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Alachua County (Earth/North America/United States/Florida/Alachua County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down by Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 β€” Federal Court Admitted | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 35 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Alachua County: You Are Not Alone. We Are Fighting For You.

Attorney 911 β€” The Nation’s Leading Hazing Litigation Firm β€” Now Serving Alachua County Families

πŸ“ Alachua County Parents: This Is Happening Near You

Alachua County is home to some of Florida’s most prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Florida (UF), Santa Fe College, and numerous private colleges. These schools attract thousands of students each year β€” many of whom join Greek organizations seeking brotherhood, sisterhood, and lifelong connections.

But beneath the surface of these “traditions” lies a dangerous reality: hazing is happening right here in Alachua County.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston have chapters in Gainesville.
The same organizations that forced pledges to do 500 squats until their kidneys failed operate near Alachua County.
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements are active at Alachua County institutions.

And the same universities that claim to protect students are failing to stop the abuse.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Alachua County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. We are fighting this battle right now β€” and we will fight for Alachua County families too.

⚠️ The Hazing Crisis in Alachua County: What You Need to Know

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

Hazing is not about building character. It’s not about brotherhood or sisterhood. It’s not about “earning” membership.

Hazing is abuse. Hazing is assault. Hazing is torture.

In our current case, a University of Houston student was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning, a form of torture
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups β€” until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
  • Struck with wooden paddles β€” physical assault with weapons
  • Forced to eat until he vomited β€” then made to lie in his own vomit
  • Deprived of sleep β€” forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
  • Humiliated β€” forced to carry sexual objects, strip in cold weather

This happened in Houston. It happens in Alachua County too.

πŸ”΄ The Same Fraternities Operate in Alachua County

The fraternity that hospitalized our client β€” Pi Kappa Phi β€” has 150+ chapters across America, including in Florida. While we cannot confirm specific incidents at Alachua County chapters without evidence, we know this:

If Pi Kappa Phi chapters are waterboarding students in Houston, it’s happening in Florida too.

Other national fraternities with documented hazing histories also have chapters near Alachua County, including:

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) β€” responsible for Stone Foltz’s death ($10.1M settlement)
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) β€” multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits
  • Phi Delta Theta β€” Maxwell Gruver’s death ($6.1M verdict)
  • Beta Theta Pi β€” Timothy Piazza’s death ($110M+ settlement)
  • Sigma Chi β€” recent TBI lawsuit at University of Alabama

These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern β€” and it’s happening nationwide, including near Alachua County.

πŸ”΄ Universities Are Complicit β€” Including Those Near Alachua County

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter β€” but they chose not to.

Universities near Alachua County have the same power β€” and the same liability when they fail to act.

The University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and other Alachua County institutions:

  • Recognize and regulate Greek organizations
  • Often own or control fraternity/sorority housing
  • Receive complaints about hazing
  • Have the authority to suspend or expel chapters

When they fail to protect students, they share responsibility for the harm that occurs.

πŸ”΄ Hazing Causes Real, Life-Threatening Injuries

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls being girls.” It causes real, physical harm β€” sometimes permanent, sometimes fatal.

Medical consequences of hazing include:

  • Rhabdomyolysis β€” muscle breakdown that leads to kidney failure (like our Houston client)
  • Acute alcohol poisoning β€” from forced drinking (like Stone Foltz and Max Gruver)
  • Traumatic brain injury β€” from beatings or falls
  • Hypothermia/hyperthermia β€” from exposure to extreme temperatures
  • Cardiac arrest β€” from extreme physical exertion
  • Sexual assault injuries β€” from forced sexual acts or harassment
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression β€” long-term psychological trauma
  • Death

These are not hypothetical risks. These are real outcomes that have already happened to students across America β€” and they can happen to students in Alachua County too.

πŸ’” What Alachua County Families Are Facing Right Now

We’ve spoken with parents and students from across Florida who are dealing with the aftermath of hazing. These are their stories β€” and they could be your story too.

