow-up appointments
   • Follow treatment recommendations
   • Document all therapy/counseling sessions

3. Stay Off Social Media

   • Do not post about the incident
   • Defense attorneys will use posts against you
   • Even “positive” posts can be misinterpreted

Who Can Be Held Liable for Claiborne Parish Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility:

What Compensation Is Available for Claiborne Parish Hazing Victims?

Hazing victims may be entitled to:

Recent Precedents:

• $10.1 million for Pi Kappa Alpha hazing death (Bowling Green State)
• $6.1 million jury verdict for Phi Delta Theta hazing death (LSU)
• $110+ million settlement for Beta Theta Pi hazing death (Penn State)

Why Claiborne Parish Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the hazing of Leonel Bermudez.

This isn’t theoretical for us. We’re in the trenches, and we’re winning.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph and Lupe previously worked for national insurance defense firms, representing companies against injury claims. We know their playbook because we used to write it.

Now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.

3. Nationwide Reach for Claiborne Parish Families

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Claiborne Parish. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

We will travel to Claiborne Parish for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. No Upfront Costs—We Work on Contingency

We understand that Claiborne Parish families can’t afford expensive legal fees, especially while dealing with medical bills and trauma. That’s why we work on contingency:

• $0 upfront costs
• $0 unless we win
• We only get paid when you get paid

5. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation

Our attorneys have:

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience (mass tort)
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)

6. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and families in Claiborne Parish are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

• Initial consultations
• Case updates
• Document translation
• Courtroom interpretation

7. We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach who understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures young people face. We know how hazing thrives in these environments—and how to stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions for Claiborne Parish Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Many victims hesitate to report hazing due to:

• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Shame or embarrassment
• Not recognizing it as hazing

You can still take action. Contact us for a confidential consultation. We can:

• Explain your child’s legal rights
• Discuss evidence preservation
• Outline potential outcomes
• Provide support without pressure

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?

A: No. Louisiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges. The Max Gruver Act and Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.8 make this clear.

Hazing involves coercion, peer pressure, and power dynamics that negate true consent. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Q: The university claims they didn’t know about the hazing. Are they still liable?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students, especially when:

• They own fraternity/sorority houses
• They have prior hazing incidents on record
• They have the power to regulate Greek life

In the University of Houston case, UH:

• Owned the Pi Kappa Phi house
• Had a prior hazing incident in 2017
• Failed to implement effective oversight
• Is now being sued for $10 million

The same liability applies to universities near Claiborne Parish.

Q: How long do we have to take legal action?

A: Louisiana has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing cases. This means you must file a lawsuit within 1 year of the incident.

However:

• If the victim was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
• Some exceptions may apply for delayed discovery of injuries

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

Q: My child was hazed at a college near Claiborne Parish, but you’re based in Texas. Can you still help?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Claiborne Parish. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.

We’ve already demonstrated our ability to handle complex cases across state lines with our University of Houston lawsuit. Claiborne Parish families get the same aggressive representation.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t result in hospitalization? Is it still worth pursuing?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a valid claim for:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Medical expenses for therapy or treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Educational disruption
• Other damages

Many hazing cases involve long-term psychological harm that’s just as damaging as physical injuries. Contact us for a case evaluation.

Q: The fraternity already suspended the chapter. Isn’t that enough?

A: No. Chapter suspensions are damage control, not accountability. In the Pi Kappa Phi case:

• The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025
• The chapter was closed on November 14, 2025
• The lawsuit was filed on November 21, 2025

They knew litigation was coming and acted to limit their liability. This shows consciousness of guilt, not remorse.

Moreover, Pi Kappa Phi’s own statement says:

“We look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

They’re not sorry. They’re waiting. A lawsuit is the only way to ensure they don’t return—and to protect future students.

Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but recent hazing settlements and verdicts include:

• $10.1 million (Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
• $6.1 million (Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
• $110+ million (Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

Factors that increase case value:

• Physical injuries requiring hospitalization
• Psychological trauma with documented treatment
• Egregious conduct (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)
• Prior incidents at the same chapter/university
• University ownership of the property
• National organization involvement

Contact us for a free case evaluation to discuss your child’s specific situation.

Claiborne Parish Universities and the Hazing Risk

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at Claiborne Parish institutions without evidence, we can say this:

If there’s a university near Claiborne Parish with Greek life, there’s likely a fraternity or sorority chapter with a hazing culture.

Some institutions near Claiborne Parish with active Greek organizations include:

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Claiborne Parish, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

The Attorney 911 Difference for Claiborne Parish Families

1. We Don’t Just Talk About Hazing—We’re Fighting It Right Now

While other firms may claim to handle hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is ongoing and making headlines. We know the strategies that work because we’re using them right now.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Defendants will argue: “Your child agreed to participate.” We know how to destroy this argument using:

• Louisiana law (consent is not a defense)
• Evidence of coercion and peer pressure
• The power dynamics of hazing
• The fact that victims rarely know what they’re consenting to

3. We Pursue Every Responsible Party

In our University of Houston case, we’re suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• The housing corporation
• Individual members and officers
• Former members and their spouses

We don’t let anyone off the hook. If they participated, facilitated, or failed to stop the hazing, we will hold them accountable.

4. We Understand the Medical Consequences

Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise. We understand:

• The medical treatment required
• The long-term health consequences
• The psychological trauma of such experiences
• How to document and prove these damages

5. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions

Universities and national fraternities have:

• In-house legal departments
• Insurance company lawyers
• Risk management professionals
• Crisis PR teams

You need a legal team with the resources to fight back. We have:

• Experienced trial attorneys
• Medical experts
• Hazing culture experts
• Investigative resources
• The willingness to go to trial if necessary

6. We Offer Remote Consultations for Claiborne Parish Families

We understand that traveling to Houston may not be feasible for Claiborne Parish families. That’s why we offer:

• Video consultations via Zoom or FaceTime
• Phone consultations at your convenience
• Document sharing through secure portals
• Travel to Claiborne Parish for in-person meetings when needed

How Claiborne Parish Families Can Get Help

Step 1: Call Attorney 911 Immediately

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

• Available 24/7 for Claiborne Parish hazing emergencies
• Free, confidential consultation
• No obligation

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Do not delete any communications
• Take photos of injuries and locations
• Save all medical records
• Document everything in writing

Step 3: Let Us Handle the Rest

We will:

• Investigate the incident
• Identify all responsible parties
• Preserve evidence
• Handle communications with defendants
• Build a strong legal case
• Fight for maximum compensation

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay reporting due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

• Evidence disappears (texts get deleted, witnesses forget)
• Statutes of limitations expire (1 year in Louisiana)
• Defendants destroy records and coordinate their stories
• Universities close investigations without accountability

Claiborne Parish families: Don’t let them get away with it. The same legal strategies that are winning our University of Houston case can win for you.

Call Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win. You have nothing to lose—and justice to gain.

Final Message to Claiborne Parish Families

To the parents of Claiborne Parish:

We know what it’s like to see your child suffer. We’ve seen the medical records, the photos, the fear in their eyes. We’ve heard the stories of waterboarding, forced exercise, and psychological torture disguised as “tradition.”

We also know what it’s like to fight back. We’re doing it right now in Houston, and we’re ready to bring that fight to Claiborne Parish.

Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves accountability. The next victim deserves prevention.

Call us. Let’s talk. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Together, we can make sure this never happens to another Claiborne Parish family.

Enough is enough.