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Cumberland County (Earth/North America/United States/Tennessee/Cumberland County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down By Our Lawsuit | Attorney911 β€” America’s Most Comprehensive Greek Organization Database | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Experts | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 16 min read
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🚨 Cumberland County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | Stop Greek Life Hazing

Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. And Cumberland County families deserve justice.

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or other student organization near Cumberland County, Tennessee, you’re not alone. Attorney 911 is currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Cumberland County families.

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it in court right now. And we’ll fight for Cumberland County victims too.

πŸ“ž Cumberland County Families: Call Now for Free Consultation β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

πŸ’” The Hazing Crisis in Cumberland County

Cumberland County is home to Roane State Community College’s Cumberland County campus, and students from the area attend universities across Tennessee and the Southeast. Many of these institutions have active Greek life organizations β€” including the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries nationwide.

The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at fraternities near Cumberland County.

⚠️ Hazing Happens Near Cumberland County β€” Here’s What It Looks Like:

  • Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
  • Waterboarding and simulated drowning β€” yes, this happens at college fraternities
  • Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
  • Extreme physical punishment like 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls
  • Sleep deprivation causing exhaustion and accidents
  • Psychological torture including humiliation, threats, and isolation
  • Sexual abuse including forced nudity and carrying sexual objects

This isn’t “boys being boys.” This is assault. This is battery. This is sometimes manslaughter. And it’s happening near Cumberland County.

πŸ† Why Cumberland County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now β€” $10 Million Lawsuit Filed

We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.

Cumberland County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to this case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know exactly how they’ll try to deny your claim. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside β€” and now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.

3. Federal Court Authority β€” We Can Pursue Your Case Anywhere

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas β€” meaning we can pursue hazing cases in federal court nationwide. Cumberland County families don’t need a local attorney. They need the right attorney.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission β€” Texas AND New York

We’re licensed in both Texas and New York β€” giving us strategic advantage against national fraternities and sororities headquartered across America.

5. We Travel to Cumberland County

Distance is not a barrier. We will come to Cumberland County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Cumberland County families don’t need to travel to Houston β€” we’ll be there for you.

6. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of courtroom experience. We’ve handled multi-million dollar cases including the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We know how to take on powerful institutions.

7. Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β€” Cumberland County Spanish-Speaking Families Welcome

Many hazing victims come from Spanish-speaking families. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish β€” consultations, case communication, document translation.

8. Contingency Fee β€” $0 Upfront for Cumberland County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency β€” you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

🏒 Who We Sue for Cumberland County Hazing Victims

When your child is hazed, we don’t just sue the individual perpetrators. We pursue every entity that enabled or allowed the abuse:

1. Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter

  • Directly organized and conducted hazing
  • Leadership (president, pledgemaster) personally liable

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organization

  • Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of problems
  • Failed to supervise local chapters
  • Deep pockets β€” millions in assets and insurance

3. University or College

  • Failed to protect students despite knowing about hazing risks
  • Premises liability if hazing occurred on university-owned property
  • Negligent supervision of Greek life organizations

4. Housing Corporations

  • Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
  • Failed to prevent dangerous activities on their premises

5. Individual Members and Officers

  • Participated in hazing
  • Failed to stop hazing
  • Personal assets and homeowner’s insurance may cover damages

6. Alumni and Former Members

  • Allowed hazing at their homes
  • Participated in or facilitated hazing activities

πŸ“‹ What Cumberland County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed

⚠️ IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:

  1. Seek Medical Attention

    • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
    • Document all symptoms and treatment
    • Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and internal injuries can be life-threatening
  2. Preserve All Evidence

    • DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING β€” text messages, social media, photos, videos
    • Take screenshots of all communications about hazing
    • Photograph injuries at all stages of healing
    • Save all physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
  3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization

    • DO NOT confront fraternity/sorority leadership
    • DO NOT give statements to university administrators
    • DO NOT sign anything from the organization
    • They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence
  4. Do NOT Post on Social Media

    • Anything you post can be used against you
    • DO NOT post about the incident
    • DO NOT post about being “fine” or “okay”
    • DO NOT delete old posts (that’s destruction of evidence)
  5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

    • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation
    • Email ralph@atty911.com
    • Video consultation available for Cumberland County families

βš–οΈ Your Legal Rights as a Cumberland County Hazing Victim

1. Hazing Is Illegal in Tennessee

Tennessee has a criminal hazing law (Tennessee Code Annotated Β§ 49-7-123) that makes hazing a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Consent is not a defense β€” even if your child agreed to participate, the law still considers it hazing.

2. Civil Lawsuit for Damages

You can sue for:

  • Medical expenses (past, present, future)
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

3. Pattern Evidence Strengthens Your Case

If the organization has a history of hazing, that strengthens your claim. We investigate prior incidents to establish institutional negligence.