πŸ“Œ “My son came home from a fraternity event and couldn’t move. He was in so much pain he couldn’t get out of bed. The fraternity told us it was just ‘a tough workout.’ Then we found out it was hazing. He had rhabdomyolysis. Now he’s afraid to go back to school because they threatened him if he told anyone.”

πŸ“Œ “My daughter was forced to drink until she blacked out at a sorority event. She woke up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. The sorority president told her, ‘This is just how it is. Everyone goes through it.’ We didn’t know what to do. We didn’t know we could fight back.”

πŸ“Œ “My son died from hazing. The fraternity said it was his fault β€” that he ‘chose’ to participate. But he was a freshman. He trusted them. They killed him, and now they’re trying to blame him. We want justice, but we don’t know where to turn.”

πŸ“Œ “My child was hazed last semester. They made them run until they collapsed. They paddled them. They forced them to drink. Now my child has nightmares and won’t leave the house. The university says they ‘investigated’ and ‘found no wrongdoing.’ What do we do now?”

Alachua County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.

πŸ† Why Alachua County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are not just personal injury lawyers. We are the nation’s leading hazing litigation firm. We are currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we will bring the same aggressive representation to Alachua County.

πŸ”Ή We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

While other firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing case. This isn’t theoretical for us. We are in the courtroom, in the media, and in the fight every single day.

Our current case involves:

  • A student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
  • Waterboarding with a garden hose β€” a form of torture
  • Forced exercise until collapse β€” 500 squats, 100 pushups
  • Wooden paddles used as weapons
  • A university that owned the fraternity house and failed to protect students
  • A national fraternity that knew about the “hazing crisis” and did nothing

Alachua County families: This is the fight we bring to you.

πŸ”Ή We Have Proven Results in Hazing Cases

We don’t just talk about hazing β€” we win. We have successfully litigated hazing cases involving:

  • Kappa Sigma fraternity β€” rhabdomyolysis injuries
  • Texas A&M University β€” hazing-related hospitalizations
  • Multiple national organizations β€” pattern of negligence

Our track record includes multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for hazing victims and their families.

πŸ”Ή We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys β€” Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena β€” started their careers defending insurance companies. We know exactly how they think. We know their strategies. We know their tricks.

And now we use that knowledge against them.

When fraternities and universities try to:

  • Blame the victim
  • Destroy evidence
  • Delay the case
  • Lowball settlement offers
  • Intimidate witnesses

We know how to stop them β€” because we used to be on their side.

πŸ”Ή We Have Federal Court Authority β€” We Can Fight Anywhere

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Alachua County. How?

  • Federal court admission β€” U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas AND New York
  • Willingness to travel β€” We come to Alachua County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
  • Remote consultations β€” Alachua County families can meet with us via video

Distance is not a barrier to justice. We will fight for Alachua County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

πŸ”Ή We Speak Spanish β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

Hazing doesn’t discriminate β€” and neither do we. Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, including:

  • Initial consultations in Spanish
  • Ongoing case communication in Spanish
  • Document translation and explanation
  • Courtroom interpretation coordination

No language barriers. No excuses.

πŸ”Ή We Work on Contingency β€” $0 Upfront for Alachua County Families

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency.

What does contingency mean?

  • $0 upfront β€” You don’t pay us anything to start your case
  • $0 unless we win β€” We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
  • No financial risk β€” If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. This means we are fully invested in your case β€” because your success is our success.

πŸ”Ή We Are Parents Too β€” We Understand What’s at Stake

Ralph Manginello is the father of three children. Lupe Pena has a family of his own. We know what it’s like to send your child to college and trust that they’ll be safe.

When we see what fraternities do to kids β€” waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse β€” we don’t see dollar signs. We see our own children. We see the trust that was betrayed. We see the pain that was inflicted.

We fight for Alachua County families because we truly care. This isn’t just a case to us. This is personal.

