The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Alabama Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at College, You’re Not Alone. Here’s What Alabama Families Need to Know.

The phone rings at 3 AM. Your son’s voice is slurred on the other end of the line. “Mom, I don’t feel right.” He’s 200 miles away at the University of Alabama, and through his confusion, you piece together fragments of a story: a fraternity “big brother” night, forced drinking contests, and now he’s alone in his dorm room, disoriented and scared. As a parent in Choctaw County or anywhere in Alabama, your worst nightmare has materialized. Your child went to college to build a future, not to become a victim of dangerous traditions.

Right now, in Texas, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations in that case—detailed in media reports from Click2Houston and ABC13—describe systematic abuse that led to rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. This case isn’t just a Texas story; it’s proof of what we do, how seriously we take hazing litigation, and the level of expertise we bring to families everywhere.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Alabama parents and students—from Choctaw County to Huntsville, Mobile to Montgomery—who need to understand what hazing looks like today, what the law says, and what legal options exist when traditions turn tragic.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-OOOO)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Alabama and Beyond

For Alabama families, understanding modern hazing means moving beyond stereotypes of harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often disguised as “tradition” or “team building,” and increasingly hidden in digital spaces.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. For Alabama students at universities across the SEC and beyond, this might look different than you expect.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Alabama law, like Texas law, recognizes that consent given under duress isn’t valid consent.

Main Categories of Hazing Alabama Families Should Recognize

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and dangerous form. At Alabama schools, this might include:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor
Drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced consumption
“Family tree” rituals requiring rapid consumption
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances during initiation

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, modern physical hazing includes:

Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation through late-night meetings or early-morning tasks
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, left outside)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Particularly traumatic forms include:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Public shaming via social media or group meetings

Psychological Hazing
These invisible wounds can be the most lasting:

Verbal abuse, threats, and isolation from non-members
Manipulation through fear of exclusion
Forced confessions or public humiliation
Constant monitoring via group chats creating 24/7 anxiety

Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier that Alabama parents might not recognize:

Group chat dares and “challenges” on Discord, GroupMe, or Snapchat
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
Social media humiliation through coordinated posting
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or similar apps

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Alabama

Alabama families should understand that hazing extends far beyond fraternity houses:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs
Corps of Cadets / ROTC Programs
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For Alabama students at schools with deep traditions, the pressure to participate can feel overwhelming.

Law & Liability Framework: Alabama, Texas, and Federal Laws

Alabama Hazing Law Basics

Alabama has specific anti-hazing provisions under Alabama Code § 16-1-23. The law defines hazing broadly and establishes criminal penalties. For Alabama families, understanding the core provisions is essential:

Definition: Hazing means any intentional, reckless, or negligent act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in an organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.
Criminal Penalties: In Alabama, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. The law applies to both students and organizations.
Organizational Liability: Organizations that authorize or consent to hazing can face fines up to $1,500 for the first offense and up to $3,000 for subsequent offenses.
No Consent Defense: Like Texas law, Alabama law states that consent of the hazing victim is not a defense to prosecution.

For families in Choctaw County dealing with incidents at Alabama schools, the local courts and law enforcement in counties like Tuscaloosa (University of Alabama), Lee (Auburn University), or Jefferson (University of Alabama at Birmingham) would have jurisdiction.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: What Alabama Families Should Understand

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney or prosecutor)
Aim: punishment through jail, fines, probation
Typical hazing-related criminal charges in Alabama can include:
- Hazing offenses under § 16-1-23
- Furnishing alcohol to minors
- Assault, battery, or reckless endangerment
- Manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on:
- Negligence and gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Negligent supervision by organizations
- Emotional distress
- Loss of educational opportunity

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many Alabama families pursue civil actions even when criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in convictions.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges that receive federal aid (which includes all Alabama public universities and most private ones) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes. This federal overlay gives Alabama families additional avenues for accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit in Alabama

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up

Local Chapter / Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity)
Officers or “pledge educators” acting in official capacity

National Fraternity/Sorority:

Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board:

