🛡️ Hazing Victim Legal Guide: Your Rights & Next Steps in Carroll County, Mississippi
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims Nationwide from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 24/7 Hazing Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
🚨 Carroll County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization near Carroll County, Mississippi, you need to know: this is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse. And you have legal rights.
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, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Carroll County. The same negligence exists at Mississippi institutions. We will fight for Carroll County families with the same intensity we’re bringing to this case.
This guide explains your rights, what to do next, and how we can help — no matter where in Mississippi you are.
🔍 What is Hazing? — Mississippi Definition
Mississippi has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Mississippi Code § 97-3-105, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or another person acting in concert with a student, against another student, that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student
- Is for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization
This includes:
- Physical abuse (paddling, beatings, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological torture (humiliation, degradation)
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
⚠️ KEY POINT: In Mississippi, consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.
🏛️ Who Can Be Held Responsible in Mississippi?
In Carroll County and across Mississippi, multiple parties may be liable for hazing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; pattern of hazing at other chapters |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus property |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing events; failed to stop abuse |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for liability (homeowners, institutional policies) |
Our Pi Kappa Phi case shows: We sue everyone — the chapter, nationals, university, and individuals. We don’t let anyone escape accountability.
💰 What Compensation Can Carroll County Families Receive?
Hazing victims in Mississippi may be entitled to:
1. Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
- Educational costs (tuition refunds if forced to leave school, transfer expenses)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries affect long-term career prospects)
2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- Disfigurement (scars from burns, branding, or injuries)
3. Punitive Damages (To Punish and Deter)
- Awarded when conduct is grossly negligent or intentional
- Designed to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated
- Our Pi Kappa Phi case seeks $10 million in punitive damages — the same is possible for Mississippi victims
Precedent Cases Show Mississippi Families Can Win Big:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Ohio, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million jury verdict — Max Gruver (Louisiana, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Pennsylvania, Beta Theta Pi)
These same results are possible for Carroll County victims.
📋 What Should Carroll County Families Do RIGHT NOW?
IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS — PRESERVE EVIDENCE
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seek medical attention | Document injuries; protect health |
| 2 | Take photos/videos | Injuries, hazing locations, items used |
| 3 | Save all communications | Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails |
| 4 | Get witness information | Names and contact info of other victims/witnesses |
| 5 | Write down everything | Dates, times, locations, what was said/done |
| 6 | Do NOT talk to the organization | They will try to control the narrative |
| 7 | Do NOT post on social media | Anything you post can be used against you |
| 8 | Do NOT sign anything | May waive your rights |
| 9 | Contact an attorney | Free consultation; know your rights |
⚠️ CRITICAL: Evidence disappears quickly. Act now to preserve your rights.
⏳ Mississippi Statute of Limitations — ACT FAST
Mississippi law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit:
| Claim Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years from date of injury (Mississippi Code § 15-1-49) |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death (Mississippi Code § 15-1-49) |
⚠️ WARNING: If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait:
- Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget)
- Organizations destroy records
- Memories fade
- Your legal rights expire
Our Pi Kappa Phi client acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
🏥 Common Hazing Injuries — Medical Consequences
Hazing can cause serious, life-altering injuries:
| Injury Type | Description | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown from extreme exercise | Kidney failure, dialysis, transplant |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys unable to filter waste | Permanent damage, dialysis, transplant |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Death, brain damage, organ failure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From blows to the head | Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes |
| Broken Bones | From physical abuse | Chronic pain, limited mobility |
| Internal Bleeding | From blunt force trauma | Organ damage, surgery, death |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to extreme temperatures | Organ damage, frostbite, heat stroke |
| PTSD/Anxiety/Depression | Psychological trauma | Therapy, medication, lifelong impact |
| Sexual Assault | Forced sexual acts | Trauma, STIs, pregnancy |
Our Pi Kappa Phi client suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from forced exercise. These injuries can be permanent and life-threatening.
🎓 Mississippi Institutions Where Hazing Occurs
Carroll County is served by several colleges and universities where Greek life and student organizations operate. Hazing happens at all of them:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Delta State University | Cleveland, MS (~30 miles from Carrollton) | Active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS (~60 miles from Carrollton) | Greek organizations present |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | Oxford, MS (~90 miles from Carrollton) | Major Greek system with 30+ fraternities and sororities |
| Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS (~100 miles from Carrollton) | Large Greek presence with 20+ fraternities and sororities |
| Jackson State University | Jackson, MS (~110 miles from Carrollton) | Active Greek life |
| Alcorn State University | Lorman, MS (~120 miles from Carrollton) | Greek organizations present |
The same national fraternities and sororities operate at these schools as at University of Houston:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Kappa Alpha Order
- Sigma Chi
- Delta Tau Delta
- And many others
If your child was hazed at any Mississippi institution, we can help.
