Hazing Lawyers in Livingston Parish – Protecting Students & Holding Institutions Accountable
🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Livingston Parish – And It’s More Dangerous Than You Think
Livingston Parish families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide positive experiences—not torture, abuse, or life-threatening rituals.
But hazing is happening in Livingston Parish, and it’s not just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s psychological torment. And when universities and fraternities fail to stop it, they must be held accountable.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—a case that proves just how far fraternities will go to enforce their so-called “traditions.” The same fraternities operate in Livingston Parish. The same universities fail to protect students. And the same negligence, cover-ups, and abuse are happening right here in Louisiana.
If your child has been hazed, you have legal rights. And we will fight for them.
🔥 What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Livingston Parish
Our Case: The $10 Million Fight Against Pi Kappa Phi & UH
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being subjected to weeks of brutal hazing at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What they did to him:
✔ Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
✔ Forced him to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, and endless running drills until he collapsed
✔ Beat him with wooden paddles
✔ Made him eat until he vomited, then forced him to keep running
✔ Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table for over an hour
✔ Threatened expulsion if he didn’t comply
The result?
- Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Acute kidney failure
- 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital
This wasn’t an accident. It was torture.
Why This Matters to Livingston Parish Families
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Livingston Parish.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Louisiana.
- Universities near Livingston Parish have the same oversight failures as UH.
- If your child is being hazed, we will fight for you with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.
The fraternity that did this to Leonel Bermudez is the same one that killed Andrew Coffey in 2017. They had 8 years to fix their culture—and they did nothing. Now, they’re paying the price.
Will Livingston Parish be next?
📍 Hazing in Louisiana: The Reality for Livingston Parish Families
Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines
Hazing isn’t just a Texas problem—it’s a national epidemic, and Louisiana is no exception.
Universities near Livingston Parish with active Greek life include:
- Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond, LA) – Just 15 miles from Livingston Parish
- Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA) – 40 miles away
- Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
- University of Louisiana Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)
- Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA)
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits nationwide operate at these schools—including:
- Pi Kappa Phi (our current case)
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (multiple hazing deaths)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (Stone Foltz case)
- Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver case)
- Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case)
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Louisiana, they face the same risks.
Louisiana Hazing Laws: What Livingston Parish Families Need to Know
Louisiana has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country—but enforcement is weak, and universities often cover up incidents to protect their reputations.
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.8 – Hazing
- Hazing is a crime in Louisiana.
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it’s a felony (punishable by up to 5 years in prison).
- Consent is NOT a defense—even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be prosecuted.
- Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 for hazing.
Max Gruver Act (2018) – Louisiana’s Landmark Hazing Law
After Max Gruver died from hazing at LSU in 2017, Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, which:
✔ Made hazing a felony (previously only a misdemeanor)
✔ Increased penalties for hazing that causes injury or death
✔ Required universities to report hazing incidents
But here’s the problem:
- Universities still fail to report hazing.
- Fraternities still cover up abuse.
- Students still suffer in silence.
That’s why civil lawsuits are so important. When criminal charges fail, a lawsuit can force accountability and change.
⚖️ Legal Rights for Livingston Parish Hazing Victims
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Livingston Parish?
If your child was hazed, multiple parties may be legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Livingston Parish Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | If your child was hazed at a Livingston Parish-area chapter, they can be sued. |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, and others have paid millions in hazing settlements. |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite knowing it happens | Southeastern Louisiana University, LSU, and others own fraternity houses where hazing occurs. |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing | Each person who took part can be personally sued (like in the Stone Foltz case). |
| Chapter Advisors/Alumni | Knew about hazing and did nothing | Many alumni turn a blind eye—but they can be held accountable. |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | If hazing happened in a fraternity house, the landlord (often the university) is liable. |
In our current case, we’re suing:
✅ Pi Kappa Phi National
✅ The local UH chapter
✅ The University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house)
✅ Individual fraternity members (including the president and pledgemaster)
✅ A former member and his spouse (for allowing hazing at their home)
We can do the same for Livingston Parish families.
What Can Livingston Parish Hazing Victims Sue For?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, including:
| Type of Damage | Examples | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain from beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work or internships | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
| Educational Impact | Failed classes, dropped out, lost scholarships | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Punitive Damages | To punish the fraternity/university for egregious conduct | $1,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death (like Max Gruver at LSU) | $5,000,000+ |
Total potential compensation for severe hazing cases: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
💰 Hazing Lawsuit Precedents: They Will Pay
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts & Settlements in Hazing Cases
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount | Lesson for Livingston Parish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M | Universities and fraternities both pay when hazing turns deadly. |
| Max Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | Jury Verdict | $6.1M | Juries hate hazing and will award millions. |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ | When evidence is strong (like security footage), settlements reach $100M+. |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential (likely $1M+) | Same fraternity as our case—they had 8 years to fix their culture and didn’t. |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | VCU | Settlement | $4M+ | Even non-fatal hazing cases result in millions in compensation. |
These cases prove one thing: Hazing lawsuits win. And the defendants pay—big.
❓ Common Questions from Livingston Parish Families
1. “My child was hazed, but they ‘consented.’ Can we still sue?”
