🛡️ Hazing Victims in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana — Legal Rights & Justice Path
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Justice
East Carroll Parish families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near East Carroll Parish, you are not alone. The same national fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston operate chapters across Louisiana. The same institutional failures that allowed hazing at University of Houston exist at universities near East Carroll Parish. And the same legal rights that protect Texas students protect Louisiana students — including those in East Carroll Parish.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized a student with kidney failure. We will bring the same aggressive representation to East Carroll Parish families.
If your child has been hazed near East Carroll Parish, call us now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
What Is Hazing? — A Legal Definition for East Carroll Parish Families
Hazing is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is not “just a prank.”
Under Louisiana law (and most state laws), hazing includes:
- Physical abuse: Beating, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
- Forced consumption: Alcohol, food, or other substances until vomiting or unconsciousness
- Psychological torture: Waterboarding, simulated drowning, humiliation, threats
- Sleep deprivation: Forced late-night activities, early-morning duties
- Servitude: Forced cleaning, driving, errands for members
In our current case:
- A student was waterboarded with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat until vomiting, then continue exercising in vomit
- Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
This happens at universities near East Carroll Parish too.
Why East Carroll Parish Families Need Legal Representation Now
1. Universities Will Protect Themselves — Not Your Child
When hazing is exposed, universities near East Carroll Parish will:
- Issue statements about “deeply disturbing” conduct
- Suspend or dissolve the chapter
- Claim they’re “shocked” it happened
But they knew.
- Universities near East Carroll Parish have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous organizations
- They choose not to — until someone is hospitalized or dies
- Then they close the chapter quietly and hope it blows over
They will not protect your child. We will.
2. Fraternities Will Blame the Victim
Defendants will argue:
- “He consented to participate”
- “He knew the risks”
- “He could have left at any time”
- “It’s just tradition”
Louisiana law says: CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE.
If your child was hazed near East Carroll Parish, their “consent” does not matter. The law is on your side.
3. Evidence Disappears Fast
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get removed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence.
4. Statutes of Limitations Are Running
- Louisiana personal injury: 1 year from date of injury (shorter than Texas)
- Wrongful death: 1 year from date of death
- Criminal hazing: varies by severity
If you wait, you may lose your right to sue forever.
Who Is Liable for Hazing Near East Carroll Parish?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible — and financially accountable.
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | East Carroll Parish Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same fraternities operate near East Carroll Parish |
| National Organization | Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies despite knowledge of prior incidents | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, others have chapters near East Carroll Parish |
| University | Failed to supervise Greek life; premises liability if they own/control property | Universities near East Carroll Parish have same oversight failures |
| Housing Corporation | Owns/controls property where hazing occurred | Same housing corporations operate near East Carroll Parish |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Same individuals engage in hazing near East Carroll Parish |
| Alumni/Advisors | Hosted hazing at their homes; failed to stop it | Same alumni culture exists near East Carroll Parish |
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National is liable for failing to prevent hazing despite Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017
- University of Houston is liable for owning the house where torture occurred
- Individual members are liable for waterboarding, paddling, and forced exercise
The same liability exists for hazing near East Carroll Parish.
What Can East Carroll Parish Families Sue For?
Hazing victims near East Carroll Parish can pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
- Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
- Educational disruption (tuition for missed semesters, delayed graduation)
- Future earning capacity (if injuries cause permanent limitations)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from abuse)
- Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
- Disfigurement (scars from branding, burns, or injuries)
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded when conduct is egregious, intentional, or reckless
- Meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct
- Waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, paddling with weapons — all support punitive damages
In our current case:
- Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure
- Medical bills, future monitoring, therapy, lost academic time
- Pain and suffering from waterboarding and physical abuse
- Punitive damages for the fraternity’s knowing disregard for safety
East Carroll Parish families can pursue the same compensation.
Precedent Cases Prove East Carroll Parish Families Can Win
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts — even for non-fatal injuries.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Max Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Tucker Hipps | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Clemson | Settlement | $500,000+ |
Key Takeaways for East Carroll Parish Families:
- $10 million is achievable — Stone Foltz family received $10.1 million
- Juries award millions — Gruver family received $6.1 million verdict
- Universities pay — BGSU paid $2.9 million; Penn State paid $110+ million
- Fraternities pay — Pike National paid substantial amount in Foltz case
- Non-death cases win big — Bermudez survived but has serious injuries; still supports multi-million recovery
East Carroll Parish families can achieve the same results.