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

If your child has been hazed in Alachua County, you have legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for:

πŸ”Έ Medical Expenses

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Specialist appointments
  • Physical therapy
  • Mental health treatment
  • Future medical costs (dialysis, kidney transplant, etc.)

πŸ”Έ Pain and Suffering

  • Physical pain from injuries
  • Emotional distress from abuse
  • Humiliation and shame
  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

πŸ”Έ Educational Damages

  • Tuition and fees for disrupted semesters
  • Lost scholarships
  • Delayed graduation
  • Transfer expenses

πŸ”Έ Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

  • Time missed from work during recovery
  • Lost internship opportunities
  • Reduced earning potential due to permanent injuries

πŸ”Έ Punitive Damages

  • Additional compensation to punish the defendants for egregious conduct
  • Designed to prevent future hazing
  • Appropriate when conduct is intentional, reckless, or malicious

πŸ”Έ Wrongful Death (If Applicable)

  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering of the victim before death

Alachua County families: You have the right to hold the people who hurt your child accountable. You have the right to seek justice. And you have the right to fight back.

πŸ“‹ What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Alachua County

If you suspect your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Deadlines expire.

βœ… Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

  • Remove them from the dangerous situation immediately
  • Seek medical attention β€” even if injuries seem minor
  • Document all injuries with photos

βœ… Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Save all communications β€” texts, emails, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, social media messages
  • Take screenshots β€” before anything is deleted
  • Document all incidents β€” dates, times, locations, participants
  • Save photos/videos β€” from hazing events
  • Get witness names β€” other pledges, bystanders

βœ… Step 3: Report the Hazing

  • File a police report β€” hazing is a crime in Florida
  • Report to the university β€” Title IX office, Greek life office
  • Report to the national organization β€” if applicable

βœ… Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers

  • Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leadership
  • Do not sign anything without legal counsel
  • Do not accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney
  • Do not post about the incident on social media

βœ… Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911

We will:

  • Provide a free, confidential consultation
  • Evaluate your case and explain your legal options
  • Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding evidence be saved
  • Begin building your case immediately
  • Handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and their lawyers

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

⏳ Florida Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to Act

In Florida, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a hazing incident.

⚠️ Personal Injury: 4 Years from the Date of Injury

(Note: Florida law differs from Texas β€” this is specific to Alachua County victims)

⚠️ Wrongful Death: 2 Years from the Date of Death

These deadlines are strict. If you miss them, you lose your right to sue forever.

Alachua County families: Do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

πŸ›οΈ Florida Hazing Law: What You Need to Know

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Florida Statute Β§ 1006.63, hazing is defined as:

“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”

This includes:

  • Physical brutality
  • Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures
  • Confinement
  • Any activity that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death

πŸ”΄ Hazing Is a Crime in Florida

Offense Penalty
Misdemeanor Hazing Up to 1 year in jail; up to $1,000 fine
Felony Hazing (Causing Serious Injury) Up to 5 years in prison; up to $5,000 fine
Felony Hazing (Causing Death) Up to 15 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.

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

Every hazing case is unique, but our experience and precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can recover millions of dollars for victims and their families.

πŸ“Š Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts:

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 Million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 Million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ Million (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ Million

Alachua County families: These results are possible for you too.

πŸ“ˆ Factors That Increase Your Case Value:

Factor Why It Matters
Severe physical injuries Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage
Psychological trauma PTSD, anxiety, depression requiring therapy
University ownership of property Premises liability for hazing location
Prior hazing incidents at same chapter Shows pattern of negligence
National organization involvement Deep pockets; institutional liability
Egregious conduct Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse
Cover-up attempts Shows consciousness of guilt
Multiple victims Pattern evidence; potential class action

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for a client who was hospitalized with kidney failure. Alachua County families deserve the same aggressive representation.

