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Sevier County (Earth/North America/United States/Tennessee/Sevier County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 11 min read
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Here is the complete, publication-ready, location-optimized marketing content for Sevier County, Tennessee families affected by hazing:

Sevier County Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students from Greek Life Abuse

Hazing in Sevier County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

Sevier County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But behind the polished images of fraternities and sororities lies a dark reality: hazing. The same brutal “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025—waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and physical abuse—happen right here in Sevier County and nearby Tennessee universities.

If your child was hazed at Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, or any other institution near Sevier County, you need an attorney who understands the medical, legal, and emotional toll of hazing. Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now—and we’re ready to fight for Sevier County families.

The Hazing Crisis in Sevier County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines

The fraternities involved in the $10 million University of Houston hazing lawsuit—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others—have active chapters at universities near Sevier County. The same national organizations that paid millions for hazing deaths in other states operate right here in Tennessee.

Sevier County Students Are at Risk

Hazing isn’t just a “big school” problem. Whether your child attends a private university like Carson-Newman, a community college like Walters State, or a larger institution nearby, they face the same risks:

  • Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
  • Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, bear crawls, paddling)
  • Psychological torture (waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation)
  • Sexual abuse disguised as “initiation”

Universities Near Sevier County Are Failing Students

Just like the University of Houston, colleges near Sevier County have a duty to protect students. But too often, they turn a blind eye to hazing—until someone gets hurt. If your child was injured, the university may be legally responsible for failing to stop it.

Why Sevier County Families Choose Attorney 911

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. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and beaten with wooden paddles.

This isn’t theoretical—we’re in the courtroom fighting for victims like your child.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies. We know how they try to deny claims, minimize injuries, and blame victims. Now, we use that insider knowledge to maximize compensation for Sevier County families.

3. Nationwide Reach: We Serve Sevier County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Sevier County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) allow us to pursue cases against national fraternities and universities anywhere in the U.S.

We will travel to Sevier County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. No Upfront Costs: We Work on Contingency

Sevier County families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This levels the playing field against universities and fraternities with deep pockets.

5. Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español

Hazing affects students of all backgrounds. Our bilingual staff ensures Spanish-speaking families in Sevier County receive the same aggressive representation.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Sevier County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your child seems “fine,” hazing can cause delayed injuries like:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
  • Alcohol poisoning (potentially fatal)
  • Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Document everything. Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

  • Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
  • Save all communications (texts, GroupMe chats, social media posts).
  • Get witness names and contact information.
  • Do not delete anything—even if it seems incriminating.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

Universities and fraternities will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and pressure your child into silence. Do not give statements or sign anything without legal counsel.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Hazing cases have strict deadlines (typically 2 years in Tennessee). The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com for a free consultation.

Who Is Liable for Sevier County Hazing?

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants, all of whom can be held accountable:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity Chapter Directly organized and participated in hazing.
National Fraternity Organization Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing risks.
University Owns fraternity houses, has power to regulate Greek life, and often ignores hazing.
Individual Members Participated in or facilitated hazing.
Alumni & House Corporations Allowed hazing to occur on their property.

We sue everyone responsible—no exceptions.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing lawsuits result in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what other families have recovered:

Case Fraternity Outcome
Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State) Pi Kappa Alpha $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver (LSU) Phi Delta Theta $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (Penn State) Beta Theta Pi $110+ million settlement
Andrew Coffey (Florida State) Pi Kappa Phi Confidential multi-million settlement

These results are possible for Sevier County victims.

Tennessee Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Hazing Is a Crime in Tennessee

Under Tennessee Code § 49-7-123, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines). If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.

Consent Is Not a Defense

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Universities Must Report Hazing

Tennessee law requires universities to report hazing incidents to law enforcement. If they failed to do so, they can be held liable.

Common Hazing Injuries in Sevier County

Injury How It Happens Long-Term Effects
Rhabdomyolysis Extreme exercise (500 squats, bear crawls) Kidney failure, permanent damage
Alcohol Poisoning Forced binge drinking Coma, death, brain damage
Traumatic Brain Injury Beatings, falls, paddling Memory loss, cognitive impairment
Broken Bones Physical abuse Chronic pain, surgery
PTSD & Anxiety Psychological torture Therapy, medication, lifelong trauma
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, sexual humiliation Emotional distress, therapy

If your child suffered any of these injuries, they deserve compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sevier County Families

1. Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured?

Yes. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage.

2. What if the hazing happened off-campus?

Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If it was organized by the fraternity, they’re liable.

3. Can the fraternity claim our child “consented”?

No. Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

4. How much is a Sevier County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Psychological trauma
  • University’s prior knowledge of hazing
  • Fraternity’s history of abuse

5. What if our child is afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients’ identities and take legal action against anyone who retaliates.

6. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

In Tennessee, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

Sevier County Hazing Lawyer: We Fight for Justice

If your child was hazed at Carson-Newman University, Walters State Community College, or any other school near Sevier County, Attorney 911 is here to help.

Why Choose Us?

We’re litigating a $10 million hazing case right now—we know how to win.
Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how they try to deny claims.
Nationwide reach—we serve Sevier County families from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
No upfront costs—we only get paid if we win.
Bilingual support—Se habla español.

Next Steps for Sevier County Families

  1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
  2. Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, medical records).
  3. Do not speak to the fraternity or university without a lawyer.
  4. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

Sevier County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not tradition—it’s abuse. If your child was hurt, they deserve justice. Attorney 911 will fight for them.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com today.

Serving Sevier County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

Attorney 911 is proud to represent hazing victims in Sevier County and across Tennessee. While we’re based in Texas, our federal court authority and nationwide reach allow us to pursue justice for families anywhere in the U.S.

We will travel to Sevier County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

Additional Resources for Sevier County Families

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