Hazing Lawyer in Greene County: Protecting Students from Fraternity and Sorority Abuse

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines — Neither Does Our Fight for Justice

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a fraternity or sorority near Greene County, Tennessee, you’re not alone. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in our current $10 million lawsuit are happening right here in East Tennessee. We’re fighting this battle in Texas — and we’ll fight just as hard for Greene County families.

Call Attorney 911 now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

What’s Happening in Greene County? The Same Hazing That’s Costing Millions Nationwide

Greene County is home to a strong community with deep family values. When parents send their children to college, they expect them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing happens at universities near Greene County — just like it’s happening across America.

The Same Fraternities Are Operating in Greene County

The national organizations involved in our current lawsuit — including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others — have active chapters at universities near Greene County. If they’re hazing students in Texas, they’re hazing students in Tennessee too.

The Same Universities Are Failing to Protect Students

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Universities near Greene County have the same power — and the same responsibility — to stop hazing. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

The Same Medical Emergencies Are Happening

Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, waterboarded, and struck with wooden paddles. These same injuries — and worse — are happening to students near Greene County.

How Hazing Affects Greene County Families

Physical Injuries from Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s physical abuse that can lead to:

Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that causes kidney failure)
Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
Broken bones and burns (from paddles, branding, or other abuse)
Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure to extreme weather)

Our client nearly died from rhabdomyolysis after being forced to exercise past the point of exhaustion. This is happening to Greene County students too.

Psychological Trauma from Hazing

The damage isn’t just physical. Hazing leaves lifelong psychological scars, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — from waterboarding, beatings, or humiliation
Anxiety and depression — from fear of retribution if they speak out
Trust issues — from betrayal by people they thought were friends
Academic decline — from sleep deprivation and stress
Suicidal thoughts — from feeling trapped and hopeless

Our client was too afraid to speak out because of threats from fraternity members. Greene County students are facing the same fear.

Financial Costs of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just hurt students — it financially devastates families.

Medical bills for emergency room visits, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment
Lost wages from missing work during recovery
Tuition losses if the student drops out or transfers
Therapy costs for PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Our client spent four days in the hospital with kidney failure. His family is now facing thousands in medical bills — and so are Greene County families.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Greene County?

When hazing happens, everyone involved must be held accountable — not just the individuals who participated, but the institutions that allowed it to happen.

1. The Local Fraternity or Sorority Chapter

The chapter members who organized and carried out the hazing are directly liable for the harm they caused. This includes:

The chapter president
The pledgemaster (in charge of pledge activities)
All active members who participated
Any alumni who facilitated or allowed hazing

In our Houston case, we’re suing multiple individual members for their roles in the abuse.

2. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization

National organizations have millions in assets and insurance policies — and they knew about the risks of hazing.

In our case, Pi Kappa Phi National knew about a “hazing crisis” in their chapters but failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. The same is true for other national organizations operating near Greene County.

These nationals will pay — because they have the money to pay.

3. The University or College

Universities near Greene County have a legal duty to protect students. When they fail, they can be held liable for:

Failing to supervise Greek life — despite knowing hazing happens
Failing to investigate complaints — even when students report abuse
Allowing hazing on university property — many fraternity houses are owned by the school
Failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Greene County universities have the same liability.

4. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in hazing can be sued individually. This includes:

Members who physically abused pledges
Members who threatened or intimidated pledges
Members who failed to stop the abuse
Alumni who hosted hazing events

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. Greene County perpetrators face the same liability.

What Can Greene County Families Recover?

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Greene County families can pursue:

1. Medical Expenses

Emergency room bills
Hospital stays
Doctor visits
Physical therapy
Future medical care (for long-term injuries)

2. Pain and Suffering

Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress from abuse
PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Loss of enjoyment of life

3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Time missed from work during recovery
Future lost earnings if injuries affect career options

4. Educational Damages

Tuition refunds for dropped classes
Costs of transferring to another school
Lost scholarships

5. Punitive Damages

When hazing involves egregious conduct — like waterboarding, forced drinking, or beatings — juries award punitive damages to punish the defendants and send a message.

