🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Copiah County, MS — Attorney 911 Fights for Victims
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Copiah County, Mississippi, you are not alone — and you have legal rights. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive representation to Copiah County families.
📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Copiah County Families Need Hazing Lawyers Now
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s often criminal. And when it happens at colleges and universities near Copiah County, the institutions — and the individuals responsible — can be held legally and financially accountable.
We know this because we’re fighting this battle right now.
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston. The victim was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities that operate at universities near Copiah County were involved. The same negligence exists at Copiah County-area institutions. And the same legal strategies that are winning in Houston can win for Copiah County families.
If your child was hazed near Copiah County, we will fight for you with the same determination.
What Is Hazing? Copiah County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Common hazing practices reported at colleges near Copiah County:
- Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol (binge drinking), food (eating until vomiting), non-food substances
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, degradation, threats, isolation
- Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
- Waterboarding or drowning: Simulated drowning, water torture
- Exposure: Forced to endure extreme cold or heat
Medical consequences of hazing can be severe and life-threatening:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hypothermia or heat stroke
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And it’s illegal in Mississippi.
Mississippi Hazing Laws — What Copiah County Families Should Know
Mississippi has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Mississippi Code § 97-3-105, hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Key points of Mississippi hazing law:
- Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization.
- Consent is not a defense: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not excuse the hazing.
- Organizations can be held liable: Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and other student organizations can be sued for hazing.
- Universities can be held liable: If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held accountable.
Attorney 911 can help Copiah County families pursue both criminal and civil remedies under Mississippi law.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Copiah County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise local chapter; knew or should have known about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; knew or should have known about hazing risks |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities |
| Alumni/Advisors | Aided or failed to stop hazing |
| Property Owners | Allowed hazing to occur on their premises |
In our current case, we are suing:
- The local Pi Kappa Phi chapter
- Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
- The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
- Individual fraternity members and officers
We will pursue the same comprehensive liability strategy for Copiah County families.
What Can Copiah County Families Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Educational Damages | Tuition reimbursement, academic disruption costs |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma from hazing |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapy costs |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million — and precedent cases show that hazing lawsuits can recover millions for victims and families.
Recent Hazing Cases — Proof That Copiah County Families Can Win
$10.1 Million Settlement — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
- Outcome: $10.1 million total settlement from university and fraternity
- Lesson for Copiah County: Universities and fraternities will pay millions when they fail to protect students
$6.1 Million Jury Verdict — Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol during “Bible Study” game; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495 — 6x legal limit)
- Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide
- Lesson for Copiah County: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and injuries
$110+ Million Settlement — Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)
- What happened: Pledge forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs multiple times; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911; died from traumatic brain injury
- Outcome: $110+ million settlement; 18 members charged criminally
- Lesson for Copiah County: Strong evidence leads to massive settlements
Our Current Case — $10 Million Lawsuit (University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi, 2025)
- What happened: Victim waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Outcome: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025; fraternity chapter closed
- Lesson for Copiah County: The same fraternities operate near Copiah County. The same negligence exists. The same legal strategies apply.
Copiah County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win. The same results are possible for you.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed Near Copiah County
Immediate Steps:
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent.
- Preserve all evidence — Save text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, and any other documentation of the hazing.
- Do not talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university — They will try to control the narrative. Do not give statements without legal counsel.
- Do not post on social media — Anything you post can be used against you.
- Contact an experienced hazing lawyer — Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
How Attorney 911 Can Help Copiah County Families:
- Free case evaluation — We’ll review your situation and explain your legal options.
- Evidence preservation — We’ll help you gather and protect critical evidence.
- Investigation — We’ll identify all responsible parties and build a strong case.
- Negotiation — We’ll fight for maximum compensation from insurance companies and institutions.
- Litigation — If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial to hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Nationwide representation — While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims across America, including Copiah County.
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Copiah County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight. And we’re ready to bring that same experience to Copiah County families.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
3. Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal jurisdiction — critical for cases involving national fraternities and universities.
4. Dual-State Bar Licenses
We’re licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility to pursue cases against national organizations headquartered anywhere in the country.
5. Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims, including in complex cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We know how to take on large institutions — and win.
6. We Come to Copiah County
We travel to our clients. Whether it’s for depositions, meetings, or trials, we will come to Copiah County to fight for your family.