4. Deep Pockets Are Available

National fraternities and sororities have millions in assets and insurance. Universities have substantial resources. We know how to pursue these deep pockets.

πŸ’° What Cumberland County Hazing Cases Are Worth

Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Recent precedents:

Case Fraternity University Injury Outcome
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Death (alcohol poisoning) $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta LSU Death (alcohol poisoning) $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State Death (traumatic brain injury) $110+ million (estimated)
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi FSU Death (alcohol poisoning) Confidential settlement
Our Current Case Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure $10 million lawsuit pending

These results are possible for Cumberland County families too.

Factors That Increase Case Value:

  • Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
  • Egregious conduct (waterboarding, physical abuse, sexual humiliation)
  • Pattern of prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
  • Institutional knowledge (university or national organization knew about problems)
  • Cover-up attempts (destruction of evidence, intimidation of witnesses)
  • Wrongful death (highest value cases)

πŸ›οΈ Universities Near Cumberland County With Greek Life

While Cumberland County itself is home to Roane State Community College (which doesn’t have traditional Greek life), students from the area attend universities across Tennessee and the Southeast with active Greek organizations. Many of these institutions have chapters of the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing incidents nationwide.

Universities Near Cumberland County With Greek Life:

University Location Distance from Cumberland County Notes
University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville, TN ~100 miles Large Greek system; multiple hazing incidents reported over the years
Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN ~50 miles Active Greek life; students from Cumberland County area
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN ~150 miles Large Greek system
Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN ~175 miles Prestigious Greek system; hazing incidents reported
University of Memphis Memphis, TN ~350 miles Active Greek life
East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN ~150 miles Greek life present
University of Kentucky Lexington, KY ~175 miles Large Greek system; hazing incidents reported
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL ~250 miles Massive Greek system; multiple hazing deaths in recent years

The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and serious injuries nationwide have chapters at these universities β€” including near Cumberland County.

πŸ“ž Cumberland County Families: Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

Contact Attorney 911 Today:

  • Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
  • Email: ralph@atty911.com
  • Website: attorney911.com
  • Video Consultation: Available for Cumberland County families

We work on contingency β€” $0 upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Cumberland County Families

Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to cause trouble. Should we still pursue legal action?

A: Hazing thrives in secrecy. By speaking up, you’re not just protecting your child β€” you’re protecting future students. Many hazing victims fear retribution, but we can protect your child’s identity and pursue justice while minimizing their exposure. Your child’s bravery could save lives.

Q: The fraternity says my child consented to the activities. Does that matter?

A: No. Tennessee law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still considers it hazing if it endangers their health or safety. The fraternity cannot use consent as an excuse for abuse.

Q: We’re in Cumberland County. Can you really help us if you’re based in Houston?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are willing to travel to Cumberland County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice. Many of our hazing clients are from outside Texas.

Q: How much will it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery, so there’s no financial risk to your family.

Q: What if the hazing happened at a university outside Tennessee?

A: It doesn’t matter where the hazing occurred. We can pursue your case regardless of location. Many Cumberland County students attend universities in other states, and we have experience with out-of-state hazing cases.

Q: The university says they’re investigating. Should we wait?

A: No. University investigations are designed to protect the institution, not your child. Contact us immediately β€” we can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected. The university’s investigation may actually help your case by documenting the hazing.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: Psychological trauma is just as serious as physical injury. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are all compensable damages. Many hazing victims suffer long-term psychological harm even without physical injuries.

Q: Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. Many hazing incidents happen at private residences, fraternity houses, or other off-campus locations. The location doesn’t matter β€” the conduct does.

Q: What if my child was hazed by a sports team, not a fraternity?

A: We represent hazing victims from all types of organizations β€” fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs, and more. Hazing is hazing, regardless of the organization.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Tennessee, you generally have 1 year from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact us immediately β€” evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

πŸ“’ Warning to Fraternities Near Cumberland County

To the fraternities operating near Cumberland County: We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million+ verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Cumberland County or anywhere in Tennessee, we will pursue every liable entity.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu, Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Tau Omega β€” if your chapter operates near Cumberland County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Tennessee or anywhere in America.

πŸ† Our Promise to Cumberland County Families

  1. We will listen β€” without judgment, without pressure
  2. We will investigate β€” thoroughly and aggressively
  3. We will fight β€” for maximum compensation and accountability
  4. We will protect β€” your child’s privacy and well-being
  5. We will win β€” because we know how to take on powerful institutions

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

πŸ“ž Cumberland County Hazing Victims: Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

Free consultation. No obligation. $0 upfront.

We only get paid if we win your case.

Serving Cumberland County, Tennessee and nationwide.

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