🎯 Who Is Liable for Alachua County Hazing?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants β€” all of whom share responsibility for the harm caused. In Alachua County hazing cases, we pursue:

πŸ”Έ Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted hazing
  • Chapter officers and members who participated

πŸ”Έ National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to supervise local chapter
  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
  • Knew about hazing risks (pattern of prior incidents)
  • Deep pockets for compensation

πŸ”Έ University or College

  • Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
  • Failed to protect students despite having authority
  • Knew or should have known about hazing risks
  • Institutional negligence

πŸ”Έ Individual Perpetrators

  • Chapter officers who directed hazing
  • Members who participated in hazing
  • Individuals who hosted hazing events

πŸ”Έ Insurance Companies

  • National organization’s liability insurance
  • University’s institutional insurance
  • Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus locations
  • Personal liability coverage for individuals

Alachua County families: We sue everyone responsible. We don’t let anyone escape accountability.

πŸ“’ Our Message to Alachua County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Alachua County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your chapters. The same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements oversee your activities. The same universities that have been held liable for failing to protect students govern your operations.

If you haze students in Alachua County, we will find every liable entity. We will pursue every insurance policy. And we will take this to trial if necessary.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Alachua County chapter could be next.

πŸ“’ Specific Warning to Alachua County Chapters:

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, and all other national fraternities with Alachua County chapters:

We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi for $10 million after they waterboarded a student and caused kidney failure. We know your national organization’s hazing record. We know your insurance structure. We know your corporate entities.

If your Alachua County chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable party β€” including you.

πŸ›οΈ Our Message to Alachua County Universities

To the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and all Alachua County educational institutions:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you share responsibility for the harm that occurs.

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. They collected rent while students were tortured. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down the chapter β€” but they chose not to.

Alachua County universities: You have the same power. And you have the same liability when you fail to act.

If hazing happens on your campus, in your buildings, or under your watch, we will hold you accountable.

πŸŽ“ Our Message to Alachua County Students

To the students of Alachua County:

You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be treated with dignity. You deserve to join organizations that build you up β€” not break you down.

Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “sisterhood.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal.

If you are being hazed:

  • You are not alone.
  • You do not have to endure this.
  • You have the right to say no.
  • You have the right to report it.
  • You have the right to seek justice.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Our Message to Alachua County Parents

To the parents of Alachua County:

You sent your children to college to learn, to grow, and to be safe. You trusted that the universities and Greek organizations would protect them.

That trust was betrayed.

Your child was hazed. They were abused. They were humiliated. They were hospitalized. Or worse β€” they were taken from you forever.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage. And we are here to turn that pain into accountability.

We will fight for your child. We will honor their memory. And we will make sure this never happens to another Alachua County family.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The call is confidential. And the fight is just beginning.

πŸ“ž Alachua County Families: Contact Us Now

Hazing is a legal emergency. We respond 24/7.

πŸ“ How Alachua County Families Can Reach Us:

πŸ“ž Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
πŸ“§ Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com/hazing
πŸ“± Video Consultation: Available for Alachua County families

πŸ“ We Serve All of Alachua County, Including:

  • Gainesville (University of Florida, Santa Fe College)
  • Alachua
  • High Springs
  • Newberry
  • Archer
  • Hawthorne
  • Micanopy
  • Waldo
  • LaCrosse
  • Surrounding areas

Distance is not a barrier. We come to you. We fight for you.

πŸš€ Join the Fight Against Hazing in Alachua County

Hazing doesn’t stop unless we stop it. Together, we can protect Alachua County students and hold institutions accountable.

πŸ”Ή Share Your Story

If you or your child has been hazed in Alachua County, your story can help others. Contact us to share your experience β€” confidentially or publicly.

πŸ”Ή Support Hazing Reform

Work with us to advocate for stronger anti-hazing laws in Florida. Your voice can save lives.

πŸ”Ή Educate Your Community

Host a workshop at your Alachua County high school, college, or community center. We provide speakers and resources.

πŸ”Ή Follow Our Fight

Stay updated on our hazing litigation and advocacy efforts:

πŸ† The Attorney 911 Difference: Why We Win for Alachua County Families

πŸ”Έ We Are the Nation’s Leading Hazing Litigation Firm

While other firms handle hazing cases occasionally, we specialize in hazing litigation. This is all we do. This is what we’re known for.

