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Anderson County (Earth/North America/United States/Tennessee/Anderson County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 19 min read
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πŸ›‘οΈ Anderson County Hazing Victims: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back

Anderson County families: If your child has been injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization, you are not alone. The same national fraternities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths operate chapters at universities near Anderson County. The same negligent oversight that led to a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Houston exists right here in Tennessee.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from systematic abuse. This isn’t theoretical β€” we’re in the fight right now, and we’re ready to fight for Anderson County families too.

You have legal rights. You have powerful options. And you don’t have to face this alone.

🚨 What Anderson County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

Hazing Is Not “Tradition” β€” It’s Abuse

What happened to our client in Houston β€” and what happens to students near Anderson County every year β€” is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.” It’s not “brotherhood.”

It is:

  • Assault β€” Physical violence against your child
  • Battery β€” Unwanted harmful contact
  • Torture β€” Waterboarding, forced consumption, extreme physical punishment
  • Reckless endangerment β€” Activities that put lives at risk
  • Sometimes manslaughter β€” When hazing kills

In our current case, a student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Forced to eat until he vomited, then made to keep running
  • Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This is happening near Anderson County right now. The same fraternities. The same “traditions.” The same negligent universities.

Anderson County Universities Are Not Immune

Universities near Anderson County have active Greek life programs with chapters of:

  • Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity we’re suing in Houston)
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (paid $1M+ in a Texas hazing case)
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (involved in a 2017 hazing hospitalization at UH)
  • And many others

These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing. Yet the abuse continues because universities and national organizations choose reputation over safety.

Your child’s school near Anderson County has the same power to stop hazing β€” and the same liability when they don’t.

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as an Anderson County Hazing Victim

1. Tennessee Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws

Tennessee Code Annotated Β§ 49-7-123 defines hazing as:

Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one student acting alone or with others, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

This includes:

  • Physical brutality
  • Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exposure to extreme weather
  • Psychological abuse
  • Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm

Criminal Penalties in Tennessee:

Offense Level Punishment
Class A Misdemeanor Up to 11 months, 29 days in jail; up to $2,500 fine
Class E Felony If serious bodily injury or death results: 1-6 years in prison; up to $3,000 fine

Important: Consent is NOT a defense in Tennessee. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

2. Civil Lawsuits Allow You to Sue for Compensation

Criminal charges punish the perpetrators. Civil lawsuits compensate the victim β€” and hold institutions accountable.

Who You Can Sue Near Anderson County:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter (directly responsible)
  • The national organization (failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture)
  • The university (failed to protect students; may own the property)
  • Individual members (personally liable for their actions)
  • Alumni or hosts (if hazing occurred at their home)

What You Can Recover:

  • Medical bills β€” Hospitalization, therapy, future treatment
  • Lost wages β€” Time missed from work or internships
  • Pain and suffering β€” Physical and emotional trauma
  • Educational damages β€” Disruption to your child’s education
  • Punitive damages β€” To punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing

Precedent Near Anderson County:

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M β€” Paid $1M+ for chemical burns from hazing
  • Pi Kappa Alpha at University of Houston β€” Student hospitalized with lacerated spleen in 2017
  • Multiple Tennessee cases β€” Hazing incidents at UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt, and other schools

Our current case proves these cases win. We are fighting for $10 million in damages β€” and we will fight just as hard for Anderson County victims.

3. You Have a Limited Time to Act β€” Act Now

Tennessee Statute of Limitations:

  • Personal Injury: 1 year from the date of injury
  • Wrongful Death: 1 year from the date of death

DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

In our Houston case:

  • Our client was hospitalized November 6, 2025
  • We filed the $10 million lawsuit November 21, 2025 β€” just 15 days later
  • This is how quickly you must act

🏒 Who Is Liable for Anderson County Hazing Incidents?

1. Local Chapters β€” The Perpetrators

The local fraternity or sorority chapter that organized and conducted the hazing is directly liable. This includes:

  • The chapter president
  • The pledgemaster
  • Active members who participated
  • Members who knew and failed to stop it

In our Houston case: We are suing the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, the chapter president, the pledgemaster, and multiple members.

2. National Organizations β€” The Enablers

National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance. They are responsible for:

  • Failing to supervise local chapters
  • Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Knowing about prior hazing incidents and doing nothing

In our Houston case:

  • Pi Kappa Phi National knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 (same fraternity)
  • They admitted knowing about “a hazing crisis”
  • They failed to enforce their own policies
  • We are suing them for $10 million

National organizations with chapters near Anderson County include:

  • Pi Kappa Phi
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
  • Pi Kappa Alpha
  • Sigma Chi
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Beta Theta Pi
  • Kappa Sigma
  • And many others

They all have deep pockets β€” and they all have a history of paying millions in hazing settlements.

3. Universities Near Anderson County β€” The Failed Protectors

Universities have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they are liable for:

  • Premises liability β€” If they own or control the property where hazing occurs
  • Negligent supervision β€” Failing to monitor Greek life
  • Institutional knowledge β€” Knowing about prior hazing incidents and doing nothing

In our Houston case:

  • University of Houston owns the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house
  • They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha)
  • They failed to implement real oversight
  • We are suing them for $10 million

Universities near Anderson County with Greek life include:

  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville β€” Major Greek system
  • Tennessee Technological University β€” Greek life presence
  • Carson-Newman University β€” Greek organizations
  • Maryville College β€” Greek life
  • And others

They all have the power to stop hazing β€” and the liability when they don’t.

