🚨 Hazing Victims in Houston County, Alabama: Your Rights, Your Justice
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not brotherhood. It’s not bonding.
It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal. And if it happened to you or your child in Houston County, Alabama, you have powerful legal rights — even if the incident occurred at a university outside the county.
At Attorney 911, we are actively fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This isn’t just happening in Texas — the same fraternities operate at universities near Houston County, Alabama, and the same culture of abuse exists here.
We serve hazing victims and families in Houston County, Alabama, and across America. If your child was hazed in Dothan, at Troy University, at Auburn, at Alabama State, or anywhere in the state — we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to our landmark case.
🔥 Why Houston County Families Need to Know This Now
1. Hazing is Happening Near Houston County — And It’s Dangerous
Houston County is home to Wallace Community College, Troy University (Dothan Campus), and nearby universities like Auburn, Alabama State, and Troy’s main campus. These institutions have active Greek life programs — including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others — the same organizations with documented histories of hazing deaths, hospitalizations, and lawsuits nationwide.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening at universities near Houston County.
- Forced drinking leading to alcohol poisoning
- Extreme physical punishment causing rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Waterboarding and simulated drowning
- Forced eating until vomiting
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Psychological torture and humiliation
This is not harmless fun. This is abuse. And it can kill.
2. Universities Near Houston County Are Failing to Protect Students
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. They had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 — and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
The same failure is happening at universities near Houston County.
- Troy University has Greek organizations with documented hazing risks
- Auburn University has faced hazing allegations in the past
- Alabama State University has active Greek life with oversight challenges
- Wallace Community College (Dothan) may have Greek organizations or clubs with hazing risks
If your child was hazed at a university near Houston County, that institution likely knew about the risks — and failed to act.
3. The Law Protects Houston County Victims — No Matter Where It Happened
Even if the hazing occurred at a university outside Houston County — in Auburn, Troy, Montgomery, or elsewhere — you still have legal rights, and we can still represent you.
How We Serve Houston County Families Nationwide:
✅ Federal court authority — We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction anywhere in the country
✅ Dual-state bar licenses — Licensed in Texas and New York, giving us strategic flexibility
✅ Remote consultations — Video meetings with Houston County families
✅ Travel commitment — We come to Houston County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Contingency fee representation — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
4. Hazing Causes Real, Life-Altering Harm — And You Can Be Compensated
Hazing isn’t just “a few bruises.” It causes serious, sometimes permanent damage:
| Injury Type | What It Means | Houston County Families Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle breakdown releases toxins into bloodstream, causing kidney failure | Requires hospitalization; can be life-threatening; may cause permanent kidney damage |
| Acute Kidney Failure | Kidneys stop filtering waste; can be fatal without treatment | Requires dialysis or transplant in severe cases |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Overdose of alcohol depresses breathing and heart rate | Can lead to coma or death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | From beatings, falls, or oxygen deprivation | Can cause permanent cognitive impairment |
| PTSD, Anxiety, Depression | Psychological trauma from abuse | Requires therapy; can last for years |
| Wrongful Death | When hazing kills | Families can sue for loss of companionship, future earnings, funeral expenses |
These injuries require medical treatment. That treatment costs money. And the people who caused the harm should pay — not Houston County families.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Houston County Hazing Victim
1. Alabama Has Strong Anti-Hazing Laws
Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing as:
“Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.”
This includes:
- Physical abuse (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, non-food substances)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Sexual abuse or harassment
Alabama law makes hazing a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months in jail and a $500 fine. For hazing that causes serious physical injury or death, it becomes a Class B felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Importantly: Consent is NOT a defense in Alabama. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.
2. You Can Sue for Money Damages
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for:
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Houston County Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Hospital stays, ER visits, therapy, medications, future treatment | A Dothan student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after hazing at Troy University |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | A Houston County parent who had to take unpaid leave to care for their child |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain and emotional trauma | A student who was waterboarded and now has PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, PTSD | A student who dropped out of college due to trauma |
| Disfigurement | Permanent scars or injuries | A student with permanent kidney damage from forced exercise |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the defendants for outrageous conduct | A fraternity that waterboarded pledges despite knowing it’s torture |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and precedent cases show juries and courts award millions for hazing victims.