The Same Fraternities Operate Near East Carroll Parish
The fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases have active chapters at universities across Louisiana — including near East Carroll Parish.
| Fraternity | Hazing Cases | Louisiana Chapters (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | LSU, Tulane, Louisiana Tech, University of Louisiana Lafayette |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, death) | LSU, Tulane, University of Louisiana Monroe |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths | LSU, Tulane, Louisiana Tech |
| Sigma Chi | Recent wrongful death lawsuit | LSU, University of Louisiana Lafayette |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver (2017, death) | LSU, Tulane, University of Louisiana Monroe |
These are the same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements. They operate near East Carroll Parish. They engage in the same hazing culture.
If your child is pledging a fraternity near East Carroll Parish, they face the same risks.
What Should East Carroll Parish Families Do Right Now?
If Your Child Has Been Hazed:
-
Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and psychological trauma may not appear immediately
- Medical records are critical evidence
-
Preserve all evidence
- Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — screenshot everything
- Photos/videos — injuries, hazing activities, locations
- Witness information — names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
- Physical evidence — paddles, hoses, other items used in hazing
-
Do NOT talk to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will attempt to get you to sign documents
- They will offer lowball settlements
-
Do NOT post on social media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Even innocent posts can be twisted to suggest you “consented”
-
Contact Attorney 911 immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911
- Email ralph@atty911.com
- Free, confidential consultation
If Your Child Is Currently Pledging:
-
Educate them about hazing
- Share this page with them
- Show them the $10 million lawsuit we’re litigating
- Explain that waterboarding, forced exercise, paddling are not “tradition” — they’re torture
-
Encourage them to document everything
- Keep a journal of activities
- Save all communications
- Take photos if safe to do so
-
Tell them they can leave at any time
- Consent is not a defense — they cannot be punished for withdrawing
- Their safety matters more than “brotherhood”
-
Be vigilant for warning signs
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden weight loss or fatigue
- Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
- Secretive behavior
-
Contact us if you suspect hazing
- We can provide guidance
- We can intervene if necessary
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your East Carroll Parish Hazing Case?
1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
- We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- We know how to build hazing cases
- We know how to win against powerful institutions
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
- Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides
- We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims
- We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery
3. Nationwide Reach — Including East Carroll Parish
- Based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — but serve clients nationwide
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas AND New York
- Video consultations — meet with us remotely
- We travel to East Carroll Parish — for depositions, client meetings, and trials
4. Proven Track Record in High-Stakes Litigation
- Handled BP Texas City explosion litigation (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence
- Former prosecutors — know how to build strong cases
5. Hazing-Specific Expertise
- Rhabdomyolysis injury litigation — our current client was hospitalized with kidney failure
- Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, and other hazing cases — direct experience
- Pattern evidence analysis — we know how to prove systemic negligence
6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for East Carroll Parish Families
- No upfront cost — we don’t get paid unless you get paid
- No hourly fees — we take the risk, not you
- Level playing field — now you can fight back against institutions with deep pockets
7. Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
- We understand the trauma hazing causes
- We treat East Carroll Parish families with respect and dignity
- We fight hard because we care
Frequently Asked Questions for East Carroll Parish Families
Q: My child was hazed, but they’re afraid of retaliation. What should we do?
A: Retaliation is illegal. Hazing victims have legal protections. We can:
- Send cease-and-desist letters to the organization
- File protective orders if necessary
- Pursue claims against individuals who retaliate
- Keep your child’s identity confidential during litigation
Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” — we understand this fear and will protect your child.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Can they still sue?
A: Yes — consent is not a defense.
- Louisiana law (and most state laws) explicitly say consent does not justify hazing
- Coercion and peer pressure negate true consent
- Victims rarely know what they’re consenting to — hazing is hidden until it happens
- Fear of retaliation prevents many from leaving
The law is on your side.
Q: My child wasn’t a student at the university yet. Can we still sue?
A: Yes.
In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush” — not yet enrolled at University of Houston. He was expected to transfer for the upcoming semester.
Fraternities and universities have a duty of care that extends beyond enrolled students.
Q: The university says they’re “shocked” this happened. Can they still be held liable?
A: Yes — and they should be.
Universities near East Carroll Parish:
- Have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous organizations
- Often own the fraternity houses where hazing occurs
- Have prior knowledge of hazing risks in Greek life
- Fail to implement effective oversight
In our current case:
- University of Houston owned the fraternity house where torture occurred
- They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — they knew the risks
- They did nothing to prevent it from happening again
The same institutional failures exist at universities near East Carroll Parish.
Q: How much is my East Carroll Parish hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts — even for non-fatal injuries.
