🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Leon County: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Leon County families: If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, or any student organization at Florida State University, Florida A&M University, or any other institution in the Tallahassee area, you are not alone. Attorney 911 is here to help.

We are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and subjected to other extreme hazing activities. The same fraternities operate at Leon County universities. The same abuse happens here. We will fight for Leon County victims with the same determination.

📞 Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911

🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Leon County

Hazing is not just a problem at big universities. It happens right here in Leon County. Florida State University and Florida A&M University both have active Greek life communities where hazing occurs regularly. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide have chapters right here in Tallahassee.

Leon County parents: Your child could be next.

The Reality of Hazing in Leon County

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
• 40% of student athletes report hazing
• Since 2000, at least one hazing death has occurred every year in the United States
• 95% of hazing victims do not report it due to fear, shame, or loyalty
• Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations

Leon County’s universities are not immune. The same dangerous traditions that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at FSU, FAMU, and other institutions across the Tallahassee area.

⚠️ What Is Hazing? Leon County Parents Need to Know

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.

Under Florida law, hazing includes:

• Physical brutality (beating, paddling, branding)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Confinement in small spaces
• Calisthenics or excessive exercise
• Any activity that creates an unreasonable risk of harm

This is not “tradition.” This is not “building character.” This is abuse.

🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Leon County?

When hazing occurs in Leon County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing activities is primarily liable.

2. The National Organization

National fraternities and sororities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, and others have deep pockets and insurance policies. They are responsible for failing to supervise their Leon County chapters and for allowing a culture of hazing to persist despite knowing the risks.

Example: Pi Kappa Phi has already paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths. They knew about the risks and did nothing to stop them in Leon County.

3. The University

Leon County universities like FSU and FAMU have a legal duty to protect their students. When they fail to prevent hazing, they can be held liable for negligent supervision and premises liability.

In our current case: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. FSU and FAMU own or control many Greek houses on their campuses — they have the same liability.

4. Individual Members

Every student who participated in or facilitated hazing can be held personally liable for their actions. This includes chapter officers, pledgemasters, and active members.

Precedent: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally for his role in hazing.

5. Alumni and Advisors

Former members and chapter advisors who were aware of hazing and failed to stop it can also be held liable.

6. Property Owners

If hazing occurred at a private residence, the homeowner (including parents of members) can be held liable for premises liability.

💰 What Is My Leon County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. The amount depends on several factors:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, rehabilitation)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
• Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
• Educational damages (disruption to academic progress)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (the agony of rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, fear, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages

When hazing involves egregious conduct like waterboarding, forced consumption to the point of vomiting, or extreme physical abuse, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.

Leon County families: These damages are not capped in Florida for personal injury cases (only medical malpractice cases have caps).

📊 Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts: What Leon County Victims Can Expect

These results are possible for Leon County victims. The same legal strategies apply.

🏆 Why Leon County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical — we are in the fight. Leon County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

3. Federal Court Authority

We are admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue Leon County hazing cases in federal court if needed. This is critical when suing national organizations that operate across state lines.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We are licensed in Texas and New York, which gives us strategic advantages when litigating against national fraternities headquartered in other states.

5. We Will Travel to Leon County

Distance is not a barrier. We will travel to Tallahassee for depositions, meetings, and trials. Leon County families do not need to come to Houston to get justice.

6. 25+ Years of Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of courtroom experience. We have handled multi-million dollar cases and taken on massive institutions like BP after the Texas City explosion.

7. We Understand Greek Life Culture

Ralph Manginello was a hall of fame athlete and youth coach. He understands team culture, locker room dynamics, and the pressures that lead to hazing. We know how to expose the truth behind the “brotherhood” facade.

8. We Speak Spanish

Many Leon County hazing victims come from Hispanic families. We provide bilingual representation so language is never a barrier to justice.

9. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows Leon County families to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

10. Proven Track Record

• 4.9 Stars on Google (250+ reviews)
• Millions recovered for personal injury victims
• Hundreds of cases won through settlement and trial
• Media coverage on ABC, NBC, CBS, and more

🎓 Hazing at Leon County Universities: What Parents Need to Know

Florida State University (FSU)

Greek Life Presence:
FSU has one of the largest Greek communities in the Southeast, with 55 fraternities and sororities and over 5,000 members.

Known Hazing History:

• Andrew Coffey (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Phi event. The fraternity was permanently closed at FSU.
• Multiple other hazing incidents have been reported over the years, leading to chapter suspensions and disciplinary actions.

Why FSU Is Liable:

• FSU owns or controls many Greek houses on campus
• They have the power to regulate, inspect, and shut down dangerous chapters
• They have failed to implement effective oversight despite prior incidents

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Greek Life Presence:
FAMU has a proud Greek tradition, particularly with historically Black fraternities and sororities. Many chapters have deep community ties.

Known Hazing History:

• While FAMU has not had a high-profile hazing death in recent years, hazing still occurs in its Greek organizations.
• The university has disciplined chapters for hazing in the past.

Why FAMU Is Liable:

• FAMU has a duty to protect its students from hazing
• They have the authority to regulate Greek life
• They can be held liable for failing to prevent known risks

Other Leon County Institutions

• Tallahassee Community College (TCC): Smaller Greek presence, but hazing can still occur in clubs and organizations.
• Private Schools and Academies: Hazing isn’t limited to large universities. Any organization with initiation rituals can be dangerous.

