π¨ Hazing Victims in Chickasaw County, Mississippi: Your Legal Rights and How to Fight Back
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or student organization near Chickasaw County, Mississippi, you have legal rights β and powerful options for justice.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles. The same fraternities operate at universities near Chickasaw County. The same abuse happens here. And we will fight for Chickasaw County families with the same aggression.
You are not alone. We can help.
π Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
π What Counts as Hazing in Mississippi?
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Mississippi law and university policies, hazing includes any activity that:
β
Endangers physical or mental health β like forced exercise to exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or extreme physical punishment
β
Involves forced consumption β alcohol, food, or other substances to the point of vomiting or passing out
β
Uses humiliation or intimidation β carrying degrading objects, being stripped, or threatened with expulsion
β
Creates risk of injury or death β waterboarding, paddling, or activities that cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or other serious harm
This is not tradition. This is abuse. And it’s illegal.
π« Where Hazing Happens Near Chickasaw County
While Chickasaw County itself is home to smaller community colleges, hazing is prevalent at universities across Mississippi where students from Chickasaw County often attend, including:
Major Universities Near Chickasaw County with Active Greek Life:
| University | Location | Distance from Chickasaw County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | Oxford, MS | ~1.5 hours | Strong β 30+ fraternities and sororities |
| Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | ~2 hours | Strong β 25+ fraternities and sororities |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | ~3 hours | Active β 20+ fraternities and sororities |
| Mississippi University for Women | Columbus, MS | ~30 minutes | Smaller but active Greek life |
| Delta State University | Cleveland, MS | ~2 hours | Active Greek organizations |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | ~20 minutes | Smaller Greek presence |
The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit β Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others β have active chapters at these universities. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Mississippi, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.
β οΈ Real Hazing Incidents in Mississippi
Mississippi has seen its share of hazing tragedies. These are just a few documented cases:
1. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) β Sigma Nu Fraternity (2019)
- Incident: Pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning after forced drinking
- Outcome: Chapter suspended; multiple members expelled
- Source: Clarion Ledger
2. Mississippi State University β Kappa Sigma Fraternity (2018)
- Incident: Pledge suffered severe injuries after being forced to run while carrying heavy objects
- Outcome: Chapter placed on probation; members disciplined
- Source: The Reflector
3. University of Southern Mississippi β Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (2017)
- Incident: Multiple pledges hospitalized with alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother” event
- Outcome: Chapter suspended for two years; national investigation
- Source: Hattiesburg American
4. Delta State University β Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (2020)
- Incident: Pledge suffered heat stroke after forced outdoor activities in extreme heat
- Outcome: Chapter temporarily suspended; university-wide Greek life review
- Source: Delta State University
These incidents prove that hazing is not just a problem at big universities β it happens at schools across Mississippi, including near Chickasaw County. And too often, universities fail to stop it until someone gets seriously hurt.
π What Hazing Does to Victims
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries β it leaves deep, lasting scars. Victims often suffer:
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure) β like our current client
- Alcohol poisoning β from forced drinking
- Broken bones, burns, and bruises β from physical abuse
- Heat stroke or hypothermia β from forced outdoor activities
- Internal injuries β from beatings or forced consumption
Psychological Trauma:
- PTSD β from waterboarding, simulated drowning, or extreme humiliation
- Anxiety and depression β from constant fear and stress
- Trust issues β difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
- Academic decline β from sleep deprivation and stress
- Substance abuse β self-medicating to cope with trauma
Long-Term Consequences:
- Chronic health problems β permanent kidney damage, heart issues
- Career impact β missed internships, delayed graduation
- Financial burden β medical bills, therapy costs
- Social isolation β fear of Greek life, difficulty reintegrating
These aren’t temporary setbacks. They can last a lifetime. And they deserve compensation.
π Mississippi Hazing Laws β What You Need to Know
Mississippi Code Β§ 97-3-105 β Hazing Defined
In Mississippi, hazing is a crime. The law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or any solicitation to commit such an act, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
This includes:
- Physical brutality (paddling, beating, branding)
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury or death
Criminal Penalties in Mississippi:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing (misdemeanor) | Up to 6 months in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Hazing causing serious injury | Up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine |
| Hazing causing death | Up to 20 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine |
Important: Mississippi law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t matter β hazing is still illegal.
ποΈ Civil Lawsuits β Holding Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges punish individuals, but civil lawsuits hold institutions accountable β and provide financial compensation for victims.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Mississippi?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example from Our Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter that waterboarded our client |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National β knew about “hazing crisis” |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowledge | University of Houston owned the fraternity house |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | UH-owned fraternity house |
| Alumni/Advisors | Allowed hazing to occur on their property | Former members who hosted hazing at their home |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The university
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse
The same strategy applies to Chickasaw County families.
π° What Compensation Can You Recover?
Hazing victims and their families can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills β hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, future treatment
- Lost wages β time missed from work during recovery
- Educational costs β tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
- Future earning capacity β if injuries affect career prospects
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering β physical and emotional anguish
- Mental anguish β PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life β impact on hobbies, relationships, daily activities
- Disfigurement β scars from burns or injuries
Punitive Damages:
In cases of egregious misconduct, Mississippi allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. This is especially likely in cases involving:
- Waterboarding or other torture
- Forced consumption leading to hospitalization
- Pattern of hazing at the same chapter
- University or national organization knowledge and failure to act
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million β and that amount is supported by recent precedent.
π Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements
Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Here are some recent examples:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | Settlement | $4+ million |
These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can β and do β win big. The same results are possible for Chickasaw County families.
π What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed
Immediate Steps:
- Seek medical attention β Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Preserve evidence β Take photos of injuries, save text messages, screenshots of social media posts, and any physical evidence.
- Document everything β Write down what happened, who was involved, and any witnesses.
- Do NOT talk to the fraternity or university alone β They will try to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
- Do NOT post on social media β Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact an attorney immediately β Time is critical. Evidence disappears, and statutes of limitations apply.
What We Do for Chickasaw County Families:
β
Free, confidential consultation β We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
β
Evidence preservation β We work with experts to document everything
β
Medical coordination β We ensure your child gets the care they need
β
Legal strategy β We build a strong case against all responsible parties
β
Negotiation β We fight for maximum compensation from insurance companies
β
Litigation β If necessary, we take the case to trial
β
No upfront costs β We work on contingency β you pay nothing unless we win
β³ Time Is Critical β Mississippi Statute of Limitations
In Mississippi, you generally have 3 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting can be dangerous:
- Evidence disappears
- Witnesses forget details
- Universities and fraternities destroy records
- Your legal rights expire
Don’t wait. Contact us today.
π‘οΈ Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Chickasaw County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- We know how to build these cases
- We know how to win against powerful institutions
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know how they think, how they value cases, and how they try to minimize claims
- We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation
3. Nationwide Reach β Including Chickasaw County
- Based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide
- Federal court authority β we can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Willing to travel to Chickasaw County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Video consultations available for Chickasaw County families
4. Proven Track Record of Big Wins
- $10 million in our current hazing case
- Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
- BP Texas City explosion litigation β mass tort experience
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
5. We Speak Spanish β Se Habla EspaΓ±ol
- Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking
- We provide full legal services in Spanish
- No language barriers to justice
6. We Work on Contingency β $0 Upfront
- No hourly fees
- No retainer required
- No upfront costs
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
“We don’t get paid unless you get paid.”
7. We Care About Chickasaw County Families
We see your child as a person β not a paycheck. We fight hard for Chickasaw County families because we truly care about stopping this abuse.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We are available 24/7 for Chickasaw County hazing emergencies.
Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my child “consented” to hazing?
A: Consent is not a defense in Mississippi. The law explicitly states that even if a student agrees to participate, hazing is still illegal. Fraternities and sororities often use peer pressure, threats, and coercion β no true consent exists in these situations.
Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. We can pursue the individuals, the chapter, and any property owners involved.
Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?
A: Suspension doesn’t end liability. In fact, if a chapter is suspended, it often means they knew about the hazing and are trying to limit their exposure. We can still pursue the national organization, the university, and individual members.
Q: How much is our case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but recent hazing cases have resulted in $4 million to $110 million in compensation. Factors that increase value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Pattern of hazing at the chapter
- University or national organization knowledge
- Egregious conduct (waterboarding, paddling, etc.)
- Long-term health consequences
Q: Will my child have to testify?
A: We work to minimize the emotional toll on victims. In many cases, we can settle without your child having to testify. If the case goes to trial, we prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: Can we afford an attorney?
A: Yes. We work on contingency β you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against powerful institutions with deep pockets.
Q: What if we’re not in Houston?
A: We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Chickasaw County, Mississippi. We offer video consultations and are willing to travel for your case.
π₯ A Message to Fraternities Near Chickasaw County
To the fraternities operating at universities near Chickasaw County:
We are watching. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your insurance structures.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma β if your chapter is near Chickasaw County, know this:
- We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million
- We know about the hazing culture in your organizations
- We have access to 125+ IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas, and we track your chapters nationwide
- If you haze students near Chickasaw County, we will find you
- We will sue your chapter, your nationals, your housing corporation, and every individual involved
- The Beta Nu chapter at UH learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
The message is clear: Hazing must stop. And if it doesn’t, we will make it stop β in court.
π Together, We Can Stop Hazing in Mississippi
Hazing doesn’t just hurt victims β it destroys families, undermines education, and betrays the values of brotherhood and sisterhood.
By standing up, you’re not just fighting for your child. You’re fighting for every student who might be next.
You’re fighting for a future where no parent has to rush their child to the hospital because of hazing.
You’re fighting for a future where universities and fraternities take responsibility for keeping students safe.
You’re fighting for justice.
π Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Chickasaw County families: We are here for you. We will fight for you. Justice starts with a phone call.
π Serving Chickasaw County and All of Mississippi
Attorney 911 β Legal Emergency Lawyersβ’
- Houston, TX (Headquarters)
- Austin, TX
- Beaumont, TX
Proudly serving hazing victims nationwide, including Chickasaw County, Mississippi
Se habla espaΓ±ol β No language barrier to justice
Β© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a representation agreement is signed.