YES. Louisiana law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the hazers can still be held liable.
2. “The fraternity says it was just ‘tradition.’ Is that an excuse?”
NO. “Tradition” does not justify torture, assault, or reckless endangerment. If a fraternity forces students to:
- Drink until they black out
- Exercise until they collapse
- Endure physical or psychological abuse
- Risk their lives
…that’s not tradition—it’s a crime.
3. “The university says they didn’t know. Can they still be sued?”
YES. Universities have a legal duty to protect students. If they:
- Own the fraternity house (like UH did)
- Have prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017)
- Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies
…they can be held financially responsible for the harm caused.
4. “My child is afraid of retaliation. What can we do?”
We understand. Hazing victims often fear social backlash, expulsion, or worse if they speak out. That’s why:
✔ We protect your identity (if needed)
✔ We handle all communications with the fraternity/university
✔ We build the case without putting you at risk
✔ We fight for justice while keeping you safe
In our current case, our client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We respect that fear—and we’ll protect your child too.
5. “We’re not in Houston. Can you still help us in Livingston Parish?”
YES. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Livingston Parish and all of Louisiana.
We can:
✅ Evaluate your case via phone or video
✅ Travel to Livingston Parish for meetings, depositions, or trial
✅ File lawsuits in Louisiana courts
✅ Pursue cases in federal court (we’re admitted to U.S. District Court)
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. “How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
$0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay nothing to hire us.
- We only get paid if we win your case.
- Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict—never out of your pocket.
This levels the playing field. Fraternities and universities have teams of lawyers. Now, you have one too.
🚀 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Livingston Parish
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening.
- Medical records are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✔ Take photos/videos of injuries, the hazing location, and any objects used (paddles, hoses, etc.).
✔ Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, and social media posts about hazing.
✔ Get names and contact info of witnesses (other pledges, bystanders).
✔ Keep a journal documenting what happened, how it affected your child, and any ongoing symptoms.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to get your child to sign documents that waive their rights.
- They will twist their words to blame the victim.
- They will destroy evidence if they think they can get away with it.
Let us handle all communications.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Time is critical. Louisiana has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Act now.
📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit attorney911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation.
🎯 Why Livingston Parish Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW
While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases.
2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Lawyers
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they think, strategize, and try to deny claims. Now, we use that knowledge against them.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue cases in federal court—giving us more leverage against national fraternities and universities.
4. We Travel to Livingston Parish
We don’t just serve clients in Houston. We come to Livingston Parish for depositions, meetings, and trials. Your location doesn’t limit your access to justice.
5. We Speak Spanish (Se Habla Español)
Many hazing victims come from immigrant families. We provide full legal services in Spanish—no language barriers.
6. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront
You pay nothing to hire us. We only get paid if we win. This means no financial risk for Livingston Parish families.
7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Wins
- $10 million hazing lawsuit (current case)
- Millions recovered in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Former BP Texas City explosion litigation (handled complex, high-stakes cases)
8. We Care About More Than Money
We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’re not just fighting for compensation—we’re fighting to stop this from happening to the next Livingston Parish student.
📞 Livingston Parish Families: Call Us Before It’s Too Late
Hazing doesn’t have to be fatal to be illegal. If your child was:
✔ Forced to drink until they blacked out
✔ Beaten with paddles or other objects
✔ Forced to exercise until they collapsed
✔ Waterboarded or subjected to simulated drowning
✔ Psychologically tormented or humiliated
✔ Threatened with expulsion if they didn’t comply
…you have a case.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the 2-year statute of limitations in Louisiana means you could lose your right to sue forever.
🚨 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation.
We will fight for your child. We will hold the fraternity accountable. And we will make sure this never happens again in Livingston Parish.
🔴 WARNING TO FRATERNITIES OPERATING NEAR LIVINGSTON PARISH
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every other fraternity with chapters in Louisiana:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
If you haze students in Livingston Parish, Hammond, Baton Rouge, or anywhere in Louisiana, know this:
✅ We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, and your insurance policies.
✅ We know your national organization’s hazing death record.
✅ We will sue every liable entity—including individual members.
✅ We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH. Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🏛️ A Message to Louisiana Universities
To Southeastern Louisiana University, LSU, and every other university near Livingston Parish:
You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students. When you:
❌ Own fraternity houses where hazing occurs
❌ Fail to enforce anti-hazing policies
❌ Ignore prior hazing incidents (like UH did)
❌ Allow Greek life to operate without oversight
…you become legally responsible for the harm caused.
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now—or face the same accountability.
📢 Enough Is Enough, Livingston Parish
Hazing in Louisiana has gone on for too long. Students have died. Families have been destroyed. And universities and fraternities have gotten away with it for decades.
But that ends now.
If your child was hazed in Livingston Parish, Hammond, Baton Rouge, or anywhere in Louisiana, we want to hear from you.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Email ralph@atty911.com.
Visit attorney911.com.
We will fight for justice. We will hold them accountable. And we will make sure no other Livingston Parish family has to go through this.
🚨 IMMEDIATE HELP FOR LIVINGSTON PARISH HAZING VICTIMS
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Serving Livingston Parish, Hammond, Baton Rouge, and all of Louisiana.
