Hazing Victims in Coffee County, Alabama: Your Legal Rights and Path to Justice

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or other student organization in Coffee County, Alabama, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening right here in Alabama – and we’re fighting to stop them.

Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, how to hold institutions accountable, and how to win. And we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Coffee County families.

This Is Happening in Coffee County – Right Now

While our current case is in Texas, the same fraternities operate at universities near Coffee County, including:

• Troy University (just 30 minutes from Enterprise)
• Auburn University (1.5 hours away)
• University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
• University of South Alabama (Mobile)
• Alabama State University (Montgomery)

These same organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. If it’s happening in Houston, it’s happening in Alabama. And if it’s happening near Coffee County, we will fight for your family.

What Coffee County Parents Need to Know About Hazing

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Alabama

Under Alabama Code § 16-1-23, hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months in jail and a $500 fine. If the hazing causes serious injury or death, the penalties increase significantly.

Important: Alabama law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

2. Universities Can Be Held Liable

Alabama universities have a legal duty to protect students from hazing. If they knew (or should have known) about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued for negligence.

Example: In 2019, a student at the University of Alabama was hospitalized after a fraternity hazing incident. The university suspended the fraternity, but no one was held financially accountable. That changes now.

3. National Fraternities Have Deep Pockets

National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have millions in assets and insurance policies. They’ve paid multi-million dollar settlements in other states – and they will pay for Coffee County victims too.

Common Hazing Practices in Coffee County (And Why They’re Dangerous)

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. Some of the most dangerous hazing activities we’ve seen include:

If your child experienced any of these, they may have a legal claim – even if they “consented.”

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Coffee County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening.
• Document everything. Get copies of all medical records.
• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked. Some symptoms (like kidney damage) appear later.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

• Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing.
• Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.) at all stages of healing.
• Write down everything your child remembers – dates, times, locations, who was involved.
• Get names of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders, etc.).

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative. Their goal is to protect the institution, not your child.
• Do not sign anything. They may try to get your child to waive their rights.
• Do not post on social media. Anything you say can be used against you.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Immediately

• Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait, you could lose your right to sue.
• Evidence disappears fast. Fraternities delete messages, destroy records, and intimidate witnesses.
• We offer free, confidential consultations. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Coffee County Hazing?

In our current $10 million lawsuit, we’re suing:

Coffee County families: If your child was hazed, we will identify every liable party and pursue them aggressively.

What Compensation Can Coffee County Families Recover?

Hazing victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Recent hazing settlements in similar cases:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio, 2021)
• $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Louisiana, 2017)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania, 2017)

Coffee County families: Your child’s case could be worth millions.

Why Coffee County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case

• We know how to build these cases.
• We know how to hold institutions accountable.
• We know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Fraternities and Universities

• Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney. He knows how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability.
• Lupe Peña worked at a national defense firm. He knows how insurance companies try to minimize payouts.
• Together, they’ve recovered millions for victims – and they’ll do the same for Coffee County families.

3. We Travel to Coffee County for Your Case

• We come to you. For depositions, client meetings, and trials, our attorneys will travel to Coffee County.
• We offer remote consultations. If you can’t meet in person, we’ll video chat.
• Distance is not a barrier. We represent hazing victims nationwide.

4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront

• You pay nothing unless we win.
• No hourly fees, no retainers.
• We only get paid if you get paid.

5. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

• Hazing affects students from all backgrounds.
• If English isn’t your first language, we’ll communicate in Spanish.

Coffee County Hazing Cases We Can Handle

We represent victims of hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
• Sports teams (football, baseball, basketball, etc.)
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Honor societies
• Student clubs and organizations
• Military academies

If your child was hazed in Coffee County, we can help.

What Happens Next? Your Legal Roadmap

Phase 1: Free Case Evaluation (1-2 Weeks)

• We review your child’s medical records, evidence, and story.
• We determine who can be held liable.
• We explain your legal options.

Phase 2: Evidence Preservation & Investigation (1-3 Months)

• We send preservation letters to all defendants.
• We gather medical records, witness statements, and digital evidence.
• We work with experts to build your case.

Phase 3: Demand Letter & Negotiation (3-6 Months)

• We send a demand letter to the defendants outlining your damages.
• We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
• If they refuse to settle, we file a lawsuit.

Phase 4: Litigation & Trial (6-24 Months)

• We file a lawsuit in Coffee County or federal court.
• We take depositions of fraternity members, university officials, and witnesses.
• We present your case to a judge or jury.
• We fight for maximum compensation.

Most cases settle before trial. But if the defendants refuse to pay what your child deserves, we will take them to court.

Coffee County Families: You Are Not Powerless

Fraternities, sororities, and universities count on victims staying silent. They count on parents not knowing their rights. They count on you feeling too intimidated to fight back.

But you have power.

• You have the law on your side.
• You have Attorney 911 on your side.
• You have the right to hold them accountable.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless you win. And we won’t stop until justice is served.

