Hazing Lawyers in Saint Landry Parish: Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Abuse
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — And Neither Do We
Saint Landry Parish families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their students. They assume that Greek organizations—with their polished reputations and promises of brotherhood—will treat new members with respect.
But too often, that trust is betrayed.
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not harmless fun.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And in Saint Landry Parish, it’s happening right now—at universities across Louisiana and the South.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities that operate at universities near Saint Landry Parish—LSU, UL Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, and others—have the same dangerous cultures.
If your child has been hazed in Saint Landry Parish or at a university nearby, we can help.
What Is Hazing? What Does It Look Like in Saint Landry Parish?
Hazing is any activity that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. In Louisiana, hazing is illegal—and it’s happening at universities near Saint Landry Parish right now.
Common Hazing Practices in Louisiana Greek Life
| Category | Examples | Medical Risks | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beating, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion | Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), heat stroke, death | Assault, battery, reckless endangerment |
| Forced Consumption | Alcohol binges, chugging, forced eating (hot sauce, milk, raw eggs) | Alcohol poisoning, choking, vomiting, aspiration, death | Hazing, involuntary manslaughter (if death occurs) |
| Psychological Torture | Sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, isolation, threats | PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation | Intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Sexual Humiliation | Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault | Trauma, shame, long-term psychological damage | Sexual battery, harassment |
| Waterboarding & Drowning | Simulated drowning with hoses, buckets, or pools | Panic attacks, near-drowning, death | Torture, assault, attempted murder (in extreme cases) |
| Extreme Physical Punishment | 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, “suicides” (running drills) | Rhabdomyolysis (kidney failure), cardiac arrest, permanent injury | Reckless endangerment, hazing |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts | Exhaustion, impaired judgment, accidents | Negligence, hazing |
| Servitude & Control | Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands | Exploitation, academic decline | False imprisonment, coercion |
Real Hazing Cases Near Saint Landry Parish
| University | Fraternity | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU | Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after “Bible Study” hazing | $6.1M jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed (hazing now a felony in LA) |
| University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis & kidney failure after waterboarding, 500 squats | $10M lawsuit filed (our case) |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Multiple chapters | Repeated hazing violations, including forced drinking | Chapters suspended, university investigations |
| UL Lafayette | Multiple chapters | Hazing incidents reported annually, including physical abuse | Disciplinary actions, but no major lawsuits (yet) |
Saint Landry Parish families: These cases aren’t just happening in other states. They’re happening right here in Louisiana. And if your child has been hazed, you have legal rights—no matter where the incident occurred.
Louisiana Hazing Laws: What Saint Landry Parish Families Need to Know
Louisiana has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country, thanks to the Max Gruver Act—passed after an LSU student died from hazing in 2017.
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.8 – Hazing
Definition:
“Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or with others that is directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
Penalties:
| Offense | Criminal Charge | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing (no injury) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Felony | 1-5 years in prison, $10,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Felony | 5-20 years in prison, $25,000 fine |
Key Legal Points for Saint Landry Parish Families:
✅ Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
✅ Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be sued for failing to prevent hazing.
✅ Universities have a duty to protect students – If a university knew (or should have known) about hazing and did nothing, they can be held responsible.
✅ Criminal + civil liability – Hazing can lead to both criminal charges and lawsuits for money damages.
The Max Gruver Act (2018) made hazing a FELONY in Louisiana. If your child was seriously injured or killed due to hazing, the perpetrators could face prison time.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Saint Landry Parish?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. At Attorney 911, we pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Saint Landry Parish victims.
Potential Defendants in a Hazing Lawsuit
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Saint Landry Parish Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at LSU, Sigma Nu at UL Lafayette |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter, ignored prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National |
| University | Owned fraternity property, failed to prevent hazing | LSU, UL Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility (president, pledgemaster) | Chapter president, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in or witnessed hazing | Active members who forced activities |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who allowed abuse on their property |
| Insurance Companies | Provided coverage for fraternity/university | National fraternity’s liability insurance |
Saint Landry Parish families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every responsible party—including deep-pocketed national organizations and universities—so you get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Saint Landry Parish
If your child has been hazed—whether at a university near Saint Landry Parish or anywhere in the country—time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) may not appear immediately.
- Medical records are crucial evidence in your case.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs).
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used (paddles, hoses, etc.).
- Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
- Do NOT delete anything—even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.
- Do NOT post on social media—insurance companies and fraternities will use it against you.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
- They may offer a quick settlement—but it will be far less than you deserve.
- Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Step 4: Contact a Hazing Lawyer in Saint Landry Parish
- We offer free, confidential consultations—no obligation.
- We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.
- We handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
- We travel to Saint Landry Parish for meetings, depositions, and trials.
Call us 24/7 at 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Saint Landry Parish Hazing Case?
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit
- We represent Leonel Bermudez, who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure at the University of Houston.
- The same fraternities that operate at universities near Saint Landry Parish—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others—have the same dangerous cultures.
- We know how to win these cases because we’re in the fight right now.
2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- We know how insurance companies think—because we used to work for them.
- We know their delay tactics, lowball offers, and manipulation strategies.
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
- Hazing cases often involve national fraternities headquartered in other states.
- We are admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and can pursue cases anywhere in the country.
- Distance is not a barrier—we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Saint Landry Parish.
4. We Offer Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español)
- Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
- We speak Spanish fluently and can assist Spanish-speaking families in Saint Landry Parish.
5. We Work on Contingency – No Upfront Costs
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- No hourly fees, no retainers, no hidden costs.
