Hazing Lawyer in Clay County, Arkansas – Attorney 911 Fights for Justice

Hazing Happens at Arkansas Colleges Too – We Fight Back

Clay County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Clay County, you are not alone. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston operate chapters at Arkansas colleges. The same culture of abuse exists right here in our state.

We are Attorney 911 – a Texas-based law firm with 25+ years of experience fighting for hazing victims. While we’re headquartered in Houston, our attorneys serve hazing victims nationwide, including right here in Clay County and across Arkansas. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with life-threatening kidney failure. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Clay County families.

The Hazing Crisis in Arkansas – It’s Closer Than You Think

Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas – it’s happening right here in Arkansas. The same national fraternities and sororities with chapters at Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, and other colleges near Clay County have been involved in hazing scandals across the country.

Our current case proves how dangerous this culture is:

• Waterboarding – A student was tortured with simulated drowning using a garden hose
• Forced exercise until collapse – 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and other extreme physical punishment
• Forced eating until vomiting – Pledges were made to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until they vomited, then forced to continue exercising
• Wooden paddles – Physical beatings with wooden paddles
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to exhaustion
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats, and intimidation

This isn’t tradition. This is abuse. And it’s happening at Arkansas colleges too.

Why Clay County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in the courtroom fighting for justice right now. Clay County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Nationwide Experience – Local Clay County Focus

While we’re based in Texas, our attorneys have federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York), allowing us to represent hazing victims anywhere in the country, including Clay County. We travel to Arkansas for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook

Both of our attorneys – Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena – worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your compensation.

4. Proven Results in High-Stakes Litigation

• $10 million hazing lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and UH
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases
• BP Texas City explosion litigation – experience with complex, high-stakes cases
• Former federal prosecutors – we know how to build strong cases

5. We Speak Your Language

Our staff is bilingual and includes Spanish speakers. We understand the unique concerns of Clay County’s Hispanic families and ensure language is never a barrier to justice.

6. No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures every Clay County family can afford top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

What Is Hazing? Arkansas Law Explained

Hazing is illegal in Arkansas and can result in criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits. Under Arkansas law, hazing includes any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is required for pledging, initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization
• Includes physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, or striking
• Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances
• Includes sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, or confinement
• Involves psychological abuse, such as humiliation, degradation, or threats

Arkansas Code § 6-5-201 to 6-5-206 makes hazing a criminal offense, punishable by fines and even jail time. Importantly, consent is not a defense – even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Clay County?

In our current case, we are suing everyone responsible for the hazing that hospitalized our client. For Clay County families, this means we can pursue:

We don’t just sue one person – we sue everyone responsible to maximize your compensation.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Clay County

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations expire. Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening
• Medical records are critical evidence in your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Save all communications: Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, social media posts
• Take photos/videos: Injuries, locations where hazing occurred, any items used in hazing
• Document everything: Write down dates, times, what happened, who was involved
• Get witness information: Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative
• They may offer a quick settlement to silence you before you know the full extent of your damages
• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney

4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

• Anything you post can be used against you in court
• Avoid discussing the incident online
• Do not delete old posts – this can be seen as destruction of evidence

5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
• We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• No upfront costs – we only get paid if we win

What Damages Can Clay County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

In our current case, we are seeking $10 million for our client’s injuries, including:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
• Physical pain from extreme exercise and beatings
• Psychological trauma from waterboarding and humiliation
• Future medical complications

Precedent Cases – Hazing Victims Can and Do Win

Hazing cases routinely result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are just a few examples:

1. Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha (Bowling Green State University) – $10.1 Million

• Victim: Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol
• Outcome: $10.1 million settlement – largest hazing payout in Ohio history
• Why it matters: Shows that $10 million demands are realistic and that both universities and fraternities can be held liable

2. Maxwell Gruver – Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana State University) – $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• Victim: Maxwell Gruver, 18, died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking game
• Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; defendant convicted of negligent homicide
• Why it matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries

3. Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi (Penn State University) – $110+ Million

• Victim: Timothy Piazza, 19, died after falling down stairs while severely intoxicated; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
• Outcome: Estimated $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions
• Why it matters: Shows that strong evidence leads to massive outcomes

4. Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi (Florida State University) – Confidential Settlement

• Victim: Andrew Coffey, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon
• Outcome: Fraternity permanently closed; multiple criminal charges
• Why it matters: Same fraternity as our current case – proves Pi Kappa Phi has a pattern of deadly hazing

The Same Fraternities Operate Near Clay County

The fraternities involved in these cases have active chapters at Arkansas colleges near Clay County, including:

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Clay County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client.

Why Clay County Families Can’t Wait to Take Action

1. Evidence Disappears Quickly

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

2. Statutes of Limitations Expire

• Arkansas has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
• Wrongful death cases must be filed within 3 years of the date of death
• If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever

3. Defendants Will Try to Silence You

• Fraternities and universities will offer quick, lowball settlements to make the problem go away
• They may pressure you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney

4. Criminal Charges May Be Filed

• Hazing is a criminal offense in Arkansas
• Universities and law enforcement may be investigating
• Your civil lawsuit is separate from criminal charges, but evidence from one can support the other

How Attorney 911 Helps Clay County Hazing Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send preservation letters to all defendants demanding they keep all evidence
• Obtain text messages, social media posts, and other digital evidence
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

2. Comprehensive Case Building

• Work with medical experts to document injuries
• Calculate economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future treatment)
• Calculate non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress)
• Pursue punitive damages where appropriate

3. Aggressive Negotiation

• Demand policy limits from insurance companies
• Push for maximum compensation from all defendants
• Refuse lowball settlement offers

4. Trial-Ready Representation

• We are not afraid to go to trial if defendants won’t settle fairly
• Our attorneys have 25+ years of courtroom experience
• We’ve litigated complex cases against major institutions

5. Compassionate Client Support

• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families
• We keep you informed at every step
• We fight for justice, not just compensation

Frequently Asked Questions for Clay County Families

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Arkansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization and individuals can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Hazing is assault, battery, and reckless endangerment – no matter what they call it.

Q: We’re not in Texas. Can you still represent us?

A: YES. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including right here in Clay County. We have federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses, allowing us to represent you no matter where the hazing occurred.

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: NOTHING upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never pay out of pocket.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school or club, not a college?

A: We can still help. Hazing happens in high schools, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other organizations. We represent victims of all ages and in all settings.

Q: The university says they didn’t know. Are they still liable?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred – they had full power to inspect and regulate.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?

A: BOTH. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that can provide significant compensation. They also have a duty to supervise their local chapters. In our current case, we’re suing both the local chapter and the national organization.

Clay County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not brotherhood or sisterhood.

It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal.

And it’s happening at Arkansas colleges near Clay County.

We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now. And we will fight for Clay County families with the same fury.

If your child has been hazed, do not wait. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve Clay County and all of Arkansas. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

About Attorney 911 – Your Clay County Hazing Lawyers

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of litigation experience
• Former insurance defense attorney – knows how the other side thinks
• Federal court authority – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Dual-state bar admission – Texas and New York
• Current case: $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH

Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney

• 12+ years of litigation experience
• Former national insurance defense attorney – Litchfield Cavo LLP
• Federal court authority – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Fluent in Spanish – bilingual representation for Hispanic families
• Specializes in catastrophic injury cases

Our Offices – Serving Clay County

• Houston Headquarters: 1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin Office
• Beaumont Office

We come to Clay County. For depositions, trials, and client meetings, our attorneys travel to Arkansas as needed.

Next Steps for Clay County Families

1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
2. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
3. We’ll preserve evidence and build your case
4. We’ll demand justice from all responsible parties
5. We’ll fight for maximum compensation – in settlement negotiations or at trial

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

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com