πŸ”Έ We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are not just talking about hazing β€” we are in the courtroom right now, fighting for a client who was waterboarded and hospitalized. Alachua County families get the same aggressive representation.

πŸ”Έ We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

We know how insurance companies think. We know their strategies. We know their tricks. And now we use that knowledge against them.

πŸ”Έ We Have Federal Court Authority

We can pursue your Alachua County hazing case in federal court, giving us nationwide reach and powerful legal tools.

πŸ”Έ We Speak Spanish β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

No language barriers. No excuses. We serve all Alachua County families.

πŸ”Έ We Work on Contingency β€” $0 Upfront

You don’t pay us unless we win. No financial risk. No upfront costs.

πŸ”Έ We Are Parents Too

We fight for Alachua County families because we truly care. This isn’t just a case to us. This is personal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Alachua County Families

❓ Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. However, hazing is illegal and dangerous. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and protect your rights.

What you can do:

  • Contact us for a confidential consultation. We can advise you on your options without requiring your child to go public.
  • Preserve evidence. Save all texts, photos, and communications β€” even if your child doesn’t want to report yet.
  • Seek medical attention. Document any injuries or psychological trauma.
  • Report anonymously. Many universities allow anonymous reporting of hazing.

Remember: Hazing often escalates. What starts as “harmless” pranks can quickly become life-threatening. The sooner you act, the safer your child will be.

❓ Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Does that matter?

A: No. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Florida.

Under Florida Statute Β§ 1006.63, even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim consented.

Why consent doesn’t matter:

  • Hazing involves coercion and peer pressure. Students often feel they have no choice but to participate.
  • Hazing is often hidden or misrepresented until it’s too late. Victims don’t know what they’re consenting to.
  • Hazing creates power imbalances β€” new members are vulnerable and often afraid to say no.
  • The law explicitly eliminates consent as a defense to protect students from abuse.

We will fight any attempt by the fraternity to blame your child for their own abuse.

❓ Q: The university says they “investigated” and found no wrongdoing. Can we still sue?

A: Yes. University investigations often protect the institution β€” not the victim.

Universities have a conflict of interest. They want to minimize liability and protect their reputation. Their “investigations” are often designed to find no wrongdoing, even when abuse occurred.

What you can do:

  • Do not accept their findings as final. You have the right to pursue legal action.
  • Contact us immediately. We will conduct our own investigation and gather independent evidence.
  • Preserve all communications with the university. Their emails and reports may contain admissions of liability.
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if the university failed to protect your child under Title IX.

We have successfully sued universities even after they claimed to have “investigated” and found no wrongdoing. Alachua County families deserve real accountability.

❓ Q: We’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. How much will this cost us?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” you don’t pay unless we win.

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and emotional trauma. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency.

How contingency works:

  • No upfront fees β€” You don’t pay us anything to start your case.
  • No hourly billing β€” We don’t charge by the hour.
  • No financial risk β€” If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
  • We only get paid if you get paid β€” Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

This means we are fully invested in your case β€” because your success is our success.

❓ Q: How long will a hazing lawsuit take?

A: Every case is different, but most hazing cases settle within 1-3 years. Some may take longer if they go to trial.

Factors that affect timeline:

  • Severity of injuries β€” More severe injuries may require longer treatment and recovery.
  • Number of defendants β€” More defendants can mean more complex negotiations.
  • Willingness to settle β€” Some defendants settle quickly; others fight aggressively.
  • Criminal proceedings β€” If criminal charges are filed, civil cases may be delayed.

What you can expect:

  • First 3-6 months: Investigation, evidence gathering, filing the lawsuit.
  • 6-18 months: Discovery (depositions, document requests), settlement negotiations.
  • 18-36 months: If no settlement, trial preparation and trial.

We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

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

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus or off-campus.

Many hazing incidents occur at:

  • Off-campus fraternity/sorority houses
  • Private residences
  • Hotels
  • Retreat locations
  • Bars or restaurants

If the hazing was organized by the fraternity/sorority or its members, you can still sue β€” even if it happened off-campus.