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

$10.1 million (Stone Foltz case)
$6.1 million jury verdict (Maxwell Gruver case)
$110+ million (Timothy Piazza case)

Greene County families can recover the same.

What Should Greene County Families Do Right Now?

If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statutes of limitations run out. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away
Medical records are critical evidence for your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

Do NOT delete any text messages, social media posts, or photos
Take screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, or other communications
Save physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)
Get witness contact information — other pledges may have seen what happened

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

They will try to control the narrative
They will downplay the abuse
They may pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights
Anything you say can be used against you

4. Call Attorney 911 Immediately

We offer free consultations for Greene County hazing victims. We’ll:

Evaluate your case
Explain your legal rights
Preserve evidence
Handle all communications with the fraternity and university
Fight for the compensation you deserve

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Greene County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases — and we know how to win.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Fraternities Operate

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are former insurance defense lawyers. We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability — and we know how to beat them at their own game.

3. We’ll Travel to Greene County for Your Case

We’re based in Texas, but we serve hazing victims nationwide. We’ll come to Greene County for:

Depositions
Court hearings
Client meetings
Trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

4. We Work on Contingency — You Pay Nothing Upfront

We understand that Greene County families can’t afford expensive legal fees. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims are from Spanish-speaking families. We provide bilingual legal services so language is never a barrier to justice.

The Hazing Cases That Prove Greene County Families Can Win

1. Stone Foltz — $10.1 Million

Victim: Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10.1 million settlement

2. Maxwell Gruver — $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Victim: Maxwell Gruver, Louisiana State University
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict

3. Timothy Piazza — $110+ Million

Victim: Timothy Piazza, Penn State University
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
What Happened: Forced to drink 18 drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
Outcome: $110+ million settlement

4. Our Current Case — $10 Million

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, University of Houston
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles; hospitalized with kidney failure
Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending

If these families can win, so can Greene County families.

Hazing Laws in Tennessee — What Greene County Families Need to Know

Tennessee has strong anti-hazing laws that protect students. Here’s what you should know:

1. Hazing Is a Crime in Tennessee

Under Tennessee Code § 49-7-123, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:

Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail
Fines up to $2,500

If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a felony.

2. Consent Is Not a Defense

Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent is not a defense under Tennessee law. The fraternity can still be held liable.

3. Universities Can Be Held Liable

Tennessee universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If they fail, they can be sued for negligence.

4. You Have 1 Year to File a Lawsuit

Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You must act fast to preserve your rights.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

1. Evidence Disappears

Text messages get deleted
Social media posts get removed
Witnesses forget details

2. The Fraternity Will Cover It Up

They’ll pressure students to stay quiet
They’ll destroy evidence
They’ll claim it was “just a prank”

3. Your Legal Rights Expire

Tennessee’s 1-year statute of limitations will run out
You’ll lose your chance to hold them accountable

4. Another Student Will Get Hurt

If you don’t speak out, the hazing will continue
The next victim could be someone else’s child

Take Action Now — Before It’s Too Late

Greene County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We’re already fighting this battle in Texas — and we’ll fight just as hard for you.

Call Attorney 911 Today

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We offer:
✅ Free consultations for hazing victims
✅ Contingency fee representation — you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Bilingual services — se habla español
✅ Nationwide representation — we serve Greene County and beyond

Hazing Doesn’t Build Brotherhood — It Destroys Lives

The fraternities and universities near Greene County want you to believe that hazing is just “tradition.” But there’s nothing traditional about:

Waterboarding students (like in our Houston case)
Forcing them to do 500 squats until their muscles break down
Striking them with wooden paddles
Hospitalizing them with kidney failure

This isn’t tradition. It’s torture.

It’s time to hold them accountable. It’s time to send a message.