Hazing Victims Legal Support in Rankin County, Mississippi

Holding Fraternities and Universities Accountable for Hazing Abuse

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston – and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to hazing victims and families in Rankin County, Mississippi.

While our offices are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Rankin County, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands. If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Rankin County, we can help.

The Hazing Crisis in Rankin County

Hazing isn’t just a problem at big universities – it happens right here in our Mississippi communities. The same fraternities involved in deadly hazing incidents nationwide have active chapters at universities near Rankin County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at Mississippi institutions.

What Hazing Looks Like in Mississippi

Based on our national case experience, hazing in Rankin County and surrounding areas often involves:

• Extreme physical abuse: Forced exercise to exhaustion, beatings, exposure to harsh weather
• Dangerous consumption: Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, humiliation, sleep deprivation
• Life-threatening activities: Activities that can cause rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, or death

In our current case, a University of Houston student was hospitalized for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being subjected to waterboarding, 500 squats, and other extreme hazing activities.

Why Rankin County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. Proven Hazing Litigation Experience

We’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in this battle right now, and we know how to win.

2. Nationwide Representation

While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims across America, including Rankin County, through:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Willingness to travel to Rankin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultation technology for Rankin County families

3. Former Insurance Defense Advantage

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

4. Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma hazing victims experience. Our client in the Houston case was so fearful of retribution that he hesitated to speak publicly. We protect our clients’ privacy while aggressively pursuing justice.

5. No Upfront Costs for Rankin County Families

We take hazing cases on contingency – you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This means:

• $0 upfront costs for Rankin County families
• No hourly fees
• We only get paid when you get paid
• We absorb the risk so you can fight back

Who We Can Sue for Rankin County Hazing Victims

When hazing occurs in Rankin County or at universities nearby, multiple parties may be liable:

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapters

The chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities.

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies. We’re currently suing Pi Kappa Phi National in our Houston case for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. Universities and Colleges

Many universities near Rankin County have a duty to protect students from hazing, especially if:

• They own or control the property where hazing occurred
• They have prior knowledge of hazing at their institution
• They fail to implement adequate oversight of Greek organizations

4. Individual Members

Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable. In our Houston case, we’re suing:

• The fraternity president
• The pledgemaster
• Current members who participated
• Former members who hosted hazing activities
• The spouse of a former member who allowed hazing at their home

5. Housing Corporations

Many fraternity and sorority houses are owned by separate housing corporations. These entities can be liable for hazing that occurs on their property.

Mississippi Hazing Laws Protect Victims

Mississippi has strong laws against hazing that apply to Rankin County:

Mississippi Code § 97-3-105 – Hazing; definition; penalties

This law defines hazing as any activity that:

• Endangers the physical health or safety of a student
• Is required for affiliation with any organization
• Involves coercion or pressure to participate

Penalties:

• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000

Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Civil Liability in Mississippi

In addition to criminal penalties, hazing victims in Rankin County can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Rankin County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some hazing injuries, like rhabdomyolysis, may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/videos: Document injuries and hazing locations
• Texts/social media: Save all communications about hazing
• Witness information: Get names and contact info of other victims or witnesses
• Medical records: Keep all documentation of injuries and treatment

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Don’t talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
• Don’t sign anything from the organization or university
• Don’t post about the incident on social media

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We can:

• Guide you through evidence preservation
• Handle all communications with the organization and university
• Protect your child from retaliation
• Begin building your legal case

Universities Near Rankin County with Greek Organizations

While we can’t comment on specific incidents at these institutions, we know that hazing risks exist at universities near Rankin County where Greek organizations are active:

Jackson State University

• Located approximately 20 miles from Rankin County
• Active Greek organizations
• Potential hazing risks similar to those we’re fighting in our current case

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

• Located in Oxford, MS
• Large Greek system with fraternities and sororities
• History of Greek organizations that may engage in hazing

Mississippi State University

• Located in Starkville, MS
• Active Greek community
• Potential for hazing activities

Millsaps College

• Located in Jackson, MS
• Smaller liberal arts college with Greek organizations
• Hazing risks may exist despite smaller size

The Hazing Cases That Changed America

Our $10 million demand in the Houston case is supported by recent hazing verdicts and settlements:

Stone Foltz Case – $10.1 Million

• Bowling Green State University
• Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity
• Victim died from forced alcohol consumption
• Both university and fraternity paid substantial amounts

Maxwell Gruver Case – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Louisiana State University
• Phi Delta Theta fraternity
• Victim died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
• Resulted in the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana

Timothy Piazza Case – $110+ Million

• Penn State University
• Beta Theta Pi fraternity
• Victim died from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs
• Fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
• Resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania

These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can win substantial compensation and drive legislative change.

Why Hazing Happens in Rankin County

Hazing persists in Rankin County and across Mississippi for several reasons:

1. Culture of Silence

Many hazing victims don’t report incidents due to:

• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Shame or embarrassment
• Belief that “it’s just tradition”

2. Institutional Failure

Universities near Rankin County often fail to prevent hazing because:

• They prioritize reputation over student safety
• They lack adequate oversight of Greek organizations
• They have conflicts of interest (Greek life often provides significant donations)
• They wait until someone is seriously injured or killed before taking action

3. National Organization Negligence

National fraternities and sororities:

• Fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
• Allow dangerous “traditions” to continue despite knowing the risks
• Dissolve chapters only after public scandals, then allow them to return

How We Fight for Rankin County Hazing Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants
• Demand retention of all communications, photos, videos
• Prevent destruction of evidence

2. Aggressive Discovery

• Request all internal communications about hazing
• Obtain chapter records and membership information
• Demand university oversight documents
• Subpoena national organization policies and training materials

3. Medical Documentation

• Work with medical experts to document injuries
• Create life care plans for long-term medical needs
• Calculate future medical expenses

4. Pattern Evidence Development

• Identify prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• Find hazing reports from other chapters of the same national organization
• Establish institutional knowledge and failure to act

5. Media and Public Pressure

• Work with media to expose hazing culture
• Create public pressure on universities and national organizations
• Support legislative reform efforts

6. Trial Preparation

• Prepare victims to testify about their experiences
• Develop compelling trial narratives
• Present evidence in a way that maximizes jury awards

What Rankin County Families Can Expect

Free Initial Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case at no cost to you.

Contingency Fee Representation

No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.

Comprehensive Case Development

We handle everything:

• Evidence gathering
• Medical documentation
• Legal filings
• Negotiations
• Trial preparation

Regular Communication

We keep you informed at every stage of the process.

Maximum Compensation

We fight for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

The Time to Act Is Now

Mississippi has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have limited time to take legal action.

Every day you wait:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget details
• The organization may destroy records
• Your legal rights may expire

Rankin County Hazing Victims: We’re Here to Help

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Rankin County, we can help. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

We don’t just talk about fighting hazing. We’re doing it right now – and we’ll fight just as hard for Rankin County families.

Contact Attorney 911 Today:

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

Serving Rankin County and all of Mississippi with aggressive hazing litigation representation.