π¨ Hazing Victims in Saint Charles County: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.
Saint Charles County parents, students, and families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Saint Charles County, we want you to know something important.
You are not alone. What happened to you is not your fault. And you have the right to fight back.
Right now, in Houston, our attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.
This same hazing happens at universities near Saint Charles County. The same fraternities operate near Saint Charles County. And we will fight for Saint Charles County families with the same fury we’re bringing to this case.
π₯ What Hazing Really Is β And What It’s Not
Let’s be clear about what hazing is:
β It IS:
- Assault β Physical violence against your body
- Battery β Unwanted physical contact
- Torture β Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements
- Reckless endangerment β Forcing activities that put your life at risk
- Psychological abuse β Humiliation, threats, isolation
β It is NOT:
- “Tradition” β There is no tradition that justifies torture
- “Brotherhood” β Real brotherhood doesn’t require breaking your body or spirit
- “Character building” β Character is built through respect, not abuse
- “Voluntary” β When you’re threatened with expulsion or social ostracism, it’s not voluntary
Saint Charles County families: If your child experienced any of the following, it may be hazing:
- Forced to drink alcohol until vomiting
- Forced to eat until vomiting
- Forced to exercise until collapse
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Beaten with paddles or other objects
- Forced to stay awake for days
- Forced to expose themselves in cold weather
- Forced to carry sexual objects
- Hog-tied or restrained
- Forced to participate in dangerous activities
- Threatened with physical harm or expulsion
ποΈ Who Is Responsible? Everyone Who Allowed It.
In our current case, we are suing:
- The local fraternity chapter β They organized and conducted the hazing
- The national fraternity organization β They knew about the “hazing crisis” and did nothing
- The university β They owned the fraternity house and failed to protect students
- The individual members β They participated in and facilitated the abuse
Saint Charles County families: The same defendants may be responsible for your child’s hazing. We will identify and pursue every liable party.
π° Why $10 Million? Because Hazing Costs Lives β And We Must Stop It
Our client survived, but he spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure from rhabdomyolysis β a life-threatening condition caused by extreme physical exertion.
Other hazing victims haven’t been so lucky. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.
Recent hazing verdicts and settlements prove that institutions will pay millions when they fail to protect students:
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million |
Saint Charles County families: These cases show that hazing injuries and deaths result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Your child’s case may be worth just as much.
βοΈ Your Legal Rights in Saint Charles County
Missouri Hazing Laws Protect You
Missouri has strong anti-hazing laws. Hazing is a crime in Missouri.
Missouri Revised Statutes Β§ 578.360 defines hazing as:
Any activity which recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization.
Penalties for hazing in Missouri:
- Class A Misdemeanor β Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine
- If death or serious physical injury results β Class D Felony β Up to 7 years in prison
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
In addition to criminal charges, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Who can be sued:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university or college
- Individual members who participated
- Alumni who facilitated
- Property owners where hazing occurred
π₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable. It can cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis β Muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure (like our client)
- Acute alcohol poisoning β Can cause death
- Traumatic brain injury β From beatings or falls
- Broken bones β From physical abuse
- Internal bleeding β From blunt force trauma
- Hypothermia or heat stroke β From exposure to elements
- Severe dehydration β From forced activities
- Sexual assault injuries β From forced sexual activities
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) β Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression β Persistent sadness, loss of interest
- Anxiety disorders β Excessive worry, panic attacks
- Suicidal ideation β Increased risk of self-harm
- Trust issues β Difficulty forming relationships
- Academic decline β Inability to focus on studies
- Substance abuse β Self-medicating to cope
Saint Charles County families: If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms after hazing, seek medical and psychological help immediately. Then call us.
π The Clock Is Ticking β Missouri Statute of Limitations
Missouri law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit.
| Claim Type | Statute of Limitations |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 5 years from date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from date of death |
| Criminal Charges | Varies (contact authorities immediately) |
Saint Charles County families: DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Call us today for a free consultation. We can evaluate your case and ensure your rights are protected.
π What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Saint Charles County
Step 1: Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- If they need medical attention, call 911 or take them to the emergency room
- Document all injuries with photographs
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
- Do not delete any messages β Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails
- Take screenshots of all social media posts about hazing
- Document everything β Write down what happened, when it happened, who was involved
- Save physical evidence β Clothing, objects used in hazing
- Get witness contact information β Other victims, bystanders
Step 3: Seek Medical and Psychological Help
- Medical: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately obvious.
- Psychological: Consider therapy for trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Step 4: Report the Hazing
- To the university: File a formal report with the school’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- To law enforcement: Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a crime.
- To the national organization: If it’s a fraternity or sorority, report to the national headquarters
Step 5: Contact an Attorney
- Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- Do not sign anything from the organization or their insurance company
- Contact Attorney 911 for a free, confidential consultation
π‘οΈ How Attorney 911 Will Protect Saint Charles County Families
We Are Not Afraid to Fight Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal departments
- Insurance company lawyers
- Risk management professionals
- Crisis PR teams
They will try to intimidate you. They will try to silence you. They will try to minimize your claim.
We are not intimidated. We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys β We know their playbook
- Federal court authority β We can pursue your case in federal court
- Dual-state bar licenses β Texas and New York
- Proven track record β We’ve won millions for our clients
- Willingness to travel β We will come to Saint Charles County for your case
We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We will pursue every possible source of compensation, including:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Punitive damages: To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Our goal is not just to compensate your child, but to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated.
We Protect Your Privacy
We understand that hazing victims often fear retribution. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.”
We will protect your privacy and your safety throughout the legal process.
We Offer Free Consultations β No Upfront Cost
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
Saint Charles County families: You have nothing to lose by calling us. You have everything to gain.