4. Individual Members β€” Personal Accountability

Every person who participated in or facilitated hazing can be personally sued. This includes:

  • Members who organized the hazing
  • Members who participated
  • Members who witnessed and did nothing
  • Alumni who hosted hazing at their homes
  • Spouses of alumni who allowed hazing on their property

In the Stone Foltz case (Ohio, 2021):

  • The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
  • No one is above the law

πŸ’° What Is Your Anderson County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The value depends on:

Factor How It Affects Your Case
Severity of injuries Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value
Medical expenses Past and future medical bills
Psychological trauma PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy costs
Pattern of abuse Was it a one-time incident or weeks of systematic hazing?
Institutional knowledge Did the university or national organization know about prior hazing?
Egregious conduct Waterboarding, forced consumption, physical beatings increase value
Wrongful death If hazing killed your child, damages can reach $10M+
University ownership If the university owns the property, premises liability increases value

Recent Hazing Verdicts and Settlements:

Case University Fraternity Amount Year
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1M+ 2021-2024
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta $6.1M verdict 2017
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi $110M+ (est.) 2017
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Confidential 2017
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi $4M+ 2021-2024

Our current case: We are seeking $10 million for a student hospitalized with kidney failure. Anderson County families can expect the same aggressive representation.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Anderson County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
  • Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Photos: Injuries at all stages of healing; hazing locations
  • Screenshots: Text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
  • Videos: Any recordings of hazing activities
  • Witnesses: Names and contact info of other victims and bystanders
  • Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, any written rules

DO NOT:

  • Delete any messages or posts
  • Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
  • Sign anything from the organization
  • Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report to Authorities

  • File a police report β€” Hazing is a crime in Tennessee
  • Report to the university β€” Request a Title IX investigation
  • Report to the national organization β€” Demand action

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

  • Free consultation β€” Know your rights
  • Evidence preservation β€” We send letters demanding no destruction
  • Insurance negotiations β€” We handle all communication
  • Legal strategy β€” We build your case from day one

Call Attorney 911 now:
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🎯 Why Anderson County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
  • This isn’t theoretical β€” we’re in the courtroom today
  • Anderson County families get the same aggressive representation

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

  • Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides
  • We know how they value claims, delay cases, and try to deny liability
  • We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery

3. Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Anderson County and Beyond

  • Based in Texas, but we represent hazing victims nationwide
  • Federal court authority β€” we can pursue cases anywhere
  • Video consultations available for Anderson County families
  • We travel to Anderson County for depositions and trials

4. Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation β€” Mass tort experience
  • Hundreds of personal injury cases β€” From car accidents to catastrophic injuries
  • Wrongful death cases β€” Fighting for families who lost loved ones
  • Hazing-specific expertise β€” Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases

5. We Speak Spanish β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

  • Hazing affects students from all backgrounds
  • We serve Spanish-speaking families without language barriers
  • Su equipo legal habla espaΓ±ol

6. We Care About Anderson County Families

“When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.” β€” Ralph Manginello

We understand what Anderson County families are going through. We see your child as a person β€” not a paycheck. We will fight for you because we truly care.

πŸ“ž Anderson County Families: Call Now β€” Free Consultation

You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.

Call 24/7:
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Email:
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

Website:
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Anderson County Families

Q: What if my child consented to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense in Tennessee. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of consent.

Q: What if the fraternity says it was just “tradition”?

A: “Tradition” doesn’t make it legal. Waterboarding, forced consumption, and physical beatings are not tradition β€” they’re crimes.

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

A: Yes. Psychological trauma β€” PTSD, anxiety, depression β€” is compensable. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have a case.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?

A: Universities have a duty to know. If there were prior hazing incidents, or if they own the property where hazing occurred, they are liable.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: 1 year in Tennessee for personal injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, and your rights expire.

Q: What if we can’t afford a lawyer?

A: We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win. Anderson County families pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Tennessee hazing law applies on or off campus. If it was part of fraternity/sorority activities, you can sue.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Many hazing victims fear speaking out β€” we understand. Your case is confidential, and we will fight to protect you.

πŸ”₯ The Message to Anderson County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Anderson County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Anderson County, we will pursue every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma β€” if your chapter operates near Anderson County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

To the universities near Anderson County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Anderson County institutions:

The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

πŸ† We Are Your Anderson County Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 is not just another law firm. We are hazing litigation specialists with:

βœ… 25+ years of courtroom experience β€” Battle-tested in Texas and federal courts
βœ… Former insurance defense attorneys β€” We know how the other side thinks
βœ… Federal court authority β€” We can pursue cases anywhere in America
βœ… Dual-state bar admission β€” Texas and New York licensed
βœ… Proven hazing expertise β€” Currently litigating $10M hazing case
βœ… Multi-million dollar track record β€” We know how to win big
βœ… Nationwide service β€” Anderson County families welcome

We protect victims like you throughout Anderson County, Tennessee, and nationwide.

πŸ“’ Anderson County Parents: This Could Be Your Child

In Houston, a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure.

It could happen to your child in Anderson County.

The same fraternities. The same “traditions.” The same negligent oversight.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Call Attorney 911 now:
πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com

We fight for Anderson County families. We win for Anderson County families. We care about Anderson County families.

Β© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
Serving Anderson County, Tennessee, and nationwide.
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

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