🛡️ Franklin County Hazing Lawyers — Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Attorney 911 — Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experts Now Serving Franklin County Families

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

🚨 Franklin County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next

Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities in Texas or Florida. It’s happening right here in Franklin County.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters at colleges and universities near Franklin County. The same “traditions” that sent our client to the hospital with kidney failure exist at Franklin County-area Greek organizations.

Franklin County families deserve the same aggressive representation we’re providing in Houston. We’re fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit right now — and we’ll fight just as hard for Franklin County victims.

🏢 Who We Are: Franklin County’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is a Texas-based personal injury and hazing litigation firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we’re headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide — including Franklin County.

Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911:

Our Hazing Litigation Team Serving Franklin County:

Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney — knows their playbook
• Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
• Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach — understands team dynamics and locker room culture
• Father of three — knows what’s at stake for Franklin County families

Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national defense firm attorney — knows how insurance companies minimize claims
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise
• Fluent in Spanish — can serve Franklin County Hispanic families
• Third-generation Texan with deep community roots

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Franklin County

Hazing is happening at colleges and universities near Franklin County.

While we can’t name specific incidents without verified information, we know for a fact that:

• National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Alpha have active chapters at institutions near Franklin County
• These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide
• The “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Franklin County-area Greek organizations
• Universities in Franklin County face the same oversight challenges that allowed hazing at UH

Franklin County Parents: This Could Happen to Your Child

Our current client was:

• A transfer student expected to enroll at University of Houston
• Not even a student yet — just a “ghost rush”
• Subjected to waterboarding, forced eating, 500 squats, wooden paddles
• Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

If it can happen to him at UH, it can happen to Franklin County students at local colleges.

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

These are not isolated incidents. These are patterns of abuse — and courts are holding institutions accountable.

Franklin County Families: These same results are possible for your child.

📋 What Franklin County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “tradition.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”

It is:

• Assault — physical abuse, forced activities
• Battery — unwanted physical contact
• Torture — waterboarding, sleep deprivation
• Reckless endangerment — forcing activities that cause physical harm
• Sometimes manslaughter or murder — when hazing kills

Common Hazing Activities Near Franklin County:

Medical Consequences of Hazing:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown (like our client experienced)
• Acute kidney failure — from rhabdomyolysis
• Alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/Hyperthermia — from exposure
• Cardiac arrest — from extreme physical exertion
• PTSD, anxiety, depression — long-term psychological damage
• Death

⚖️ Franklin County Victims’ Legal Rights

You have the right to hold hazing perpetrators and institutions accountable — no matter where in Franklin County it happened.

Who Can Be Sued in Franklin County Hazing Cases:

Legal Theories Available to Franklin County Victims:

1. Negligence — Failure to protect students
2. Premises Liability — Dangerous conditions on property
3. Negligent Supervision — Failure to monitor Greek organizations
4. Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful contact
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Extreme and outrageous conduct
6. Civil Conspiracy — Coordination to commit wrongful acts

Consent is NOT a Defense in Massachusetts

When fraternities argue:

• “He agreed to participate”
• “He knew the risks”
• “He could have left at any time”

Massachusetts law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime. Hazing is illegal in Massachusetts, and consent is not a defense.

💔 The Real Cost of Hazing for Franklin County Families

Physical and Psychological Trauma

Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He experienced:

• Severe muscle pain and inability to walk
• Fear of permanent health consequences
• Psychological trauma from waterboarding and abuse
• Fear of retribution for speaking out

This is not just physical harm. It’s lifelong trauma.

Financial Burden

• Emergency room bills
• Hospitalization costs
• Ongoing medical monitoring
• Therapy for PTSD and anxiety
• Lost wages from missed work or school
• Potential future medical expenses (dialysis, transplant)

Academic Impact

• Missed classes
• Falling grades
• Lost scholarships
• Delayed graduation
• Transfer to different school
• Permanent academic record impact

Career Consequences

• Lost internship opportunities
• Damaged professional reputation
• Limited career options if permanent health issues
• Long-term earning potential reduced

Emotional Toll on Families

• Parents watching their child suffer
• Siblings worried about their brother or sister
• Family relationships strained
• Community judgment and stigma

📞 What to Do If Your Franklin County Child Is Hazed

Immediate Action Steps:

1. Get Medical Attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some conditions like rhabdomyolysis have delayed symptoms.
2. Preserve All Evidence — Take photos of injuries, save text messages, document everything.
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority — They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence.
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media — Anything you post can be used against you.
5. Contact an Attorney Immediately — The statute of limitations is running. Evidence disappears fast.
6. Consider Reporting to Authorities — Hazing may be a crime in Massachusetts.

Why Franklin County Families Need an Attorney:

• Insurance companies and fraternities have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim
• Evidence disappears quickly — texts get deleted, memories fade, organizations destroy records
• The legal process is complex — multiple defendants, insurance policies, institutional resistance
• You need someone fighting for YOU — not the fraternity, not the university, not the insurance company

🏆 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the battle RIGHT NOW. Franklin County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. We Know the Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how insurance companies and fraternities try to deny claims. We’ve seen their playbook — now we use that knowledge against them.