π Saint Charles County Families: Call Us Now
If your child has been hazed at a university near Saint Charles County, call Attorney 911 today.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7.
π― Our Promise to Saint Charles County Families
- We will listen β Your story matters. We will hear you.
- We will investigate β We will gather all the evidence to build your case.
- We will fight β We will hold every responsible party accountable.
- We will win β We will pursue maximum compensation for your child.
- We will protect β We will safeguard your privacy and your rights.
Saint Charles County families: You trusted these institutions to protect your child. They betrayed that trust. Now trust us to fight for you.
π Frequently Asked Questions for Saint Charles County Families
Q: My child is embarrassed and doesn’t want to talk about it. Should we still pursue legal action?
A: Yes. Hazing thrives in silence. The only way to stop it is to speak out. We can help your child understand their rights and the importance of holding institutions accountable. Many victims feel empowered once they take action.
Q: The fraternity/sorority says it was “just a prank” or “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Missouri law explicitly states that hazing is illegal regardless of “tradition” or whether the victim “consented.” If the activity endangered your child’s health or safety, it is hazing.
Q: We’re worried about the cost of a lawsuit. Can we afford this?
A: Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means you can fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: The university is offering to handle this “internally.” Should we accept?
A: No. Universities protect their own interests, not yours. Internal investigations often minimize wrongdoing and fail to hold anyone truly accountable. You need an independent attorney to protect your child’s rights.
Q: My child is an international student. Will this affect their visa status?
A: No. Pursuing legal action for hazing will not negatively impact your child’s visa status. We have experience representing international students and can guide you through the process.
Q: How long will this take?
A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months. Others may take years, especially if they go to trial. We will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle without going to trial. If your case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, off campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. We can still pursue legal action.
Q: The fraternity/sorority is threatening to retaliate. What should we do?
A: Retaliation is illegal. If you experience any threats or retaliation, document them immediately and inform your attorney. We will take swift action to protect you.
Q: Can we sue the national organization, or just the local chapter?
A: You can sue both. National organizations often have deeper pockets and greater insurance coverage. They also have a duty to supervise local chapters and prevent hazing.
π’ A Message to Saint Charles County Fraternities and Sororities
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Saint Charles County:
We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for you.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Saint Charles County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon β if your chapter operates near Saint Charles County, know this:
- We track your house corporations.
- We track your alumni chapters.
- We track your national insurance structures.
- We track your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
If your Saint Charles County chapter harms students, we will sue you. We will depose your officers. We will expose your culture. And we will make you pay.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
π Our Track Record: We Win Against Powerful Defendants
BP Texas City Explosion Litigation
- Involved in multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation
- Demonstrated capability in handling complex, high-stakes cases against massive corporate defendants
$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (Current)
- Currently litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Same strategies available for Saint Charles County families
Multi-Million Dollar Personal Injury Cases
- Recovered millions for clients across wrongful death, trucking accidents, premises liability, and more
- Proven track record of success against insurance companies and institutional defendants
π We Serve Saint Charles County Families Nationwide
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Saint Charles County families.
How we serve Saint Charles County:
- Federal court authority β Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Video consultations β Meet with us remotely
- Travel commitment β We come to Saint Charles County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Nationwide reach β We can sue national organizations headquartered anywhere in America
Saint Charles County families: Distance is not a barrier to justice.
π Educational Resources for Saint Charles County Families
Know the Warning Signs of Hazing
- Sudden change in behavior or mood
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Decline in academic performance
- Secretive about activities
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or depression
- Avoiding certain people or places
Missouri Universities with Greek Life Near Saint Charles County
Saint Charles County is home to several universities and colleges with active Greek life. Some institutions near Saint Charles County include:
- Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO) β Active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities
- University of MissouriβSt. Louis (St. Louis, MO) β Greek organizations present
- Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO) β Active Greek community
- Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) β Greek life organizations
- Maryville University (St. Louis, MO) β Fraternities and sororities
Saint Charles County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these institutions, they may be at risk of hazing.
How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing
- Start early β Discuss hazing before they join any organization
- Define hazing clearly β Make sure they understand what it is
- Encourage open communication β Let them know they can talk to you about anything
- Teach them to trust their instincts β If something feels wrong, it probably is
- Provide alternatives β Suggest organizations with strong anti-hazing policies
- Know the signs β Be aware of changes in behavior that may indicate hazing
ποΈ Why Saint Charles County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to minimize claims. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside β now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
We Have Federal Court Authority
We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court when appropriate, giving us additional leverage against national organizations.
We Are Bilingual
Se habla espaΓ±ol. We can serve Spanish-speaking Saint Charles County families without language barriers.
We Care About Our Clients
We treat our clients like family. We understand the trauma of hazing and are committed to supporting you throughout the legal process.
We Travel to Saint Charles County
We will come to Saint Charles County for depositions, trials, and client meetings. We are committed to serving Saint Charles County families in person.
We Offer Free Consultations
You have nothing to lose by calling us. We offer free, confidential consultations to all Saint Charles County families.
π Saint Charles County Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late
The clock is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Saint Charles County, call Attorney 911 today.
π 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9111)
π§ ralph@atty911.com
π attorney911.com
Free consultation. Available 24/7. Se habla espaΓ±ol.
π Enough Is Enough. The Time to Act Is Now.
Saint Charles County families: Hazing has gone on for too long. It’s time to say enough is enough.
Our client was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He was struck with wooden paddles. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
This is not tradition. This is not brotherhood. This is torture.
We are fighting this battle in Houston. We will fight it in Saint Charles County. We will fight it everywhere.
If your child has been hazed, we are here for you. Call us today.
π¨ 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Saint Charles County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911 β and we are fighting for you.