The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Families in Coosa County, Alabama

If Your Child Was Hazed at an Alabama University, You Are Not Alone

Every parent in Coosa County shares a common hope: that their child’s college experience will be one of growth, friendship, and safe passage into adulthood. The nightmare begins with a phone call you never expected—your child is in the hospital, or worse, they’ve come home broken, withdrawn, and carrying a trauma they’re too afraid to name.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring brutal hazing from the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations in his $10 million lawsuit include forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing health risks. This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, shows the severe reality of modern hazing.

If your child at Auburn, Alabama, or any SEC school has been hurt by hazing, you’re facing powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and complex insurance companies. This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Coosa County, Rockford, Goodwater, and across Alabama to help you understand your rights, the legal landscape, and how to protect your child.

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 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or an 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 Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Coosa County, hazing might conjure images of movie-style pranks or “boys will be boys” roughhousing. The reality in 2025 is more systematic, digitally documented, and dangerous. Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining status in a group that endangers physical or mental health.

Modern Hazing Takes Many Forms

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little” nights)
Chugging challenges with hard liquor
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
This remains the most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide

Physical Hazing

Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “meetings” or tasks
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting foods
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

Psychological & Digital Hazing

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Public shaming on social media (forced TikTok challenges, degrading Instagram posts)
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-member friends
-tracking via apps like Find My Friends
Forced creation or sharing of compromising images

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC/Multicultural)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching Bands and performance groups
Corps of Cadets or ROTC programs
Spirit Squads and tradition clubs
Some academic, service, or cultural organizations

For Coosa County families with children at Alabama universities, understanding that hazing extends beyond Greek life is crucial. The same dynamics of power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy enable abuse across different groups.

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

When hazing crosses state lines—as when an Alabama student joins a national fraternity with headquarters elsewhere—multiple legal frameworks come into play. Here’s what Coosa County families need to understand.

Alabama Hazing Law

Alabama has specific anti-hazing statutes under Alabama Code Sections 16-1-23. Key provisions include:

Definition: Hazing is defined as any willful act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization that endangers the mental or physical health of that student.
Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor for participants. Organizations that knowingly permit hazing can face fines up to $5,000.
Consent Defense: Like Texas, Alabama law states that consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing.
Duty to Report: School employees and administrators who witness or have reasonable cause to believe hazing is occurring must report it.

Important Distinction: Unlike Texas, Alabama’s law does not automatically elevate hazing to a felony when serious bodily injury or death occurs—though other charges like assault, manslaughter, or furnishing alcohol to minors may apply.

Texas Law as a Comparative Example

Since our firm is Texas-based and currently litigating the major University of Houston case, we often reference Texas law as an example of stronger statutes:

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death.
Texas explicitly provides immunity for good-faith reporters who call for medical help.
The “consent is not a defense” provision is crystal clear in Texas law.

Why does this matter for Alabama families? Because when national fraternities with Texas chapters or insurance connections are involved, Texas law may come into play. The same organizations that operate at Auburn and Alabama also have chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.

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

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination. Universities receiving federal funds must investigate and address these situations.

The Clery Act requires universities to report certain crimes, including assaults that may occur during hazing incidents.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) is particularly important. By 2026, it will require colleges nationwide to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Maintain public hazing data
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs

This means Alabama universities will soon have more publicly available data about which organizations have hazing violations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
Common hazing-related charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

Critical Point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases are resolved civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
Chapter officers (president, pledge educator, risk manager)

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

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

4. University or Governing Board

Schools may be sued for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Key questions: Did they have prior warnings? Did they enforce policies?

5. Third Parties

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

For Coosa County families, understanding that multiple entities may share liability is crucial. It’s not just about punishing individual students—it’s about holding responsible every organization that enabled or ignored the danger.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Alabama Families Can Learn

Major hazing cases across the country have established patterns, legal precedents, and settlement ranges that inform how we approach cases for Alabama families. Here are the anchor stories every parent should know.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times on chapter house security cameras; help was delayed for hours
Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answers meant forced drinking
Result: $6.1 million verdict for his family and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of alcohol
Result: $10 million in total settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)

What this means for Alabama families: The forced drinking script repeats across campuses and organizations. When your child at Auburn or Alabama is pressured to drink excessively, they’re experiencing the same pattern that has killed students elsewhere.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Died from traumatic brain injury during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat
Fraternity members delayed calling 911
Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

What this means for Alabama families: Off-campus retreats and ritualized physical hazing carry extreme risks. Organizations that move hazing off-campus to avoid detection create even more dangerous situations.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Result: Head coach fired, confidential settlements, program overhaul

What this means for Alabama families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Major athletic programs with significant pressure and tradition can harbor systemic abuse. SEC schools like Alabama and Auburn have similar high-pressure athletic environments.