3. Who Can Be Sued? Everyone Who Participated or Allowed It
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Houston County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at Auburn, SAE at Troy, etc. |
| National Fraternity/Sorority | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi National, SAE National, etc. |
| University | Failed to protect students; had power to stop hazing | Troy University, Auburn University, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Chapter president, pledgemaster, active members |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Former members in Dothan, Enterprise, or elsewhere |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity house owners near Houston County campuses |
In our current case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The UH chapter
- The housing corporation
- The university
- Individual members
- Former members and their spouses
We will bring the same comprehensive strategy to Houston County cases.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
Houston County families need to know: Hazing cases result in real money — millions of dollars in compensation. These aren’t empty threats; they’re legal realities.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (substantial) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ million |
Our current case: $10 million demand — directly in line with these precedents.
Houston County families: These same results are possible for you.
🏢 Which Universities Near Houston County Have Hazing Risks?
Houston County is in southeast Alabama, near several universities with active Greek life. These institutions have the same fraternities and sororities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide.
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History/Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy University | Troy, AL (~50 miles from Dothan) | Active Greek system; multiple fraternities and sororities | Documented hazing risks; oversight challenges |
| Troy University (Dothan Campus) | Dothan, AL | Greek organizations may operate | Local oversight; potential for hazing |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL (~120 miles from Dothan) | Large Greek system; 30+ fraternities and sororities | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters; hazing incidents in past |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL (~100 miles from Dothan) | Active Greek organizations | Historically Black Greek organizations; hazing risks exist |
| Wallace Community College (Dothan) | Dothan, AL | May have Greek organizations or student clubs | Hazing can occur in clubs, sports teams, or informal groups |
| Enterprise State Community College | Enterprise, AL (~20 miles from Dothan) | May have student organizations | Hazing risks in clubs, sports, or honor societies |
The fraternities involved in our current case — Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon — all have chapters at universities near Houston County.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Houston County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
🚨 What Houston County Families Should Do If Hazing Happens
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
If your child shows any signs of hazing injury, take them to the hospital right away. Symptoms to watch for:
| Injury | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Severe muscle pain, dark/brown urine, difficulty moving, weakness |
| Alcohol Poisoning | Confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, pale/blue skin, unconsciousness |
| Concussion/TBI | Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss |
| Heat Stroke | High body temperature, nausea, confusion, fainting |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion |
| PTSD/Anxiety | Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, panic attacks |
Do not wait. Do not assume they’ll “sleep it off.” Hazing injuries can be life-threatening.
Houston County hospitals:
- Southeast Health Medical Center (Dothan)
- Flowers Hospital (Dothan)
- Medical Center Enterprise (Enterprise)
2. Preserve All Evidence
Evidence disappears fast. If your child was hazed, save everything:
✅ Medical records — Hospital visits, doctor notes, test results
✅ Photos/videos — Injuries, hazing activities, fraternity house, clothing
✅ Text messages — GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage
✅ Social media posts — Screenshots of posts about hazing
✅ Witness information — Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders
✅ Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial records — Medical bills, lost wages, tuition payments
Do NOT:
❌ Delete any messages or posts
❌ Talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
❌ Sign anything from the organization
❌ Post about the incident on social media
❌ Give statements to university administrators alone
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, University, or Their Lawyers
After a hazing incident, fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to control the narrative. They may:
- Claim your child “consented” to the activities
- Pressure you not to report
- Offer a quick, lowball settlement
- Threaten retaliation or expulsion
- Destroy evidence
Do not engage with them. Do not give statements. Do not sign anything.
Anything you say can be used against you in court.
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
We offer:
✅ Free, confidential consultations for Houston County families
✅ $0 upfront cost — We work on contingency; we don’t get paid unless you win
✅ Immediate evidence preservation — We send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
✅ Aggressive representation — We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
✅ Nationwide reach — We serve Houston County families no matter where the hazing occurred
Call us 24/7: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🛡️ How We Protect Houston County Hazing Victims
1. We Know the Playbook — Because We Used to Defend It
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims.
They will argue:
- “It was just tradition”
- “He consented”
- “It wasn’t that bad”
- “The university didn’t know”
We know how to dismantle these defenses — because we used to make them.
2. We Build Cases That Win Millions
Our current hazing case involves:
✅ Documented physical injury — Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
✅ Egregious conduct — Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles
✅ Pattern evidence — Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017; they did nothing
✅ Institutional knowledge — UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017
✅ Deep pockets — National fraternity, university, insurance carriers
We will build the same strong case for Houston County victims.
3. We Don’t Just Sue — We Change the Culture
Hazing won’t stop unless institutions are held accountable. Our goals for Houston County cases:
✅ Maximum compensation for victims and families
✅ Public accountability — Media coverage, public records, transparency
✅ Institutional change — Force universities and fraternities to implement real safeguards
✅ Legislative impact — Support new hazing laws to protect future students
✅ Prevent future harm — Our current case has already led to Pi Kappa Phi closing their UH chapter
Houston County families: Your case can save lives.