Frequently Asked Questions for Coffee County Families

1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still talk to a lawyer?

Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Hazing can have long-term medical and psychological consequences. A lawyer can help preserve evidence in case your child changes their mind later.

2. The fraternity/sorority said this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

No. Alabama law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable.

3. The university already suspended the fraternity. Can we still sue?

Yes. Suspension is not enough. Universities often suspend chapters quietly to avoid bad publicity – but they rarely hold anyone financially accountable. You can still sue for damages.

4. My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue the university?

Possibly. If the university knew (or should have known) about the hazing and failed to stop it, they may still be liable. We’ll review the facts of your case to determine all possible defendants.

5. How much is my child’s case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of injuries
• Whether the university knew about prior hazing
• The egregiousness of the conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced drinking)
• The financial resources of the defendants

6. What if my child was partly at fault?

Alabama follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which means that if your child was even 1% at fault, they may not be able to recover damages. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney who can build a strong case.

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

Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

8. Can we sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically injured, they may still have a claim for:

• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and degradation
• Educational disruption (missed classes, failed courses)
• Loss of scholarships or financial aid

9. What if the fraternity/sorority is no longer recognized by the university?

You can still sue. Even if the chapter is no longer recognized, the national organization and individual members may still be liable.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?

$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%).

Coffee County Hazing Warning Signs – What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs:

✅ Sudden secrecy – Your child stops talking about their activities.
✅ Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or burns with no clear explanation.
✅ Sleep deprivation – Dark circles under eyes, falling asleep in class.
✅ Changes in behavior – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family/friends.
✅ Skipping classes or work – Missing obligations due to exhaustion.
✅ Unusual purchases – Buying alcohol, paddles, or other hazing-related items.
✅ Late-night activities – Being out at odd hours with “brothers” or “sisters.”
✅ Sudden weight loss or gain – From forced eating, vomiting, or extreme exercise.
✅ References to “traditions” or “initiation” – Vague talk about “proving themselves.”

If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately – and contact us.

Coffee County Universities and Greek Life: What You Need to Know

Troy University (Troy, AL – 30 minutes from Enterprise)

• Greek Life: 12 fraternities, 9 sororities
• Hazing History: Multiple hazing incidents reported in recent years, including forced drinking and physical abuse.
• University Response: Typically suspends chapters temporarily but rarely holds individuals accountable.

Auburn University (Auburn, AL – 1.5 hours from Enterprise)

• Greek Life: One of the largest Greek systems in the South (30+ fraternities, 18+ sororities).
• Hazing History: Multiple hazing deaths and hospitalizations in recent decades, including:
  • 2017: Student hospitalized after fraternity hazing (Sigma Alpha Epsilon).
  • 2019: Student hospitalized after sorority hazing (Chi Omega).
• University Response: Often claims ignorance but has been sued multiple times.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)

• Greek Life: Massive Greek system (60+ fraternities and sororities).
• Hazing History: Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits, including:
  • 2011: Student died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity hazing (Sigma Alpha Epsilon).
  • 2019: Student hospitalized after fraternity hazing (Pi Kappa Phi).
• University Response: Typically suspends chapters but rarely expels individuals.

University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL)

• Greek Life: 15+ fraternities and sororities.
• Hazing History: Multiple hazing incidents reported, including forced drinking and physical abuse.

Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL)

• Greek Life: Historically Black Greek organizations (Divine Nine).
• Hazing History: Multiple hazing incidents reported, including physical abuse and forced consumption.

Coffee County families: If your child attends any of these universities, they are at risk of hazing. And if they’ve already been hazed, we can help.

Coffee County Hazing Resources

Emergency Contacts

• Coffee County District Attorney’s Office: (334) 347-9585
• Alabama State Troopers (Enterprise Post): (334) 347-9533
• Coffee County Sheriff’s Office: (334) 894-5535
• National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Medical Resources

• Enterprise Medical Center: (334) 347-0584
• Southeast Health (Dothan): (334) 793-8701
• UAB Hospital (Birmingham): (205) 934-4011 (for serious injuries)

Mental Health Support

• SpectraCare Health Systems (Enterprise): (334) 347-2641
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

Coffee County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait:
❌ Evidence disappears (texts, photos, videos get deleted).
❌ Witnesses forget (memories fade, stories change).
❌ The statute of limitations gets closer (you could lose your right to sue).
❌ Another student gets hazed (your silence enables the next victim).

You have the power to stop this.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless you win. And we won’t stop until justice is served.

Final Message to Coffee County Parents

Your child trusted these people.

They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the sorority. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.

That trust was betrayed.

Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “brotherhood.” It isn’t “building character.”

It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s illegal.

You have the right to hold them accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries. And you have the right to make sure this never happens to another Coffee County family.

We’re Attorney 911. We’re Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Call us today:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

Enough is enough.