🛡️ Lawrence County Hazing Lawyer: Aggressive Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims
Serving Lawrence County, Tennessee and nationwide from our Texas offices
⚠️ Lawrence County Parents: Your Child Could Be Next
The hazing crisis has reached Lawrence County. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston operate right here in Tennessee. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Lawrence County universities. The same negligence that failed students in Texas exists at Tennessee institutions.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Lawrence County, they face the same risks.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’ve filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme physical abuse that hospitalized our client with kidney failure. Lawrence County families get the same aggressive representation.
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Lawrence County
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In Lawrence County and across America, hazing has become:
- Torture: Waterboarding, simulated drowning, extreme physical punishment
- Medical emergencies: Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, alcohol poisoning
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution
- Death: At least one hazing death every year since 2000
The same national Greek organizations with chapters near Lawrence County have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries. Pi Kappa Alpha paid $10 million after Stone Foltz died. Phi Delta Theta paid $6.1 million after Maxwell Gruver died. Beta Theta Pi paid over $110 million after Timothy Piazza died.
These same fraternities and sororities have active chapters at universities near Lawrence County.
🏢 Who We Are: Lawrence County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for Lawrence County Hazing Victims
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Additional Offices: Austin, Beaumont
Serving: Lawrence County, Tennessee and nationwide
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW. Lawrence County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this landmark case.
Why Lawrence County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Lawrence County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys with proven track record |
| Former Insurance Defense Insight | We know how insurance companies think — we’ve been on their side |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Lawrence County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed — strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Lawrence County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Lawrence County |
| Rhabdomyolysis Experience | Specific medical expertise in this common hazing injury |
| Will Travel to Lawrence County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier |
Our Attorneys Fighting for Lawrence County
Ralph P. Manginello — Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney — knows how insurance companies minimize claims
- Federal court admission — can pursue Lawrence County cases in federal court
- Currently litigating $10M hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
- Hall of Fame athlete and youth coach — understands team culture that enables hazing
- Will travel to Lawrence County for your case
Lupe Eleno Peña — Associate Attorney
- Former national insurance defense attorney — worked at Litchfield Cavo, a major defense firm
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Federal court admission — can pursue Lawrence County cases in federal court
- Fluent Spanish speaker — can serve Lawrence County Hispanic families
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience — exactly the type of cases hazing creates
- Will travel to Lawrence County for your case
💰 The $10 Million Fight: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Lawrence County
Our Current Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston
Filed: November 21, 2025 in Harris County, Texas
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not yet enrolled at UH), accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi on September 16, 2025. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse including:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass after vomiting
- Another pledge lost consciousness and collapsed on October 15
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he refused
On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was punished for missing an event. He was forced to do extreme exercises until he couldn’t stand. He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital.
Why This Matters to Lawrence County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including near Lawrence County
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at Tennessee fraternities
- Universities near Lawrence County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is being hazed in Lawrence County, we will fight for you just like we’re fighting in Houston
⚖️ Lawrence County Victims’ Legal Rights
Tennessee Hazing Law — What Lawrence County Families Need to Know
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Tennessee:
Any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, by one student acting alone or with others, directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse
- Extreme exercise
- Any activity that creates unreasonable risk of harm
Tennessee Law Makes Hazing a Crime:
- Class A misdemeanor — up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine
- Class E felony — if the hazing results in serious bodily injury (1-6 years in prison)
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if the victim “agreed” to participate
Organizations Can Be Penalized:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Loss of recognition by the school
- Loss of funding
Lawrence County Application: The same law that protects students in Knoxville and Nashville protects students in Lawrence County. If your child was hazed at a Lawrence County university or college, they have legal rights under Tennessee law.
Who Is Liable for Lawrence County Hazing?
When hazing occurs in Lawrence County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Lawrence County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma chapters near Lawrence County |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed activities | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Active members who participated or witnessed |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; pattern of negligence | Pi Kappa Phi National, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National, etc. |
| University/College | Failed to prevent; premises liability | University of Tennessee Southern, Columbia State, Martin Methodist, etc. |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority house corporations |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who facilitated activities |
Lawrence County Families: We sue EVERYONE responsible. This isn’t about suing broke college students — it’s about holding institutions with deep pockets accountable.