🚨 Warning Signs of Hazing in Leon County

Leon County parents need to recognize the signs that their child may be experiencing hazing:

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Fatigue or exhaustion (from sleep deprivation)
• Weight loss (from forced exercise or food deprivation)
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, muscle pain, inability to move)

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Anxiety or depression
• Fear of going to certain places or events
• Sudden loss of interest in the organization
• Decline in academic performance

Environmental Signs

• Your child mentions “pledging” or “initiation”
• They talk about being “punished” for not following rules
• They are required to perform tasks for older members
• They are not allowed to speak about certain activities
• They show signs of being controlled or manipulated

If you notice any of these signs, contact Attorney 911 immediately. Time is critical.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Leon County

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Remove them from the dangerous situation.
• Seek immediate medical attention if they show signs of injury or illness.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries at all stages of healing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails).
• Document everything your child tells you about the hazing.
• Get witness information (names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses).
• Do not delete anything — even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant.

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization

• Do not contact the fraternity, sorority, or their leadership.
• Do not post about the incident on social media.
• Do not sign any documents from the organization.
• Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel.

Anything you say or do can be used against your child in a legal proceeding.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
• We will guide you through the next steps.
• We will handle all communications with the university, fraternity, and insurance companies.
• We will preserve evidence and build your case.

Step 5: Report to Authorities (With Legal Guidance)

• We can help you file a police report if criminal conduct occurred.
• We can assist with Title IX reports for gender-based hazing.
• We can guide you through university reporting processes.

Step 6: Seek Medical and Psychological Care

• Ensure your child receives medical treatment for any physical injuries.
• Seek mental health support for PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
• Keep all medical records and receipts for treatment.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Leon County Hazing Victim

1. Right to Compensation

You have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Educational disruption
• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)

2. Right to Hold Institutions Accountable

Universities and national organizations cannot hide behind “tradition.” They have a legal duty to protect students.

3. Right to Confidentiality

We protect your privacy. Your identity and case details remain confidential.

4. Right to a Free Consultation

You have the right to speak with an attorney without obligation or cost.

5. Right to Aggressive Representation

You have the right to an attorney who will fight for you, not settle for less than you deserve.

📞 What Leon County Families Should Do Next

If your child has been hazed in Leon County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.

1. Call Attorney 911 Now

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

2. Schedule a Free Consultation

• We offer video consultations for Leon County families.
• We will travel to Tallahassee for in-person meetings.
• No cost. No obligation.

3. Protect Your Rights

• We will send preservation letters to all defendants.
• We will begin evidence collection immediately.
• We will handle all communications so you don’t have to.

4. Focus on Recovery

• Your child’s health and well-being come first.
• We will handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.

🎯 Our Promise to Leon County Families

“Leon County families: We see your child as a person, not a paycheck. We understand the trauma you’re going through. We will fight for you with everything we have — because no child deserves to be abused in the name of ‘tradition.’ Enough is enough.”

— Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena, Attorney 911

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Leon County Families

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Under Florida law, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law explicitly states that victims cannot consent to illegal activities. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity is saying this was just “horseplay.” What can we do?

A: Document everything. If the activities involved physical brutality, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or any other dangerous behavior, it is hazing under Florida law. We will gather evidence to prove the truth.

Q: We’re afraid of retaliation. How can you protect us?

A: We take retaliation concerns very seriously. We can:

• Send cease-and-desist letters to prevent intimidation
• File restraining orders if necessary
• Pursue additional legal action if retaliation occurs
• Keep your identity confidential when possible

Q: How much does it cost to hire you?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. You pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: How long will this take?

A: Every case is different. Some cases settle within months. Others take years if they go to trial. We will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. We can still pursue the fraternity, national organization, and individuals responsible.

Q: Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known risks. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligent supervision even if they didn’t know about the specific incident.

Q: What if my child is an international student?

A: Your child’s immigration status does not affect their right to compensation. We have experience representing international students and will protect their rights throughout the legal process.

Q: Can we still pursue a case if the fraternity has been suspended?

A: Absolutely. Suspension is often a damage control tactic to limit liability. We will pursue the national organization, individual members, and the university regardless of chapter status.

Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late?

**A: Florida has a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact us immediately. Evidence disappears over time, and witness memories fade. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

📢 A Message to Leon County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Leon County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing histories.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Delta Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha — if your chapter operates in Leon County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.

We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your national insurance structures. When hazing happens in Leon County, we will pursue every liable entity.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Leon County.

🏛️ A Message to Leon County Universities

To Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and other Leon County institutions:

You own the Greek houses. You control the recognition process. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.

You also have the liability when you fail to act.

The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.

FSU and FAMU: You are on notice. If hazing occurs in your Greek houses, we will hold you accountable just like we’re holding UH accountable.

The time for “thoughts and prayers” is over. The time for accountability is now.

🌟 A Message to Leon County Parents

Leon County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust the universities. You trust the Greek organizations. You trust that these institutions will protect your child.

That trust is being betrayed.

Every year, students across America are hospitalized or killed by hazing. Leon County is not immune. FSU and FAMU have had hazing incidents in the past. They will have more in the future unless something changes.

You have the power to change that.

If your child has been hazed, step forward. Be brave. Seek justice. Hold the institutions accountable.

Your child’s case could save lives.

📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Leon County families: If your child has been hazed, you are not alone. We are here to help.

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

Available 24/7 for Leon County hazing emergencies.

We don’t get paid unless you get paid.

🔗 Additional Resources for Leon County Families

• Florida Hazing Law (Florida Statute 1006.63)
• StopHazing.org
• HazingPrevention.org
• FSU Greek Life
• FAMU Greek Life
• Florida Board of Governors Hazing Policy

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Serving Leon County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027

Leon County families: We are your legal emergency responders.