7. Bilingual Support
Se habla español. We provide comprehensive legal services to Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice.
8. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We treat every client like family. We understand the trauma of hazing, and we fight aggressively to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions — Copiah County Hazing Cases
Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?
A: We understand that hazing victims often feel pressure to stay silent. However, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your child’s legal rights. Contact us for a confidential consultation. We can explain your options and help you decide the best path forward.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Under Mississippi law, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, that does not excuse the hazing. Fraternities and sororities cannot use “tradition” or “peer pressure” as an excuse for abuse.
Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Mississippi?
A: Mississippi has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hazing. However, it’s critical to act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights can be compromised. Contact us immediately to protect your case.
Q: Can we sue the university if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even if the hazing occurred off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.
Q: What if the fraternity or university offers us a settlement? Should we accept it?
A: Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and institutions often offer lowball settlements that don’t fully compensate for your damages. We can evaluate any offer and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Q: My child was hazed at a college near Copiah County, but I live in Copiah County. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including those from Copiah County. We offer remote consultations and will travel to you for meetings, depositions, and trials.
Copiah County Universities and Colleges — Are Your Students at Risk?
Copiah County is home to families who send their children to colleges and universities across Mississippi and the Southeast. Many of these institutions have active Greek organizations where hazing is a known risk.
Universities near Copiah County with Greek life:
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) — Oxford, MS
- Mississippi State University — Starkville, MS
- University of Southern Mississippi — Hattiesburg, MS
- Jackson State University — Jackson, MS
- Millsaps College — Jackson, MS
- Mississippi College — Clinton, MS
- Alcorn State University — Lorman, MS
- Delta State University — Cleveland, MS
- Tougaloo College — Tougaloo, MS
- Belhaven University — Jackson, MS
National fraternities with chapters near Copiah County:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)
- Phi Delta Theta
- Beta Theta Pi
- Kappa Sigma
- Sigma Chi
- Kappa Alpha Order
- Alpha Tau Omega
- Lambda Chi Alpha
These are the same fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide — including the $10 million case we’re litigating right now.
Copiah County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these universities, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
To Fraternities Near Copiah County: We Are Watching
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Kappa Alpha Order, Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Alpha —
If your chapter operates near Copiah County, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi.
- We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
- We know your chapters engage in the same dangerous “traditions.”
- We know universities near Copiah County have failed to protect students.
- If you haze students near Copiah County, we will hold you accountable.
The same legal strategies that are winning in Houston apply to your chapter. The same multi-million dollar verdicts are possible. And we will pursue every liable entity — including your national organization, your local chapter, your officers, and your members.
This is your warning: Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
To Universities Near Copiah County: The Time for Accountability Is Now
University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Tougaloo College, Belhaven University —
If hazing is happening on your campus, you have a legal and moral obligation to stop it.
- You have the power to regulate Greek organizations.
- You have the power to inspect fraternity and sorority houses.
- You have the power to suspend or expel chapters that haze.
- If you fail to act, you will be held accountable.
The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing incidents. They failed to protect him. Now they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit.
Copiah County universities: The same liability applies to you. Act now, or face the same consequences.
Copiah County Families: You Are Not Powerless
Hazing can make victims and families feel isolated, ashamed, and powerless. But you are not alone, and you are not powerless.
You have rights. You have options. And you have Attorney 911.
We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we are ready to bring that same determination to Copiah County families. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we know how to win.
If your child was hazed at a college or university near Copiah County, call us now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you get paid. There’s no risk — only justice.
Copiah County Hazing Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing hazing, these resources can help:
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Mississippi State University Anti-Hazing Policy: https://www.msstate.edu/policies/hazing
- University of Mississippi Anti-Hazing Policy: https://studentaffairs.olemiss.edu/hazing/
- National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention: https://hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing.org: https://www.stophazing.org
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is hazing, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and reach out for help.
Final Message to Copiah County Families
This is happening in Houston. It’s happening in Mississippi. It could be happening to your child right now.
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Copiah County. The same negligence that allowed a student to be hospitalized in Texas exists at Mississippi institutions.
But here’s the good news: You can fight back. You can hold them accountable. And you can protect the next student from going through the same nightmare.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit, and we are ready to bring that same fight to Copiah County.
If your child was hazed, call us now. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is confidential. And the justice is waiting.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. It’s time to end hazing in Copiah County — and we’re ready to lead the fight.