💰 What Lawrence County Hazing Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages
| Category | Examples | Lawrence County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, medications, future treatment | Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, injuries |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | Part-time jobs, internships, summer employment |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for semester disrupted, lost scholarships | Dropped classes, delayed graduation, transferred schools |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries cause permanent limitations | Career impact of permanent health issues |
Non-Economic Damages
| Category | Lawrence County Application |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | The agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, forced exercise |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from waterboarding, humiliation, threats |
| Emotional Distress | Fear of retribution, loss of trust, impact on relationships |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in college activities, social life, sports |
| Disfigurement | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
Punitive Damages
When conduct is especially egregious, Lawrence County victims can recover punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Examples from our current case:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forcing exercise until collapse
- Striking with wooden paddles
- Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed
Tennessee allows punitive damages when there’s:
- Intentional misconduct
- Reckless disregard for safety
- Fraud or malice
📋 What Lawrence County Families Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
Immediate Action Steps
-
Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
- Document everything medically — this creates evidence
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and psychological trauma may not appear immediately
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Photos/Videos: Injuries at all stages, hazing locations, items used
- Communications: Text messages, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Witness Information: Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses
- Documents: Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
-
Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet
- Anything your child says can be used against them
-
Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Insurance companies and attorneys will scour social media
- Even innocent posts can be twisted to minimize your claim
- Stay quiet on social media until your case is resolved
-
Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your Lawrence County case at no cost
Why Lawrence County Families Shouldn’t Wait
- Evidence disappears — Texts get deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
- Statute of limitations — Tennessee law gives you only 1 year to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Insurance companies move fast — They’ll try to get statements before you hire an attorney
- Other victims may come forward — Strength in numbers; we can build a stronger case
Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case acted immediately — hospitalized November 6, lawsuit filed within weeks. This is how you protect your rights.
🎯 Lawrence County Hazing Precedents: They Will Pay
Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement
- University paid $2.9 million
- Fraternity and individuals paid $7.2 million
Why It Matters for Lawrence County: Our $10 million demand is directly in line with this precedent. Universities and fraternities BOTH pay.
Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict
Why It Matters for Lawrence County: Juries award MILLIONS for hazing. The Gruver family’s attorney said this verdict was meant as a “deterrent for any fraternity considering engaging in hazing activities.”
Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Outcome: $110+ million estimated settlement
Why It Matters for Lawrence County: When evidence is strong (our case has detailed documentation), settlements reach $100+ million.
Lawrence County Families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits WIN. The same legal strategies apply to Tennessee cases.
🏛️ Lawrence County Universities and Greek Life: The Hazing Risk
Lawrence County is home to and near several universities and colleges with active Greek life programs. These institutions include:
- University of Tennessee Southern (Pulaski, TN) — ~30 minutes from Lawrence County
- Columbia State Community College (Columbia, TN) — ~30 minutes from Lawrence County
- Martin Methodist College (Pulaski, TN) — ~30 minutes from Lawrence County
- Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN) — ~1 hour from Lawrence County
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Major Greek life presence
- Vanderbilt University — Major Greek life presence
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide have active chapters at these Tennessee institutions:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Tennessee Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017), Leonel Bermudez (2025) | Multiple Tennessee chapters |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021) | Multiple Tennessee chapters |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Chemical burns case (2021) | Multiple Tennessee chapters |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Multiple Tennessee chapters |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) | Multiple Tennessee chapters |
Lawrence County Parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Tennessee, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🔍 Warning Signs of Hazing in Lawrence County
Lawrence County parents should be alert for these red flags:
| Category | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Changes | Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family, increased anxiety |
| Physical Signs | Unexplained bruises, injuries, weight loss, exhaustion |
| Academic Impact | Declining grades, missed classes, difficulty concentrating |
| Financial Changes | Unexplained expenses, requests for money, lost job |
| Social Media | Sudden deletion of accounts, new private accounts, coded language |
| Sleep Patterns | Late nights, early mornings, constant exhaustion |
| Possessions | Unusual items (paddles, fanny packs with strange contents) |
| Language | Using fraternity/sorority slang, referring to “big brothers/sisters” |
If you notice these signs, your child may be experiencing hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🚫 Common Defenses — And Why They Fail
When Lawrence County families pursue hazing cases, defendants often try these arguments:
| Defense | Why It Fails in Tennessee |
|---|---|
| “He consented to participate” | Tennessee law explicitly says consent is NOT a defense (TCA § 49-7-123) |
| “It’s just tradition” | Tradition doesn’t justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. |
| “He could have left at any time” | Fear of retaliation, social ostracism, losing membership = duress |
| “Everyone was drinking voluntarily” | Forced consumption ≠ voluntary. Peer pressure = coercion. |
| “We didn’t know it was happening” | Universities and nationals have oversight responsibility. Ignorance isn’t a defense. |
Lawrence County Families: We know all the defenses. We know how to defeat them.
🎥 Educational Resources for Lawrence County Families
Video Library: Understanding Hazing and Your Rights
Key Videos for Lawrence County Hazing Victims:
-
What Should I Do First After a Hazing Incident?
- Watch Now
- Immediate steps to protect your case
-
Document Everything! The Key to a Strong Hazing Case
- Watch Now
- How to preserve evidence that wins cases
-
How Much Is My Hazing Case Worth?