4. We Come to You — No Matter Where You Are in Houston County
We understand that hazing victims and families in Houston County may not be able to travel to Houston. We come to you.
How we serve Houston County:
- Video consultations via Zoom or phone
- Travel to Houston County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Local coordination with medical providers and witnesses
- Remote case management — We handle everything digitally
We serve:
- Dothan
- Enterprise
- Ozark
- Abbeville
- Headland
- Ashford
- Cowarts
- Webb
- And all communities in Houston County, Alabama
🎯 Who We Represent in Houston County
We represent hazing victims and families in Houston County who have been harmed by:
| Organization Type | Examples | Houston County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fraternities | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, others | Chapters at Troy, Auburn, Alabama State |
| Sororities | Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, others | Chapters at local universities |
| Sports Teams | Football, baseball, soccer, cheerleading | High school and college teams near Houston County |
| Marching Bands | College and high school bands | Hazing in band culture |
| ROTC Programs | Army, Navy, Air Force ROTC | Hazing in military-style organizations |
| Honor Societies | National Honor Society, others | Hazing in academic organizations |
| Student Clubs | Debate, theater, service clubs | Hazing in any student group |
| Military Academies | Service academies, prep schools | Hazing in military training |
Houston County families: If abuse happened in any organization, we can help.
📅 Houston County Hazing Action Plan
If Your Child Was Hazed — Act Now
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get medical attention immediately | Document injuries; prevent long-term harm |
| 2 | Preserve all evidence | Texts, photos, videos, witness info |
| 3 | Do NOT talk to the organization | They will try to control the narrative |
| 4 | Call Attorney 911: 1-888-ATTY-911 | Free consultation; evidence preservation |
| 5 | We send preservation letters | Prevent evidence destruction |
| 6 | We investigate the incident | Gather evidence, interview witnesses |
| 7 | We identify all liable parties | Chapter, nationals, university, individuals |
| 8 | We build your case | Medical records, expert testimony, damages calculation |
| 9 | We negotiate or litigate | Fight for maximum compensation |
| 10 | We achieve justice | Compensation, accountability, prevention |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions from Houston County Families
1. “My child was hazed at Troy University. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?”
Yes. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Houston County, Alabama. We have:
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses
- Willingness to travel to Houston County
- Remote consultation technology
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
2. “The fraternity says my child consented. Can they still be held liable?”
Yes. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Alabama.
Alabama Code § 16-1-23 explicitly states that even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.
We will fight this defense aggressively.
3. “How much is my case worth?”
Every case is different, but hazing cases typically result in substantial compensation due to:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Punitive damages for outrageous conduct
Precedent cases show verdicts and settlements ranging from $4 million to $110 million.
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million — and we believe Houston County cases deserve the same level of compensation.
4. “How much does it cost to hire you?”
$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — we don’t get paid unless you win.
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, typically 33-40%. This means:
- You pay nothing to hire us
- You pay nothing while the case is ongoing
- We only get paid if we win your case
- If we lose, you owe us nothing
This allows Houston County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.
5. “The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can they still be sued?”
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they:
- Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- Had prior knowledge of hazing risks
- Failed to implement adequate oversight
- Had the power to stop hazing and didn’t
They can be held liable for negligent supervision — even if they claim they didn’t know.
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house and had a prior hazing incident in 2017. They are being sued for millions.
6. “What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
It doesn’t matter. Alabama’s hazing law applies on or off campus. If hazing occurred at:
- A fraternity house
- A private residence
- A field or park
- Any location
The organization and individuals can still be held liable.
7. “Can the individuals who hazed my child be held personally liable?”
Yes. Every person who:
- Participated in hazing
- Organized hazing activities
- Failed to stop hazing
- Hosted hazing at their home
Can be sued individually. In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.
We will pursue every liable individual in Houston County cases.
8. “How long do I have to file a lawsuit?”
Alabama has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.
If your child died from hazing, you have 2 years from the date of death.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
9. “Will my child’s name be made public?”
We understand the sensitivity of hazing cases. We protect our clients’ privacy and:
- File cases under pseudonyms when appropriate
- Limit public disclosure of sensitive information
- Advise clients on media strategy
- Protect against retaliation
Your child’s safety and dignity are our priority.
10. “What if my child is afraid of retaliation?”
We’ve heard this before. Our current client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution” (ABC13).