3. We Have the Resources

• Expert witnesses — medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence
• Investigators — to gather evidence and interview witnesses
• Litigation support — to handle complex discovery and motions
• Media relations — to ensure your story is heard

4. We Come to Franklin County

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide. We will:

• Travel to Franklin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Offer video consultations for Franklin County families
• Handle all communications with defendants and insurance companies
• Pursue your case in federal court when appropriate

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

Franklin County families pay NOTHING upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. This ensures that:

• You can afford top-tier legal representation
• We are motivated to maximize your recovery
• The financial burden of seeking justice is removed

6. We Understand the Culture

Ralph Manginello is a Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach. He understands:

• Team dynamics
• Locker room culture
• The pressures young people face
• How hazing starts and spreads
• The environments where it thrives

This cultural understanding helps us build stronger cases and connect with juries.

7. We Have a Track Record of Results

• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience against major corporations
• Wrongful death cases — representing families who lost loved ones
• Catastrophic injury cases — including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

8. We Speak Your Language

Our staff is bilingual. We can serve:

• English-speaking Franklin County families
• Spanish-speaking Franklin County families (Se habla español)

Language should never be a barrier to justice.

🎯 Our Approach to Franklin County Hazing Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Response

• Emergency consultation — We meet with Franklin County families immediately
• Evidence preservation — We send letters demanding all evidence be preserved
• Medical coordination — We ensure Franklin County victims get proper treatment
• Insurance notification — We handle all communications with insurance companies

Phase 2: Comprehensive Investigation

• Gather all evidence — medical records, photos, videos, text messages, witness statements
• Identify all defendants — chapter, nationals, university, individuals, housing corporation
• Document the pattern — prior hazing incidents at the same chapter or university
• Assess institutional knowledge — what did the university and nationals know?

Phase 3: Strategic Litigation

• File the lawsuit — naming all responsible parties
• Aggressive discovery — depositions, document requests, expert reports
• Motion practice — to defeat attempts to dismiss the case
• Settlement negotiations — to secure fair compensation without trial if possible

Phase 4: Trial or Settlement

• Prepare for trial — we’re always ready to go to court
• Mediation — structured settlement negotiations
• Verdict or settlement — we fight for maximum compensation

Phase 5: Systemic Change

• Legislative advocacy — working to strengthen hazing laws
• University reform — demanding better oversight of Greek life
• Public awareness — ensuring Franklin County families know the risks
• Preventing future victims — using litigation to change culture

📚 Frequently Asked Questions for Franklin County Families

Q: My child was hazed but isn’t sure they want to pursue legal action. Should they?

A: We understand the hesitation. Many hazing victims feel:

• Loyalty to the organization
• Fear of social retaliation
• Shame or embarrassment
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

But consider this:

• If you don’t speak up, the hazing will continue
• The next victim could be hospitalized — or worse
• You have the right to compensation for your injuries
• You have the right to hold abusers accountable
• You may be protecting future Franklin County students

We offer free, confidential consultations. You can learn your rights without obligation.

Q: How much will this cost our Franklin County family?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We advance all case expenses
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery

If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Q: How long will a hazing case take for our Franklin County family?

A: Every case is different, but typical timelines:

• Minor injuries, clear liability: 6-12 months
• Moderate injuries, single defendant: 12-18 months
• Severe injuries, multiple defendants: 18-36 months
• Wrongful death, institutional defendants: 2-4 years

Factors that can extend timeline:

• Multiple defendants coordinating defense
• Complex liability issues
• Need for extensive medical treatment
• Court backlogs

We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible, but we won’t rush settlement if it means accepting less than you deserve.

Q: What if the fraternity says my child consented to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. When fraternities argue:

• “He agreed to participate”
• “He knew the risks”
• “He could have left at any time”

The law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.

You cannot consent to being a victim of a crime.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?

A: Yes. You can sue for:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress
• Humiliation and degradation
• Pain and suffering
• Lost academic opportunities

Many hazing cases involve significant psychological harm even without hospitalization.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing liability applies:

• On or off campus
• At fraternity houses
• At private residences
• At off-campus events
• Anywhere the hazing occurred

Premises liability applies to property owners, and negligent supervision applies to the organization.

Q: How much is our Franklin County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but factors that increase value:

• Severity of injuries — hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
• Egregiousness of conduct — waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical abuse
• Pattern evidence — prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Institutional knowledge — university or nationals knew about prior incidents
• Cover-up attempts — destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses
• Wrongful death — highest value cases
• Media attention — public pressure can increase settlement value

Precedent cases show hazing verdicts and settlements in the MILLIONS.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?

