Hazing Lawyers Serving Blount County, Alabama – Attorney 911
Hazing Victims in Blount County Deserve Justice – We’re Fighting for You
When you sent your child to college near Blount County, you trusted that the university and Greek organizations would keep them safe. You never imagined they might be subjected to torture disguised as tradition—waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, physical beatings, and psychological abuse that sends them to the hospital with kidney failure.
But that’s exactly what’s happening at universities across America—including those near Blount County. And we’re fighting back.
Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case involving waterboarding, extreme physical punishment, and a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This same fraternity operates at universities near Blount County. This same abuse is happening to Blount County families.
You don’t have to accept this. Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s abuse. And in Alabama, hazing is illegal, criminal, and grounds for multi-million dollar lawsuits.
Why Blount County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While other law firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case—one that’s already made national headlines. We know how these cases work because we’re in the courtroom fighting them today.
2. We Know the Defendants
We’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National (the same organization with chapters near Blount County)
- The local chapter (for direct abuse)
- The University of Houston (for failing to protect students)
- Individual members (for participating in or enabling hazing)
These same defendants operate near Blount County. We know their playbook, their insurance policies, and their weaknesses.
3. We’ve Won Millions for Victims
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
- Significant verdicts against large institutions
- Aggressive representation that forces defendants to pay
4. We’re Former Insurance Defense Lawyers
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they think, how they value claims, and how they try to deny liability. Now we use that knowledge to maximize compensation for victims.
5. We Serve Blount County Families
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Blount County. We offer:
- Free consultations by phone or video
- Travel to Blount County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Contingency fee representation – you pay nothing unless we win
- 24/7 availability – call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Blount County
Our current case involves Leonel Bermudez, a student who accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse that hospitalized him for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical beatings
✅ Forced eating until vomiting – Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns consumed until he threw up
✅ Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✅ Psychological abuse – Carrying sexual objects, threats of expulsion, humiliation
This is not hazing. This is abuse. This is illegal. And it’s happening at universities near Blount County.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Blount County
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide, including at major universities near Blount County. If they’re doing this in Houston, they’re doing it near Blount County.
Universities near Blount County have the same duty to protect students. When they fail, they must be held accountable—just like the University of Houston.
Blount County Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know
Alabama Hazing Law (Ala. Code § 16-1-23)
In Alabama, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 3 months in jail
- Fines up to $500
But it gets worse:
- If hazing causes serious physical injury, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail).
- If hazing causes death, it becomes a Class C felony (1-10 years in prison).
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
Civil Liability – You Can Sue for Millions
Beyond criminal charges, hazing victims and their families can sue for damages, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages (if the victim had to miss work or school)
- Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)
Our $10 million demand is not arbitrary—it’s based on precedent. Hazing cases across the country have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:
- $10.1 million (Bowling Green State University)
- $6.1 million jury verdict (Louisiana State University)
- $110 million+ settlement (Penn State University)
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Blount County?
If your child was hazed near Blount County, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
1. The Local Fraternity Chapter
- Directly organized and conducted the hazing
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
2. The National Fraternity Organization
- Failed to supervise the local chapter
- Knew about hazing risks (our case proves Pi Kappa Phi knew about “a hazing crisis”)
- Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
3. The University
- Failed to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- Failed to investigate or discipline hazing incidents
4. Individual Members and Alumni
- Directly participated in hazing
- Hosted hazing events at their homes
- Enabled or encouraged hazing
5. Insurance Companies
- National fraternities have millions in liability insurance
- Universities have substantial insurance coverage
- Homeowner’s policies may cover off-campus hazing
We know how to pursue all of these defendants—and their insurance policies—to maximize your recovery.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Blount County
Hazing victims often don’t report what happened because of:
- Fear of retaliation (our client is afraid to speak publicly)
- Shame and embarrassment
- Loyalty to the organization
- Not realizing it was illegal
But evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations is ticking.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
- Document everything—hospital records, doctor’s notes, photos of injuries
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be life-threatening—don’t wait
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails)
- Write down everything you remember—dates, times, locations, people involved
- Get witness names and contact information
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will minimize the incident
- They will pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights
- Anything you say can be used against you
Step 4: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
- Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Evidence preservation – We’ll make sure nothing is destroyed
- Legal protection – We’ll handle all communications with the defendants
- No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Blount County
1. My child was hazed, but they “consented.” Can we still sue?
YES. Alabama law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says consent does not matter.
2. The fraternity says this was just “tradition.” Is that an excuse?
NO. “Tradition” does not make hazing legal. Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, and physical beatings are not tradition—they’re crimes.
3. The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be liable?
YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks (and most do), they can be held liable for failing to act.
4. My child wasn’t seriously injured. Is it still worth pursuing a case?
Possibly. Even if injuries weren’t severe, hazing can cause:
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Academic disruption
- Lost scholarships or internships
We can evaluate your case and determine the best path forward.
5. How much is my hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but factors that increase value include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term health effects)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, physical abuse)
- University’s knowledge (prior hazing incidents)
- Fraternity’s pattern (prior lawsuits or investigations)
- Psychological impact (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million—an amount supported by precedent.
6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait—evidence disappears, and your rights expire.
7. We’re not in Texas. Can Attorney 911 still help us?
YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Blount County. We offer:
- Video consultations
- Travel to Blount County for depositions and trials
- Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.
8. How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you do.
The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing doesn’t stop unless victims and families stand up and demand justice. Our client was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down. He ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.
This is happening to Blount County families right now.
You have the power to stop it.
Call Attorney 911 Today – Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless we win for you. Let’s fight this together.
Blount County Hazing Resources
Immediate Help:
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HAZE” to 741741
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Reporting Hazing:
- Your child’s university (Title IX office, student affairs)
- Local law enforcement (Blount County Sheriff’s Office: 205-625-4127)
- Alabama State Department of Education (for K-12 hazing)
Support Organizations:
- Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Website (hanknuwer.com)
- StopHazing.org (research and advocacy)
- Gordie Center (alcohol education and hazing prevention)
About Attorney 911 – Your Hazing Lawyers
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney – knows how insurers try to deny claims
- Federal court admission – can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state licensed (Texas and New York)
- Currently litigating $10 million hazing case
Lupe E. Peña – Associate Attorney
- Former national insurance defense attorney – knows the tactics used against victims
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Fluent in Spanish – Se habla español
- Federal court admission
- Proven track record in catastrophic injury cases
Why We Fight for Hazing Victims
We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’ve seen the broken bones, the hospitalizations, the psychological trauma. We’re not just fighting for compensation—we’re fighting to change the culture.
Our client was waterboarded. He was forced to do 500 squats until he couldn’t stand. He spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. And Pi Kappa Phi’s response? “We look forward to returning to campus.”
That’s not acceptable. We won’t let it happen to another Blount County family.
Next Steps for Blount County Families
- Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, medical records)
- Do not speak to the fraternity or university without legal counsel
- Let us handle everything – we’ll fight for justice while you focus on recovery
The time to act is now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