Factors that increase case value:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse, paddling)
- Pattern evidence (prior hazing incidents at same chapter)
- Institutional knowledge (university/fraternity knew about prior incidents)
- Cover-up attempts (destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses)
In our current case:
- Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure requiring 4-day hospitalization
- Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
- Prior death at same fraternity (Andrew Coffey, 2017)
- Prior hospitalization at same university (2017)
- $10 million demand
East Carroll Parish families can achieve similar results.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Louisiana has strict deadlines — ACT NOW.
- Personal injury: 1 year from date of injury
- Wrongful death: 1 year from date of death
- Criminal hazing: varies by severity
If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
In our current case:
- Hazing occurred in September-November 2025
- Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025 — immediately after hospitalization
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.
Q: Can we afford a lawyer?
A: Yes — we work on contingency.
- $0 upfront cost — no payment required to hire us
- No hourly fees — we don’t bill by the hour
- We take the risk — if we don’t win, you owe us nothing
- You only pay if we win — our fee comes from your settlement or verdict
This levels the playing field. Now East Carroll Parish families can fight back against universities and fraternities with deep pockets.
Q: What if the hazing happened at a private university near East Carroll Parish?
A: Private universities can still be held liable.
- They have the same duty to protect students
- They have the same power to regulate Greek life
- They often have substantial insurance policies
- They can be sued for negligent supervision, premises liability, and more
In our current case, University of Houston is a public university — but private universities face the same liability.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: Off-campus hazing still creates liability.
- Fraternities can be held liable for activities at private residences
- Universities can be held liable if they knew or should have known about off-campus hazing
- Premises liability applies if hazing occurs at a member’s home
In our current case, hazing occurred at both:
- The university-owned fraternity house
- A private residence (former member’s home)
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: Yes — and you should.
National fraternities:
- Have substantial assets and insurance policies
- Have prior knowledge of hazing at their chapters
- Fail to enforce their own anti-hazing policies
- Enable the harmful environment
In our current case:
- Pi Kappa Phi National is a named defendant
- They knew about Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017
- They knew about “a hazing crisis”
- They failed to prevent Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization
The same liability exists for national fraternities operating near East Carroll Parish.
East Carroll Parish Families: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing is happening near East Carroll Parish right now. The same fraternities. The same culture. The same abuse.
Your child could be next.
But you can fight back.
Attorney 911 is here to help East Carroll Parish families:
- Free, confidential consultations
- $0 upfront cost — we work on contingency
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
- Nationwide reach — including East Carroll Parish
- Proven track record in hazing litigation
If your child has been hazed near East Carroll Parish, call us now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We will fight for your East Carroll Parish family.
To the Fraternities Operating Near East Carroll Parish:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters near East Carroll Parish.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi — if your chapter operates near East Carroll Parish, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
Every national fraternity with chapters near East Carroll Parish should review their hazing policies immediately. We have proven these cases can be won.
Universities near East Carroll Parish: The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at East Carroll Parish institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
To East Carroll Parish Parents:
Your child trusted these people.
They trusted the fraternity. They trusted the university. They trusted that these institutions would keep them safe.
That trust was betrayed.
We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the rage.
We are here to turn that pain and rage into accountability.
Call us. We will fight for your child.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
East Carroll Parish Hazing Resources
Immediate Help:
- Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
- National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Medical Care Near East Carroll Parish:
- Lake Providence Medical Center (East Carroll Parish)
- University Medical Center New Orleans (for specialized care)
- Ochsner Medical Center (multiple Louisiana locations)
Mental Health Support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386
- Louisiana Department of Health — Behavioral Health: https://ldh.la.gov/page/behavioral-health
Hazing Education & Prevention:
- HazingPrevention.Org: https://hazingprevention.org/
- StopHazing Research Lab: https://www.stophazing.org/
- Clery Center: https://clerycenter.org/
Legal Resources:
- Louisiana State Bar Association: https://www.lsba.org/
- Louisiana Legal Aid: https://louisianalawhelp.org/
East Carroll Parish: Enough Is Enough
To the students being hazed near East Carroll Parish:
- You are not alone.
- You did not deserve this.
- You have the right to seek justice.
- You have the right to walk away.
To the parents of hazing victims near East Carroll Parish:
- We see you.
- We hear you.
- We will fight for you.
To the universities and fraternities near East Carroll Parish:
- We are coming.
- We will expose your failures.
- We will hold you accountable.
- We will make you pay.
East Carroll Parish families: The time to act is now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Protecting East Carroll Parish families from hazing abuse.