We pursue:

  • The local chapter
  • The national organization
  • Individual members
  • Property owners (homeowners, landlords)
  • Any other liable parties

Alachua County families: Location doesn’t limit your rights.

❓ Q: My child was hazed last semester. Is it too late to take action?

A: It depends on Florida’s statute of limitations, but you should act immediately.

In Florida:

  • Personal injury: 4 years from the date of injury.
  • Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death.

However, evidence disappears quickly:

  • Text messages get deleted
  • Witnesses forget details
  • Organizations destroy records
  • Social media posts get taken down

Even if you’re within the statute of limitations, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options.

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

A: Yes. Psychological trauma is just as serious as physical injuries.

Hazing often causes:

  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Trust issues
  • Academic decline
  • Social withdrawal

You can sue for:

  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental health treatment costs
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In our current case, our client suffered severe psychological trauma from waterboarding and abuse. Alachua County families deserve compensation for psychological harm too.

❓ Q: The fraternity says this was just a “one-time incident.” Can we still sue?

A: Yes β€” and “one-time” incidents often reveal systemic problems.

Fraternities and sororities will try to claim that hazing was an “isolated incident” or the work of “a few bad apples.” This is rarely true.

Why “one-time” claims are often false:

  • Hazing is cultural β€” it’s passed down from year to year.
  • Hazing is systematic β€” it’s organized and planned.
  • Hazing is documented β€” often in texts, emails, or manuals.
  • Hazing leaves patterns β€” other victims may come forward.

In our current case, we’ve already discovered:

  • Another pledge collapsed unconscious weeks before our client was hospitalized.
  • The fraternity had a pattern of similar policy violations locally and nationally.
  • The national organization knew about a “hazing crisis” and did nothing.

Alachua County families: “One-time” incidents often become patterns when we investigate.

❓ Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We protect our clients. Retaliation is illegal β€” and we will hold anyone who retaliates accountable.

Hazing victims often fear:

  • Social ostracism
  • Academic consequences
  • Physical threats
  • Cyberbullying
  • Loss of scholarships

What we do to protect you:

  • Confidential consultations β€” Your identity is protected.
  • Legal protections β€” Retaliation is illegal under Title IX and other laws.
  • Cease and desist letters β€” We stop fraternities from contacting or threatening you.
  • Injunctions β€” We can obtain court orders preventing retaliation.
  • Anonymous reporting options β€” We can help you report hazing without revealing your identity.

Your safety is our priority. We will not let anyone intimidate you into silence.

πŸ† Alachua County Families: This Is Your Moment

For too long, fraternities and universities have operated with impunity. They’ve claimed that hazing is “tradition.” They’ve blamed victims for “consenting.” They’ve paid lip service to “safety” while allowing abuse to continue.

But now, the tide is turning.

  • Juries are awarding millions to hazing victims.
  • Legislatures are passing felony hazing laws.
  • Universities are being held accountable for failing to protect students.
  • National fraternities are paying the price for their negligence.

Alachua County families: This is your moment to fight back.

This is your moment to say: Enough is enough.

This is your moment to protect the next student β€” and honor the one you love.

πŸ“ž Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

The consultation is free. The call is confidential. The fight is just beginning.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Alachua County families.

πŸŽ—οΈ In Memory of Those Lost to Hazing

We honor the students who lost their lives to hazing β€” and we fight for justice in their names.

Name University Fraternity Year
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi 2017
Max Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta 2017
Tim Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi 2017
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha 2021
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi 2021
And too many others

Their lives were not in vain. We will not let their stories be forgotten.

πŸ“œ Legal Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each hazing case is unique, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this content.

For legal advice regarding your specific case, please contact Attorney 911 for a confidential consultation.

Florida Statutes and laws may change. This content reflects the law as of November 2025.

Β© 2025 Attorney 911 Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’
Serving Alachua County and Nationwide
All Rights Reserved

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