Alabama public universities have sovereign immunity considerations
Private universities (like Samford, Birmingham-Southern) have fewer immunity protections
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. Alabama families need experienced counsel to navigate these complex liability questions.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Alabama Families

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides crucial context for Alabama families. These cases show patterns, establish legal precedents, and demonstrate what accountability looks like.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Hours passed before medical help was called. Dozens of criminal charges were filed against fraternity members, and new Pennsylvania anti-hazing legislation was enacted. For Alabama families, the takeaway is clear: extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical response creates devastating legal consequences.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
A “big/little” event where a pledge was given a handle of liquor resulted in fatal alcohol poisoning. Criminal hazing charges followed, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. The script—a formulaic drinking tradition—is tragically common across campuses, including those in Alabama.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking led to a death and Louisiana’s felony hazing statute (the Max Gruver Act). This demonstrates how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear evidence of hazing patterns.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A pledge night involving forced consumption of nearly a bottle of whiskey resulted in a $10 million settlement, with $3 million coming from the university itself. This case shows that universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat caused fatal head injuries, with delayed medical response. Multiple members were convicted, and the fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Alabama families, this highlights that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as on-campus events.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits and confidential settlements. This demonstrates that hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs—a relevant consideration for Alabama families with student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

The common threads in these national cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups—mirror what we see in incidents across the country. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Alabama families facing hazing at their children’s schools are not alone and operate in a legal landscape shaped by these national precedents.

Alabama Focus: Where Our Families Send Their Children

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Alabama is the flagship campus of the UA System, with approximately 38,000 students and a significant Greek life presence. About 35% of undergraduate students participate in Greek organizations. The campus has deep traditions and a competitive social scene that can sometimes create environments where hazing risks emerge.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UA prohibits hazing through its Student Code of Conduct and specifically addresses hazing in its Greek Life policies. The Office of Student conduct handles investigations, and the university maintains reporting channels through the Dean of Students office. Alabama law requires all educational institutions to adopt anti-hazing policies.

Selected Documented Incidents & Historical Context
While specific recent incidents may not be publicly detailed due to confidentiality, the University of Alabama has faced hazing allegations over the years across various organizations. The national patterns seen at other large SEC schools suggest ongoing vigilance is necessary.

How a Hazing Case at UA Might Proceed
Cases would typically involve:

Tuscaloosa County jurisdiction for local criminal matters
Potential civil filings in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
Coordination with University of Alabama Police Department
Potential involvement of national fraternity/sorority headquarters, often located in other states

What UA Students & Parents Should Do

Report immediately to UA’s Office of Student Conduct
Document all communications with university officials
Preserve digital evidence before it disappears
Consult with counsel experienced in Alabama hazing cases

Auburn University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Auburn University, with approximately 31,000 students, has a similarly strong Greek presence and tradition-rich campus life. Located in Lee County, Auburn’s campus culture places significant emphasis on organizational membership and tradition.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
Auburn’s Student Policy on Hazing aligns with Alabama state law and outlines reporting procedures through the Office of Student Conduct. The university provides anonymous reporting options and emphasizes education through its Greek Life office.

Geographic Considerations for Alabama Families
For families in Choctaw County, Auburn represents one of the major in-state universities where students commonly enroll. The geographic distance (approximately 200 miles) means families need to understand how to navigate legal processes remotely if incidents occur.

Other Alabama Universities Alabama Families Should Know

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
As a major urban research university with growing Greek life, UAB faces different hazing dynamics than traditional residential campuses. Jefferson County jurisdiction applies.

University of South Alabama (Mobile)
Serving the southern part of the state with its own Greek system and athletic programs.

Troy University, University of North Alabama, Jacksonville State University
These regional universities each have Greek life and organizational cultures that present hazing risks.

Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University
Historically Black Universities with strong NPHC (Divine Nine) Greek organizations that have their own traditions and risk profiles.