A: You can still sue. Even if the chapter is closed:

• The national organization still exists
• The university may still be liable
• Individual members can still be sued
• Insurance policies may still provide coverage

Closing the chapter is often damage control — not accountability.

Q: Can international students or immigrant families sue for hazing?

A: Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We represent:

• U.S. citizens
• International students
• Immigrant families
• Undocumented students

We are sensitive to immigration concerns and protect your privacy.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand the fear. Many hazing victims are intimidated into silence. We:

• Protect your confidentiality
• Handle all communications with defendants
• Take legal action against any retaliation
• Ensure your safety throughout the process

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take this fear seriously and protect our clients.

🔍 How We Build Strong Franklin County Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send preservation letters to all defendants demanding:

• All text messages and social media communications be preserved
• All photos and videos from pledge events be preserved
• All chapter documents and records be preserved
• All security camera footage be preserved

We act fast because evidence disappears quickly.

2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

We work with:

• Medical experts to document physical injuries
• Mental health professionals to document psychological trauma
• Life care planners to project future medical needs

Medical records are the foundation of your damages claim.

3. Pattern Evidence Development

We investigate:

• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Prior hazing incidents at the same university
• Prior hazing incidents at other chapters of the same national organization
• Institutional responses to prior incidents

Pattern evidence shows foreseeability and supports punitive damages.

4. Institutional Knowledge Assessment

We determine:

• What did the university know?
• What did the national organization know?
• When did they know it?
• What did they do about it?

Institutional knowledge turns negligence into gross negligence.

5. Defendant Identification

We name all responsible parties:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• The housing corporation
• Individual officers and members
• Alumni who facilitated hazing

We sue everyone who shares responsibility.

6. Insurance Policy Analysis

We identify:

• All insurance policies covering the fraternity
• All insurance policies covering the university
• Homeowner’s insurance for individual defendants
• Umbrella policies providing excess coverage

Insurance policies determine who pays and how much.

7. Expert Witness Retention

We retain:

• Medical experts — to explain injuries and treatment
• Greek life experts — to explain culture and norms
• Safety experts — to explain institutional failures
• Economic experts — to calculate damages

Experts strengthen your case and increase settlement value.

8. Aggressive Litigation

We:

• File lawsuits naming all defendants
• Conduct extensive discovery
• Take depositions of key witnesses
• File motions to defeat attempts to dismiss
• Prepare for trial from day one

We’re always ready to go to court if defendants won’t settle fairly.

🏛️ Universities Near Franklin County That Need to Pay Attention

While we can’t name specific incidents, we know for a fact that major universities near Franklin County have active Greek life programs with the same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide.

National Fraternities with Chapters Near Franklin County:

Franklin County Parents: These are the same organizations with chapters at colleges near you. They have the same hazing cultures.

Universities Near Franklin County with Greek Life:

Franklin County is home to and near several institutions with active Greek life programs, including:

• Public universities with large Greek systems
• Private colleges with traditional Greek organizations
• Community colleges with emerging Greek presence
• Technical schools with professional fraternities

Every university with Greek life has the same duty to protect students. Every university near Franklin County faces the same liability when they fail.

🚨 Warning to Franklin County Fraternities and Universities

To Fraternities Operating Near Franklin County:

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Franklin County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

We don’t guess who might be responsible for hazing. We know.
We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Massachusetts — EINs, legal names, addresses, house corporations, alumni chapters, and insurance structures.

When hazing happens, we already know who to sue.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

To Universities in Franklin County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.

When you fail, you pay. When you ignore prior incidents, you pay more.

Act now or face the same accountability.

📞 Franklin County Families: Contact Us Today

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Franklin County, you have legal rights. We can help.

Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Why Call Us Now:

✅ Statute of limitations is running — don’t lose your rights
✅ Evidence disappears fast — texts, photos, witnesses
✅ Insurance companies are already working against you
✅ We work on contingency — $0 upfront for Franklin County families
✅ We’re fighting this fight right now — same strategies for Franklin County

We Come to Franklin County

• Video consultations available
• In-person meetings in Franklin County
• Travel for depositions and trials
• Handle all communications with defendants

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Franklin County families as aggressively as we’re fighting in Houston.

🎖️ Our Promise to Franklin County Families

1. We will listen — Your story matters. We take the time to understand what happened.
2. We will believe you — Hazing victims are often not believed. We believe you.
3. We will fight for you — We’re not afraid of universities or national fraternities.
4. We will protect you — From retaliation, intimidation, and institutional pressure.
5. We will get you justice — Compensation for your injuries, accountability for the abusers.
6. We will prevent future victims — By changing the culture that allows hazing.

📢 Franklin County Parents: This Is Your Wake-Up Call

Hazing is not harmless. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And it’s happening to Franklin County students right now.

The fraternities won’t stop until someone makes them.

The universities won’t act until they’re forced to.

That someone is you. That force is us.

Call Attorney 911 today. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Because the next victim could be your child.

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving Franklin County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

🛡️ We protect the injured. We defend the accused. We fight for justice.