The Financial Reality of Hazing Cases

Settlement and verdict ranges from national cases inform what Alabama families might expect:

Death cases: $1M–$14M settlements/verdicts
Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million dollar recoveries
Individual officer liability: Chapter presidents have been ordered to pay millions personally

These numbers reflect juries’ willingness to hold organizations accountable when they ignore obvious dangers.

Hazing Reality at Alabama Universities: Where Coosa County Families Send Their Kids

Coosa County families often send students to major Alabama universities with active Greek life and athletic traditions. Understanding the landscape at these schools is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing where to turn for help.

Auburn University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Auburn’s Greek community includes approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters with deep traditions. Like many SEC schools, Greek life plays a significant social role.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple hazing allegations and suspensions over the years
Sigma Chi: Past investigations into hazing activities
University Response: Auburn has implemented anti-hazing education and reporting systems, but incidents continue to surface

What Auburn Students & Coosa County Parents Should Know

Auburn’s Office of Student Conduct handles hazing complaints
The university has anonymous reporting options
Greek organizations at Auburn follow both university policies and (theoretically) national fraternity risk management guidelines
Critical: Many hazing incidents occur at off-campus houses, complicating university jurisdiction

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the country, with significant historical traditions and substantial chapter houses.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Multiple fraternities have faced suspensions for hazing violations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Has faced hazing allegations at UA as at other campuses
University Response: UA has strengthened anti-hazing policies but faces challenges with a large Greek system

What UA Students & Coosa County Parents Should Know

UA’s Office of Student Conduct and Fraternity & Sorority Life handle complaints
The sheer size of the Greek system means oversight challenges
SEC football culture can intensify pressure in certain organizations
Important: Alumni networks and tradition can sometimes protect problematic chapters

Other Alabama Schools Coosa County Students Attend

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Growing Greek community with typical hazing risks
Medical school environment brings different organizational dynamics

Samford University

Smaller Christian university with Greek life
Different cultural context but similar hazing risks

Jacksonville State University, University of North Alabama

Regional universities where Coosa County students may attend
Smaller Greek systems but not immune to hazing issues

How a Hazing Case at an Alabama Campus Might Proceed

For Coosa County families, understanding the process helps manage expectations:

Immediate Reporting: Campus police, Dean of Students, or local police (depending on location)
University Investigation: Internal conduct process, which may run parallel to criminal investigation
Potential Criminal Charges: Local district attorney decides whether to prosecute
Civil Considerations: Families typically have 2 years from injury to file lawsuit (Alabama statute of limitations)
Jurisdiction: Cases may be heard in county courts where injury occurred or where defendants are located

Key Insight: Universities often prioritize their internal processes, which may yield limited accountability. Civil litigation frequently provides the most meaningful recourse for families seeking genuine accountability and compensation for medical bills, trauma, and other damages.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Alabama Families

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing deaths operate chapters at Alabama universities. Their histories aren’t just background—they’re evidence of foreseeable danger.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a chapter at Auburn or Alabama repeats the same hazing script that caused death or serious injury at another campus, that pattern shows:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Negligence: Failure to effectively prevent known dangers
Potential for Punitive Damages: Especially reckless or indifferent conduct

Major Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death
Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced drinking
Alabama Presence: Chapters at Auburn, Alabama, and other state schools

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National Pattern: Multiple alcohol-related hazing incidents nationwide
Texas A&M Incident (2021): Pledges allegedly suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner
University of Alabama: Past hazing investigations and suspensions
Notable: SAE announced elimination of traditional pledge process in 2014 but incidents continue

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – “Bible study” drinking game death
Pattern: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition”
Alabama Presence: Multiple chapters in state

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, 2017 – alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (our current case)
Pattern: Physical endurance tests combined with alcohol

Kappa Alpha Order

Multiple Campuses: Hazing suspensions at various schools
Southern Tradition Emphasis: Can sometimes be used to justify problematic behaviors

What This Means for Coosa County Parents

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at an Alabama school, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re connecting to a national organization with a track record. That history matters because:

Nationals Have Insurance: These organizations carry liability insurance, which can provide recovery sources
Pattern Evidence Strengthens Cases: Prior incidents at other chapters help prove the national knew the risks
Settlement Leverage: Nationals often settle to avoid discovery of their full incident history

Understanding these connections helps families recognize that their child’s experience isn’t an isolated “bad apple” situation—it’s often part of a systemic pattern the national organization has failed to correct.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For Coosa County families considering legal action, understanding how cases are built demystifies the process and highlights why acting quickly matters.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, execution, and cover-up
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok showing hazing in “real time”
Recovery Possibility: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics

Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preserving this critical evidence.