Where Alabama Students Go Out-of-State

Alabama families also send significant numbers of students to:

SEC schools in neighboring states (Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana)
Other Southern universities with strong Greek traditions
Texas universities (where our firm has particular expertise and experience)

This geographic spread means Alabama families may need counsel who understand multiple state laws and can coordinate across jurisdictions—exactly the capability our firm provides through co-counsel arrangements.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Alabama Chapters

Why National Histories Matter to Alabama Families

The fraternities and sororities on Alabama campuses—whether at UA, Auburn, or other schools—are chapters of national organizations. These national headquarters have extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries at other chapters across the country.

When an Alabama chapter repeats the same dangerous script that got a chapter shut down in Ohio, Louisiana, or Pennsylvania, that history demonstrates foreseeability. This pattern evidence can support negligence arguments against national entities in civil lawsuits.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns in Alabama Context

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National History: Multiple fatalities including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University
Alabama Presence: Chapters at UA, Auburn, and other Alabama schools
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking traditions that have proven repeatedly dangerous

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injury lawsuits
Alabama Presence: Established chapters across Alabama campuses
Pattern: Physical abuse and forced drinking rituals documented in multiple states

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU leading to felony hazing legislation
Alabama Presence: Active chapters in Alabama
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions and lawsuits nationwide
Alabama Presence: Traditional Southern fraternity with Alabama chapters
Pattern: Physical hazing and alcohol-related incidents

NPHC (Divine Nine) Organizations

National History: Documented incidents of physical hazing despite national prohibitions
Alabama Presence: Strong representation at Alabama’s HBCUs
Pattern: Paddling and physical endurance tests persisting despite policy changes

How National Patterns Affect Alabama Cases

In litigation, establishing that a national organization knew or should have known about dangerous traditions is crucial. When we can show that:

The same dangerous activity occurred at multiple chapters
The national organization was aware through incident reports
Inadequate intervention or enforcement followed

…we build compelling cases for institutional liability. This approach has succeeded in securing significant settlements and verdicts across the country.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Alabama Families

Evidence Collection: What Matters in Alabama Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage conversations among members

Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content related to events

Fraternity-specific apps or communication platforms
Evidence includes both active messages and recovered deleted content

Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Social media posts showing activities or aftermath
Security camera footage from houses or venues
Doorbell camera recordings that might capture comings and goings

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals or “education” materials
Initiation scripts or ritual instructions
Emails or texts planning events or discussing traditions
National policies and training materials that chapters ignore

University Records

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Probation or suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization documentation
Surgery, rehab, or specialist treatment notes
Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony

Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
Current or former members with knowledge
Roommates, RAs, or bystanders who observed effects
Coaches, trainers, or advisors who noticed changes

Damages: What Alabama Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, specialized treatment)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity if injuries affect future employment

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support the student would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available in cases showing gross negligence or intentional harm
Subject to Alabama statutory caps in many cases

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities typically have insurance policies that may cover hazing incidents, though insurers often argue exclusions for intentional acts. Our experience—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—gives us unique insight into how to navigate these coverage disputes and maximize recovery for Alabama families.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Alabama Parents and Students

For Alabama Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexpected “fees” or purchases

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions without judgment: “What does a typical week look like with your organization?”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any membership.”
Create a safe exit plan: “You can always come home, no questions asked.”
Document what they share while memories are fresh

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get immediate medical attention, even if they resist
Preserve evidence: screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Write down everything: who, what, when, where
Contact experienced counsel before speaking to the university or organization
Do not let your child delete digital evidence or “clean up”

Dealing with Alabama Universities

Document every communication with administrators
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
Request copies of all policies and procedures
Understand that university conduct processes are not substitutes for legal action
Consult with an attorney before signing any agreements or releases

When to Contact a Lawyer

If your child has significant physical or psychological harm
If the university or organization is minimizing what happened
If you suspect evidence is being destroyed or witnesses coached
If criminal charges may be involved
Simply to understand your options—consultations are confidential

For Alabama Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
If you answer yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing:

Do you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
Would you do this if you had a real choice without social consequences?
Is the activity hidden from the public or administrators?
Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?