📞 Why Carroll County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Same fraternities operate near Carroll County
- Same legal strategies apply to Mississippi cases
2. Nationwide Reach — We Come to Carroll County
- Based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont) but serve nationwide
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases anywhere in America
- Dual-state licensed — Texas AND New York
- Travel to Carroll County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Video consultations available for Carroll County families
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for victims
4. $0 Upfront Cost — Contingency Fee Representation
- No fee unless we win — you pay nothing upfront
- We front all costs of litigation
- We only get paid when you get paid
- Carroll County families pay $0 out of pocket
5. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation
- We see your child as a person, not a paycheck
- We fight hard because we care about stopping hazing
- Se habla español — bilingual staff available
6. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
- BP Texas City explosion litigation — mass tort experience
- Multi-million dollar personal injury verdicts and settlements
- Federal court experience — U.S. District Court admission
- Criminal defense experience — know how to navigate parallel criminal investigations
🔎 How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Carroll County Families
When you hire Attorney 911, we immediately:
-
Preserve Evidence
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand retention of all communications, photos, videos
- Prevent destruction of evidence
-
Conduct Thorough Investigation
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain medical records
- Review social media and communications
- Identify all liable parties
-
Build Strong Legal Case
- Document pattern of hazing
- Establish institutional knowledge
- Calculate full damages
- Prepare for trial if necessary
-
Negotiate from Strength
- Present comprehensive demand package
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defendants
- Push for maximum settlement
-
Take It to Trial if Needed
- We are trial attorneys — not afraid to go to court
- Prepare compelling case for judge and jury
- Fight for full justice
📞 Carroll County Families: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed in Carroll County or anywhere in Mississippi, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for hazing emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We come to Carroll County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Carroll County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to sue. Should we still call?
A: Yes. We can advise you on all options, including:
- Criminal complaints
- University disciplinary actions
- Civil lawsuits for damages
- Title IX complaints
- Anonymous reporting
Even if you don’t want to sue, you should preserve evidence in case you change your mind later.
Q: The fraternity said it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Mississippi law says:
- Consent is not a defense
- “Tradition” does not justify illegal conduct
- Hazing is a crime in Mississippi (Mississippi Code § 97-3-105)
Just because “everyone does it” doesn’t make it legal.
Q: The university said they didn’t know. Are they still liable?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Own or control property where hazing occurred
- Have oversight responsibility for Greek life
- Had prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
- Failed to implement effective safeguards
They can be held liable for negligent supervision.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We take retaliation concerns seriously. We can:
- File anonymous reports
- Protect your child’s identity
- Seek protective orders if necessary
- Hold organizations accountable for any retaliation
Our Pi Kappa Phi client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we understand this fear and will protect your child.
Q: How long will a lawsuit take?
Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether the case goes to trial
Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing compensation.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Mississippi hazing law applies on or off campus. If the hazing was organized by a student organization, liability follows regardless of location.
Q: My child is an international student. Will this affect their visa?
No. Filing a civil lawsuit does not affect visa status. We represent many international students and can guide you through the process.
📢 A Message to Carroll County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities operating near Carroll County:
We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after they waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure. We know the same organizations operate at Delta State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and other Mississippi schools.
If you haze students in Carroll County, we will find you. We will sue you. And we will shut you down.
- Pi Kappa Phi paid $10.1 million in the Stone Foltz case
- Phi Delta Theta paid $6.1 million in the Max Gruver case
- Beta Theta Pi paid $110+ million in the Timothy Piazza case
The same will happen to you in Mississippi.
To university administrators in Mississippi:
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to stop hazing. You have the duty to protect students.
If you fail to act, you will be next.
🔥 Carroll County Families: Enough Is Enough
This is what hazing looks like in 2025:
- Waterboarding with garden hoses
- Forced to do 500 squats until muscles break down
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting
- Hog-tied with objects in mouths
- Hospitalized with kidney failure
This is not “tradition.” This is torture.
Carroll County families have a choice:
- Stay silent and let it continue
- Speak up and stop it
We are Attorney 911. We fight for victims. We hold institutions accountable. We make them pay.
If your child has been hazed in Carroll County or anywhere in Mississippi, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW. And we’ll fight for Carroll County families too.