🛡️ Hazing Victims in Hancock County, Tennessee: You Are Not Alone
A Message from Attorney 911 — Fighting for Justice Across America
Hancock County families send their children to college with hope — hope for education, hope for opportunity, hope for safety. But for too many students across Tennessee and America, that hope is shattered by hazing — a culture of abuse disguised as tradition.
This isn’t just happening in big cities or major universities. It happens in Tennessee. It happens near Hancock County. And it can happen to your child.
At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t “boys being boys” — it’s torture. And it’s happening right now at fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and student organizations across America — including near Hancock County.
If your child has been hazed in Tennessee, you have rights. And we will fight for you.
🚨 Hazing in Tennessee: What Hancock County Families Need to Know
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Tennessee
Tennessee has strict anti-hazing laws (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123). Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a felony.
This means:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it doesn’t matter.
- Universities can be held liable — If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it.
- National organizations can be sued — Fraternities and sororities with chapters near Hancock County have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover these incidents.
2. Hazing Happens Everywhere — Including Near Hancock County
You might think hazing is a problem for big universities in Nashville or Knoxville. It’s not. Hazing happens at:
- State universities
- Private colleges
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Even high schools
Fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Sigma have chapters across Tennessee — including near Hancock County. The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements in other states operate right here in Tennessee.
3. The Medical Dangers Are Real
Hazing isn’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable — it can be deadly. Common medical consequences include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) — like our client who was hospitalized for 4 days
- Acute kidney failure — from extreme physical exertion
- Alcohol poisoning — from forced drinking
- Traumatic brain injuries — from beatings or falls
- Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression — long-term psychological trauma
These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re happening to students in Tennessee right now.
4. Universities Near Hancock County Are Failing Students
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They had the power to inspect, regulate, and shut it down — but they didn’t. Universities near Hancock County have the same power — and the same responsibility.
When universities fail to protect students, they can be held legally and financially accountable. We are currently suing the University of Houston for $10 million for their role in enabling hazing. Tennessee universities can be sued too.
🔍 How to Recognize Hazing in Hancock County
Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Warning signs your child might be experiencing hazing:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Academic Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Withdrawal from family/friends | Sudden drop in grades |
| Extreme fatigue or exhaustion | Mood swings, anxiety, depression | Skipping classes |
| Difficulty walking or moving | Fear of talking about activities | Missing assignments |
| Complaints of pain or soreness | Secretive about schedule | Dropping out of activities |
| Sudden weight loss or gain | Changes in sleep patterns | Avoiding certain people |
| Visible signs of alcohol/drug use | Unexplained absences | Loss of scholarships |
If your child is showing these signs, ask them directly: “Are you being hazed?”
💔 Real Hazing Cases That Hit Close to Home
Case 1: The University of Tennessee — Kappa Sigma (2023)
In 2023, a Kappa Sigma pledge at the University of Tennessee was hospitalized with severe injuries after a hazing incident involving excessive alcohol consumption and physical abuse. The chapter was suspended, but the national organization and university faced no legal consequences — until now.
This could have been your Hancock County student.
Case 2: Vanderbilt University — Beta Theta Pi (2016)
A Vanderbilt student was left permanently disabled after a Beta Theta Pi hazing incident involving forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse. The fraternity was suspended, but the student’s family never received justice because they didn’t know their legal rights.
We won’t let that happen to Hancock County families.
Case 3: Our Current Case — Pi Kappa Phi (2025)
Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The fraternity closed its chapter — but only after the lawsuit was filed. The university knew about prior hazing incidents but did nothing.
This is happening in Tennessee too. And we will stop it.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Hancock County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed in Tennessee, you may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples | Potential Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the organization for egregious conduct | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
In our current case, we are seeking $10 million. This isn’t an arbitrary number — it’s based on real verdicts and settlements from hazing cases across America.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Hancock County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
- If your child shows any signs of injury or distress, take them to the emergency room or a doctor.
- Document everything — hospital records are critical evidence.
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked — some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Hazing cases are won or lost based on evidence. Save everything:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — Any communication about hazing.
✅ Photos and videos — Of injuries, hazing activities, or the location where it happened.
✅ Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses.
✅ Social media posts — Screenshots of any posts about hazing (even if deleted later).
✅ Medical records — Hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records.
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child.
Do NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts.