Why “Consent” Isn’t the Whole Story
Alabama law, like Texas law, recognizes that consent given under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t valid consent. You cannot legally consent to activities that endanger your health or safety as part of organizational membership.

Exiting and Reporting Safely

Have an exit plan before you need it
Tell someone outside the organization what’s happening
Use anonymous reporting options if you fear retaliation
Remember that Alabama law provides some protection for those who report in good faith
Your safety matters more than any membership

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Disappear
What seems embarrassing now could be crucial evidence later. Don’t delete messages, photos, or videos—preserve everything.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle communications.

3. Signing University Agreements Without Counsel
Universities often offer quick “resolutions” that waive your right to legal action. Never sign anything without legal review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor social media for inconsistencies. Keep details private until your case resolves.

5. Waiting Too Long to Act
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade. Alabama’s statute of limitations requires timely action.

Frequently Asked Questions from Alabama Families

“Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?”
Yes, though public universities have sovereign immunity considerations. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, and private universities have fewer protections. Every case requires individual analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Alabama?”
Currently, hazing is a misdemeanor under Alabama law, though subsequent offenses carry higher penalties. Other charges like assault or furnishing alcohol to minors may apply separately.

“What if the hazing happened out-of-state?”
We handle cases across state lines through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys. The same national organizations operate everywhere, and our expertise transfers.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the injury in Alabama, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Time is critical—evidence preservation diminishes daily.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability through strategic negotiation and litigation.

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Expertise with National Reach

While we’re based in Texas, our hazing litigation expertise serves families nationwide. Here’s why Alabama families choose us:

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. As he explains in his profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/, this insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s experience includes BP Texas City explosion litigation—facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. As detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/, this experience translates directly to taking on national fraternities and major universities. We’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

Active Hazing Litigation Leadership
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi—a $10 million lawsuit alleging systematic abuse leading to kidney failure. This active litigation keeps us at the forefront of hazing law developments.

Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience
Our wrongful death practice (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) has secured significant recoveries in complex cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability.

Digital Evidence Expertise
Modern hazing lives in group chats and social media. We have experience obtaining deleted messages through digital forensics and using this evidence to prove patterns of behavior.

Co-Counsel Capability Nationwide
For Alabama cases, we work with local counsel when needed while bringing our specialized hazing expertise to the table. This collaborative approach ensures Alabama families get both local knowledge and national experience.

How We Investigate Alabama Hazing Cases

Our investigation process for Alabama families includes:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: Securing digital evidence before it disappears
National Pattern Research: Documenting similar incidents at other chapters of the same organization
Institutional History Review: Obtaining prior conduct records through discovery
Expert Collaboration: Working with medical professionals, psychologists, and economists
Strategic Litigation Planning: Determining the most effective legal pathways for accountability

We approach each case with the understanding that hazing causes both immediate harm and long-term trauma. Our goal isn’t just compensation—it’s preventing future harm through institutional accountability.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Alabama Families

What to Expect When You Contact Us

If you or your child has been affected by hazing at an Alabama university or any college, we offer confidential, no-obligation consultations. Here’s what that looks like:

We Listen Without Judgment
We understand how difficult it is to come forward. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest feedback about your legal options.

We Review What You Have
Bring any evidence you’ve preserved: screenshots, photos, medical records, or correspondence with the university.

We Explain Your Options Clearly
We’ll walk you through potential paths: criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, or combinations of approaches.

We Discuss Realistic Expectations
We’re honest about timelines, potential outcomes, and challenges. We never make promises we can’t keep.

No Pressure to Decide Immediately
Take time to consider your options. We provide the information you need to make informed decisions for your family.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We understand emergencies don’t keep business hours
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services Available
Hablamos Español. Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Serving Alabama Families from Choctaw County and Beyond

Whether you’re in Choctaw County, Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville, or anywhere in Alabama, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same national organizations operate across state lines, and the same patterns of abuse repeat themselves. Our expertise in investigating these patterns, navigating complex litigation, and securing accountability can help your family find answers and justice.

Call us today at 1-888q-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and options during this difficult time.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights under Alabama or applicable state law, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com