- We only get paid when you get paid.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results
| Case | Result | Relevance to Saint Landry Parish |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (BGSU, Pi Kappa Alpha) | $10.1M settlement | Same fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) operates near Saint Landry Parish |
| Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta) | $6.1M jury verdict | LSU is a major Louisiana university with Saint Landry Parish students |
| Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi) | $110M+ settlement | Shows what juries award for egregious hazing |
| Andrew Coffey (FSU, Pi Kappa Phi) | Confidential settlement | Same national fraternity as our current case |
Saint Landry Parish families: These results prove that hazing cases win big. We will fight for the same justice for your child.
What Damages Can Saint Landry Parish Families Recover?
Hazing causes physical, emotional, and financial harm. Our goal is to make you whole again—or as close as possible.
Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills (ER visits, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (if your child missed work due to injuries)
- Educational costs (tuition refunds if hazing forced them to drop out)
- Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries (paddling, forced exercise, waterboarding)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation)
- Humiliation & shame (sexual humiliation, forced nudity)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in college activities)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)
- If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or involved torture, we may seek punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.
- Louisiana does not cap punitive damages in most personal injury cases.
Saint Landry Parish families: The compensation you receive depends on the severity of the hazing, the strength of the evidence, and the defendants’ ability to pay. We will pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
Common Defenses in Hazing Cases – And How We Crush Them
Fraternities and universities will try to blame the victim and minimize liability. Here’s how we fight back:
Defense 1: “He Consented to Participate”
Our Response:
- Louisiana law explicitly says consent is NOT a defense (La. R.S. § 14:40.8).
- Peer pressure and coercion negate true consent—victims fear expulsion, social ostracism, or physical retaliation.
- They didn’t consent to torture—no one consents to waterboarding, 500 squats, or paddling.
Defense 2: “It Was Just Tradition – Not Hazing”
Our Response:
- Tradition does not justify illegal activity.
- If it causes harm, it’s hazing—whether it’s called “tradition,” “brotherhood,” or “team bonding.”
- Waterboarding is torture—it’s not “tradition,” it’s a war crime.
Defense 3: “The University Didn’t Know”
Our Response:
- Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life.
- If they own the fraternity house (like UH did), they have premises liability.
- If there were prior hazing incidents (like at LSU), they had actual knowledge.
Defense 4: “It Was Just a Few Bad Apples”
Our Response:
- Hazing is systemic—it happens at multiple chapters of the same fraternity.
- National organizations know about the culture—they’ve paid millions in settlements.
- Universities enable it by failing to act—they suspend chapters only after someone is hospitalized or dies.
Hazing at Universities Near Saint Landry Parish
Saint Landry Parish students attend colleges across Louisiana and the South. Hazing happens at all of them.
Universities with Known Hazing Problems Near Saint Landry Parish
| University | Fraternities with Hazing History | Recent Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| LSU | Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others | Max Gruver death (2017, $6.1M verdict) |
| UL Lafayette | Sigma Nu, Kappa Sigma, others | Repeated hazing violations; forced drinking |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Multiple chapters | Hazing suspensions, alcohol-related incidents |
| University of Louisiana Monroe | Multiple chapters | Hazing violations, physical abuse reports |
| Louisiana Tech | Multiple chapters | Hazing suspensions, forced consumption incidents |
| Tulane (New Orleans) | Multiple chapters | Hazing violations, alcohol-related hospitalizations |
Saint Landry Parish families: If your child was hazed at any of these universities, we can help—regardless of where you live.
How Long Do Saint Landry Parish Families Have to File a Lawsuit?
Louisiana has a strict statute of limitations for hazing cases:
| Type of Claim | Deadline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 1 year from date of injury | If your child was injured, you must file within 1 year. |
| Wrongful Death | 1 year from date of death | If hazing resulted in death, the family has 1 year to sue. |
| Criminal Charges | Varies | Prosecutors may file charges even after civil deadline. |
⚠️ DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal rights expire. Contact us immediately if your child was hazed.
What If My Child Was Hazed Out of State?
Distance is not a problem.
- We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Saint Landry Parish families whose children were hazed at out-of-state universities.
- We have federal court authority and can pursue cases across state lines.
- We travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings—wherever your case requires.
Examples of out-of-state cases we handle:
- Hazing at University of Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, University of Texas
- Hazing at military academies, private colleges, and other institutions
- Hazing in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and ROTC programs
Saint Landry Parish families: If your child was hazed anywhere in the country, we can help.
Next Steps for Saint Landry Parish Families
If your child has been hazed—whether at a Louisiana university or anywhere else—here’s what to do next:
1. Call Us Immediately for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
2. We’ll Evaluate Your Case at No Cost
- We’ll review the facts of your case.
- We’ll explain your legal rights.
- We’ll tell you if you have a strong claim.
3. We’ll Handle Everything for You
- Preserve evidence (texts, photos, medical records).
- Communicate with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies—so you don’t have to.
- File the lawsuit and fight for maximum compensation.
4. We’ll Fight for Justice
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Take the case to trial if necessary.
- Hold every liable party accountable—fraternities, universities, and individuals.
Saint Landry Parish Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Hazing leaves victims feeling shame, fear, and isolation. Many don’t come forward because they:
❌ Fear retaliation from the fraternity.
❌ Feel embarrassed about what happened.
❌ Think they “consented” and have no legal rights.
❌ Don’t know where to turn for help.
But you are not alone.
At Attorney 911, we’ve seen what fraternities do to students. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we will fight for Saint Landry Parish families with the same determination.
Lupe Pena said it best:
“If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Your child’s case could save lives.
Contact Us Today – Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Saint Landry Parish and all of Louisiana.
We represent hazing victims nationwide.
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. Neither do we.
