Hazing Lawyers in Hernando County, FL | Attorney 911

Justice for Hazing Victims in Hernando County and Beyond

If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization in Hernando County, Florida, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is fighting to end the culture of abuse in Greek life and hold institutions accountable—right now.

Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme physical abuse, waterboarding, and forced consumption. The same fraternities operate in Hernando County, and we will bring the same aggressive legal fight to Florida.

Hernando County families deserve justice. We will fight for you.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

Why Hernando County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—one of the largest hazing cases in Texas history. The same fraternities with chapters near Hernando County (including University of South Florida, Saint Leo University, and Pasco-Hernando State College) have the same dangerous cultures.

If it happened in Houston, it can happen in Hernando County. We know how to stop it.

2. Nationwide Reach, Local Impact

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Hernando County, FL. We travel to Florida for depositions, trials, and client meetings. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims—and we use that knowledge to maximize your compensation.

4. No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means Hernando County families can fight back without financial risk.

5. We Speak Spanish—Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Hernando County come from Hispanic families. Our bilingual staff ensures no language barrier stands between you and justice.

6. We’ve Won Millions for Personal Injury Victims

Our firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases, including:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (mass tort experience)
• Wrongful death claims
• Catastrophic injury cases
• Federal court cases (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

We bring this same expertise to Hernando County hazing cases.

Hazing in Hernando County: What Parents Need to Know

The Problem: Hazing is Rampant in Florida

Hazing is not just a “college prank”—it’s abuse, torture, and sometimes murder. In Florida alone:

• A University of Central Florida (UCF) student died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing event.
• A Florida State University (FSU) student died in 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.
• A University of Florida (UF) student was hospitalized in 2019 after extreme physical hazing.

The same national fraternities (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others) have active chapters at universities near Hernando County, including:

• University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa, FL
• Saint Leo University – Saint Leo, FL
• Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) – New Port Richey, FL
• University of Tampa – Tampa, FL

If your child attends or plans to attend a college near Hernando County, they are at risk.

What Counts as Hazing?

Florida law defines hazing as any action that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Common hazing activities in Hernando County and Florida include:
✅ Physical abuse – Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption – Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food substances
✅ Sleep deprivation – All-night activities, forced driving for members
✅ Psychological torture – Waterboarding, humiliation, threats, isolation
✅ Sexual abuse – Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Dangerous stunts – Blindfolded activities, extreme weather exposure

This is not “tradition.” This is abuse.

Florida Hazing Laws: What Hernando County Families Need to Know

Florida has strict anti-hazing laws, and hazing can be prosecuted as a felony if it results in serious injury or death.

Florida Statute § 1006.63 – Hazing

• Hazing is a crime in Florida.
• Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.
• Criminal penalties include:
  • Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) for hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical injury
  • Felony (up to 5 years in prison) if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death

Civil Liability: You Can Sue for Damages

Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless conduct)

Our firm is currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against a fraternity and university for hazing. Hernando County families can seek the same justice.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Hernando County

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

• Go to the ER—even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) don’t show symptoms right away.
• Document everything—take photos of injuries, save medical records, and keep receipts.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Take screenshots of social media posts about hazing.
• Write down names of witnesses, fraternity members, and anyone involved.
• Do NOT delete anything—this could be used as evidence.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

• Fraternities and universities will try to control the narrative.
• They may offer a quick settlement—but it will be far less than you deserve.
• Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will handle all communications with the fraternity, university, and insurance companies.
• We will preserve evidence before it disappears.
• We will fight for maximum compensation—no matter where in Florida the hazing occurred.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hernando County Hazing Case?

Hazing cases are not just about the students who participated—they’re about the institutions that enabled the abuse. In our current $10 million lawsuit, we are suing:

Hernando County families can sue the same defendants if hazing occurs at local universities.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions

Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts—they result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Some recent cases:

Our current $10 million lawsuit is in line with these precedents. Hernando County families can seek the same compensation.

Why Hernando County Families Should Act Now

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• Texts get deleted.
• Social media posts vanish.
• Witnesses forget details.

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

2. Statute of Limitations: You Have Limited Time

• Florida law gives you only 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
• If you wait, you lose your right to sue forever.

3. Criminal Charges May Be Filed

• Hazing is a crime in Florida.
• If criminal charges are filed, they can strengthen your civil case.

4. Other Victims May Come Forward

• Hazing is rarely an isolated incident.
• If multiple victims step forward, the case becomes even stronger.

Hernando County Hazing Lawyers: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?

A: YES. Florida law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense in hazing cases. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, private residence, or anywhere else, the organization is still responsible.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing cases often result in millions of dollars in compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Punitive damages (to punish the organization)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. Hernando County families can seek similar compensation.

Q: Will the fraternity retaliate against my child?

We understand the fear of retaliation. That’s why:

• We protect your identity if needed.
• We handle all communications with the fraternity and university.
• We work with Title IX offices to ensure your child is protected.

Q: Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?

You need a lawyer. Fraternities and universities have teams of attorneys working to minimize your claim. Without legal representation, you risk:

• Accepting a lowball settlement.
• Missing key evidence.
• Losing your case entirely.

We level the playing field for Hernando County families.

Hernando County Hazing Lawyers: Our Commitment to You

1. Immediate Action

• We respond within 24 hours.
• We preserve evidence before it disappears.
• We handle all communications with the fraternity and university.

2. Aggressive Representation

• We sue everyone responsible—not just the students who participated, but the national organization, university, and individuals who enabled the abuse.
• We fight for maximum compensation—our current case is seeking $10 million, and we will pursue the same for Hernando County families.

3. No Upfront Costs

• You pay nothing unless we win.
• We advance all case expenses (medical records, expert witnesses, etc.).
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—not your pocket.

4. Compassionate Support

• We treat you like family.
• We understand the emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families.
• We guide you through every step of the legal process.

Hernando County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing leaves physical scars, emotional trauma, and lifelong consequences. But you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Attorney 911 is here to fight for you.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We serve hazing victims in Hernando County, FL, and nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Hernando County Hazing Resources

• Florida Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• University of South Florida (USF) Hazing Policy: USF Hazing Prevention
• Saint Leo University Hazing Policy: Saint Leo Hazing Prevention
• Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Hazing Policy: PHSC Student Handbook

Hernando County Hazing Lawyers: Take Action Now

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com

We fight for Hernando County families. We fight for justice. We fight for change.

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™