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by participants during events
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses
Before/after photos of injuries

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
Emails between chapter officers about activities
National policies and training materials (often showing what should have been prevented)

University Records

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports and disciplinary history
Emails between administrators about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

ER/hospitalization records
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony

Other pledges/members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills: Past and future care
Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
Future care costs: For permanent injuries like brain damage

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, grief of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

To punish especially reckless conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants show “willful or wanton” disregard for safety

Insurance Coverage & Strategy

National fraternities and universities carry liability insurance. These insurers often:

Try to deny coverage based on “intentional act” exclusions
Delay processing claims hoping families will accept low settlements
Use their own medical experts to minimize injury severity

This is where our unique background matters. Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies fight claims. We use that insider knowledge to:

Navigate coverage disputes
Counter their medical experts with our own
Build cases that force reasonable settlements or win at trial

Practical Guides & FAQs for Coosa County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation
Drastic mood changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive about phone/group chats
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Financial strain from unexplained expenses

If You Suspect Hazing

Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m worried about you, not angry.”
Prioritize safety: If injured or intoxicated, get medical help immediately.
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages before they’re deleted.
Document everything: Write down what you’re told with dates/times.
Consult an attorney early: Before talking to university or insurance representatives.

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case to understand what NOT to do.

For Students: Recognizing Hazing & Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You Want to Exit

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send a clear written resignation to chapter leadership
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or threatened

Reporting Options

Campus police or Dean of Students
Anonymous reporting systems many schools offer
Local police if crimes occurred
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

What happens: Messages get deleted, case becomes “he said/she said”
Better approach: Preserve everything immediately, even if embarrassing

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document everything, consult attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: You may waive your right to sue or accept inadequate settlements
Better approach: Have an attorney review anything before signing

4. Posting on Social Media

What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep details private; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting Too Long

What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations may run
Better approach: Consult attorney immediately; Alabama generally has a 2-year statute for personal injury

FAQ for Alabama Families

“Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Each case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Alabama?”
Alabama law classifies hazing as a Class C misdemeanor for participants. However, other charges like assault, manslaughter, or furnishing alcohol to minors may apply depending on the injuries. Organizations can face fines up to $5,000.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Alabama law, like Texas law, states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Alabama, but exceptions may apply if the harm wasn’t immediately discovered. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, or knowledge. Many major cases involve off-campus incidents.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for National Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as a defense attorney at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Deploy their own medical experts to minimize injuries

We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation ($2.1+ billion in settlements)
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience collaborating with economists on lifetime care needs
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands interaction between criminal charges and civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Serve Alabama Families from Texas

Our Model: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

Lead Counsel for Texas-Connected Cases: If your case involves Texas connections (national HQ in Texas, Texas-based insurance, incidents in Texas)
Co-Counsel for Alabama Cases: We partner with local Alabama attorneys when appropriate
Consultation & Case Evaluation: We provide free consultations to Alabama families to evaluate options and strategy

Why This Works for Coosa County Families
The same national fraternities that operate at Auburn and Alabama also have chapters in Texas. The same insurance companies cover them nationwide. Our experience fighting these organizations in Texas courts translates directly to helping Alabama families.

Our Current Flagship Case: Proof of Active, Serious Litigation

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t historical—it’s active litigation happening right now.

What This Means for Alabama Families:

We’re currently in the trenches against a major university and national fraternity
We understand the latest defense tactics and insurance strategies
We have recent, relevant experience with the exact types of injuries hazing causes
We know how to investigate modern digital evidence (GroupMe, social media, etc.)

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family in Coosa County

Whether your child attends Auburn, Alabama, or any college nationwide, if hazing has caused injury or trauma, you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or other paths
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide with your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear Contact Information

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

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

Understanding Contingency Fees

Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work. In short: no upfront costs, no hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

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, 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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of Our Current UH Case:

Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Website:

Main contact: https://attorney911.com