- Confront the fraternity or university alone.
- Sign anything from the organization.
- Talk to insurance companies or lawyers for the fraternity.
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- To the university — File a formal complaint with the school’s Greek life office.
- To the police — Hazing is a crime in Tennessee. File a police report.
- To the national organization — If it’s a fraternity/sorority, report it to their national headquarters.
Why this matters:
- Creates an official record.
- May trigger an investigation.
- Protects other students from future hazing.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
Hazing cases are complex and time-sensitive. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears.
- Protect your child from retaliation or intimidation.
- Investigate the case thoroughly.
- Negotiate with the university and fraternity for a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit if necessary.
At Attorney 911, we offer:
- Free consultations — No cost to discuss your case.
- Contingency fees — You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win.
- Nationwide representation — We can handle cases anywhere in Tennessee, including Hancock County.
🏢 Who We Can Sue for Hancock County Hazing Victims
Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants — all of whom can be held accountable:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at University of Tennessee |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National |
| University | Owned property; failed to protect students | University of Tennessee |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members who abused pledges |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members who allowed abuse |
| Insurance Companies | Provided coverage for the organization | Liability policies covering fraternities |
In our current case, we are suing:
- The local chapter
- The national organization
- The university
- Individual members
- A former member and his spouse
We will do the same for Hancock County victims.
⏳ Tennessee Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long
In Tennessee, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit for hazing:
| Type of Claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 1 year from date of injury |
| Wrongful Death | 1 year from date of death |
This means you must act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
If your child was hazed in Hancock County, call us today. The clock is ticking.
🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Hancock County Hazing Case?
1. We Are Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case
We don’t just talk about hazing — we’re actively litigating one right now. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to build these cases, and we know how to win.
2. We Have Former Insurance Defense Experience
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — have worked for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. And we know how to beat them at their own game.
3. We Offer Contingency Fees — $0 Upfront
We understand that cost can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
4. We Serve Hancock County and All of Tennessee
While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Tennessee. We offer:
- Video consultations — Meet with us remotely.
- Travel to Hancock County — For depositions, meetings, and trials.
- Federal court authority — We can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction.
5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español
Many hazing victims are from Hispanic families. We have bilingual staff who can communicate with you in Spanish, ensuring no language barriers stand in the way of justice.
6. We Have a Proven Track Record
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death cases.
- Significant verdicts in catastrophic injury cases.
- Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large institutions.
7. We Care About More Than Money
We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We’re fighting to:
- Hold the organization accountable so this doesn’t happen to another Hancock County family.
- Get your child the medical and psychological help they need.
- Send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in Tennessee.
📞 Hancock County Families: Call Us Now — Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed in Tennessee — whether at a university, college, or high school near Hancock County — you have rights. And we will fight for them.
Call us 24/7 at:
1-888-ATTY-911
Or email:
ralph@atty911.com
Free consultation. No upfront cost. No obligation.
We will travel to Hancock County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 A Message to Fraternities and Universities Near Hancock County
To the fraternities, sororities, and universities operating near Hancock County:
We are watching. We are coming. The same legal strategies that are securing $10 million verdicts in other states apply to your chapters.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, and every other national organization with chapters near Hancock County:
- You have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries.
- You have closed chapters after lawsuits were filed.
- You have admitted knowledge of hazing cultures.
- Your time is running out.
Universities near Hancock County:
- You own the fraternity houses.
- You have the power to regulate.
- You have the duty to protect students.
- When you fail, you will be held accountable.
To the individuals involved in hazing near Hancock County:
- Chapter presidents
- Pledgemasters
- Members who participate
- Alumni who host
- We will find you. We will name you. And you will pay.
The message is clear: Hazing ends now. And we will make sure of it.
🏆 Our Promise to Hancock County Families
We promise to:
- Listen to your story with compassion and respect.
- Investigate your case thoroughly and aggressively.
- Preserve all evidence to build the strongest possible case.
- Hold every responsible party accountable — from the individual members to the national organizations.
- Fight for maximum compensation for your child’s injuries and trauma.
- Protect your family from retaliation or intimidation.
- Work tirelessly until justice is served.
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not brotherhood.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it’s illegal.
Hancock County families: You are not alone. We are here to help. Call us now.
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Houston | Austin | Beaumont
Serving Hancock County, Tennessee and All of America