- Watch Now
- Understanding damages in hazing lawsuits
-
What Is Comparative Negligence? How It Affects Your Case
- Watch Now
- Defeating the “consent” defense
-
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
- Watch Now
- $0 upfront for Lawrence County families
Lawrence County Families: Our YouTube channel has dozens of videos explaining your rights. Subscribe for updates.
📞 Lawrence County Hazing Victims: Call Now for Free Consultation
24/7 Hazing Hotline for Lawrence County Families: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We offer:
- Free case evaluation — No cost to discuss your Lawrence County case
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely if you can’t travel
- Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
- Travel to Lawrence County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
Lawrence County Families: Distance is not a barrier. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Tennessee.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lawrence County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Lawrence County. Can you help us even though you’re in Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Lawrence County and all of Tennessee. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)
- Willingness to travel to Lawrence County
- Video consultation technology
- Experience with out-of-state cases
We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case in Texas, and we’ll bring the same aggressive representation to Lawrence County.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer for a Lawrence County case?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
This allows Lawrence County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out about hazing in Lawrence County?
A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the organization
- Keeping your identity confidential when possible
- Pursuing legal action that deters retaliation
- Working with law enforcement when necessary
Retaliation is illegal, and we will protect your child.
Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Lawrence County?
A: Tennessee law gives you 1 year from the date of the hazing incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.
DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: What if the fraternity says my child consented to the hazing activities?
A: Consent is NOT a defense under Tennessee law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.
When fraternities argue:
- “He agreed to participate”
- “He knew the risks”
- “He could have left at any time”
Tennessee law says: CONSENT DOES NOT MATTER.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization for hazing in Lawrence County?
A: Yes. National organizations can be held liable for:
- Failing to supervise local chapters
- Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
- Having knowledge of hazing culture and doing nothing
- Pattern of negligence across multiple chapters
In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about “a hazing crisis.” The same liability applies to other national organizations with chapters near Lawrence County.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus at a private home in Lawrence County?
A: You can still pursue legal action. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If hazing occurred at a private home in Lawrence County:
- The homeowners can be sued for premises liability
- The fraternity can be sued for organizing the event
- The national organization can be sued for failing to prevent it
- The university may still have liability for failing to protect students
Q: My child was hazed but wasn’t physically injured. Can we still pursue a case?
A: Yes. Hazing causes significant psychological trauma even without physical injury. You can pursue compensation for:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety and depression
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Many hazing victims suffer long-term psychological effects. We work with mental health experts to document these injuries.
Q: What if my child was hazed at a community college near Lawrence County?
A: You can still pursue legal action. Hazing laws apply to all educational institutions, including:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Community colleges
- Trade schools
- Any organization affiliated with an educational institution
Q: Can we sue the university for hazing that happened in Lawrence County?
A: Yes. Universities can be held liable for:
- Premises liability — If they own or control the property where hazing occurred
- Negligent supervision — If they failed to monitor Greek organizations
- Institutional knowledge — If they knew or should have known about hazing risks
- Failure to protect — If they had the power to stop hazing and didn’t
In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.
🏆 Why Lawrence County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit. We know the defendants. We know their playbook. We know how to win. Lawrence County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense
Defendants will argue your child “consented” to hazing. Tennessee law says consent doesn’t matter. We know how to defeat this defense and establish liability.
3. We Sue Everyone Responsible
We don’t just sue the local chapter. We sue:
- The national organization
- The university
- The housing corporation
- Individual officers and members
- Anyone who facilitated or allowed the hazing
4. We Have the Medical Expertise
Hazing causes specific medical conditions:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injuries
- PTSD and psychological trauma
We work with medical experts who understand these conditions and can testify about their long-term impact.
5. We Offer $0 Upfront for Lawrence County Families
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win. This allows Lawrence County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
6. We Travel to Lawrence County
For depositions, trials, and client meetings, we come to Lawrence County. Distance is not a barrier.
7. We Protect Our Clients from Retaliation
Hazing victims often fear speaking out. We protect our clients by:
- Handling all communications with the organization
- Keeping identities confidential when possible
- Pursuing legal action that deters retaliation
📞 Lawrence County Families: Your Child Deserves Justice
If your child was hazed in Lawrence County or at a nearby university, call us immediately.
24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free Consultation: No cost to discuss your Lawrence County case
Contingency Fee: $0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win
Serving Lawrence County and all of Tennessee
🔥 The Message to Lawrence County Fraternities and Universities
To fraternities operating near Lawrence County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Lawrence County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue your national organization. We will sue your university. We will sue your officers and members personally.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Lawrence County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
To universities in Lawrence County and Tennessee:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability. We are coming for every institution that fails to protect our children.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze in Tennessee.
© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Lawrence County, Tennessee and nationwide from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
24/7 Hazing Hotline for Lawrence County Families: 1-888-ATTY-911