We take these concerns seriously and:
- Advise clients on safety measures
- Document any threats or intimidation
- Pursue claims for emotional distress
- Work with law enforcement if necessary
- Seek protective orders if needed
No one should live in fear because they sought justice.
🔥 Houston County Families: This Is Your Moment
Hazing has gone on for too long. Universities have looked the other way. Fraternities have hidden behind “tradition.” Families have suffered in silence.
But now, the tide is turning.
- Our $10 million lawsuit is putting fraternities on notice
- Juries are awarding millions to hazing victims
- Legislatures are passing new laws to stop hazing
- Media is exposing the truth about Greek life culture
Houston County families: You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to accept “tradition” as an excuse for abuse. You don’t have to let them get away with it.
You have rights. You have power. And you have us.
📞 Houston County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Houston County Families:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims in Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Abbeville, Headland, and all of Houston County, Alabama.
You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now — and we will fight for you.
🏆 Why Houston County Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Are Hazing Litigation Experts
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Proven track record in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
- Federal court authority — we can pursue cases nationwide
2. We Understand the Culture
- Ralph Manginello is a former college athlete and youth coach — he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing
- We’ve seen how fraternities operate — and we know how to dismantle their defenses
3. We Fight Aggressively — And Win
- $10 million demand in our current case
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in precedent cases
- Aggressive discovery — we find the evidence others miss
- Trial-ready — we don’t back down from powerful institutions
4. We Serve Houston County Families with Compassion and Respect
- Bilingual staff — Se habla español
- $0 upfront cost — We don’t get paid unless you win
- We come to you — Video consultations and travel to Houston County
- We protect your privacy — Confidential, sensitive representation
5. We Don’t Just Sue — We Change the System
Our goals for every hazing case:
✅ Maximum compensation for victims and families
✅ Public accountability — Media coverage, transparency
✅ Institutional change — Force universities and fraternities to implement real safeguards
✅ Legislative impact — Support new laws to protect future students
✅ Prevent future harm — Your case can save lives
🎓 A Message to Houston County Students
If you’re reading this and you’ve been hazed — you are not alone.
You didn’t deserve this. You didn’t ask for this. And you don’t have to accept it.
The people who did this to you will tell you:
- “It’s just tradition”
- “Everyone goes through it”
- “You agreed to it”
- “Don’t be a snitch”
They’re wrong.
This is abuse. This is illegal. And you have the right to fight back.
We’ve seen what happens when victims speak up:
- Fraternities close
- Universities change policies
- Laws get passed
- Lives get saved
Your courage can protect the next student.
Call us. We’ll listen. We’ll believe you. And we’ll fight for you.
👨👩👧👦 A Message to Houston County Parents
If you’re reading this because your child was hazed — we know how you feel.
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity. You trusted that they would look out for your child.
That trust was betrayed.
And now you’re left with questions:
- Why did this happen?
- Could it have been prevented?
- What do we do now?
- How do we protect our child?
We have answers.
We’ve seen this before. We’ve fought this before. And we know how to make it right.
We will:
- Hold the people who hurt your child accountable
- Get your child the compensation they deserve
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Help your child heal
- Make sure this never happens to another Houston County family
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.
⚖️ A Warning to Houston County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Houston County:
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pi Kappa Alpha. Kappa Sigma. Phi Delta Theta. Beta Theta Pi.
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
We track your house corporations. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.
If you haze students in Houston County, we will find every liable entity.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston?
SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated.
That’s what happens when you haze in Alabama.
To the universities near Houston County:
Troy University. Auburn University. Alabama State University. Wallace Community College.
You own the problem.
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down.
You choose reputation over safety. You choose tradition over humanity. You choose your institution over our children.
We will hold you accountable.
The University of Houston owned the torture chamber where our client was waterboarded. They’re being sued for millions.
Your turn is coming.
📜 The Houston County Hazing Pledge
To the families of Houston County:
We pledge to:
✅ Listen to your story with compassion and respect
✅ Fight aggressively for the justice you deserve
✅ Protect your privacy and your safety
✅ Pursue maximum compensation — no matter how long it takes
✅ Hold every liable party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
✅ Change the culture so no other Houston County family suffers like yours
Houston County families: We stand with you. We fight for you. And we will not stop until justice is served.
🚨 Houston County Hazing Victims: Call Now — Before It’s Too Late
Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your rights.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
Don’t let them silence you. Don’t let them get away with it.
Call Attorney 911 now for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Houston County families.
We don’t get paid unless you win. You have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.
Houston County, Alabama: It’s time to end the silence. It’s time to demand justice.
We’re ready to fight for you.
