The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Justice for Lowndes County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at an Alabama or National University, You’re Not Alone

It starts with a phone call—the kind that stops your heart. Your child, away at college in Montgomery, Auburn, or Tuscaloosa, calls from a hospital or sounds different, distant, afraid. They mention “pledge activities,” late-night “study sessions” that left them injured, or pressure to keep secrets from you. For families right here in Lowndes County—in communities like Fort Deposit, Hayneville, White Hall, and Mosses—this nightmare is unfolding too often as our children head off to campuses across Alabama and the SEC.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. Our client suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through brutal workouts, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and subjected to degrading “pledge fanny pack” humiliation. The chapter has been shut down, but his permanent kidney damage remains. This case shows exactly what we do: take on powerful universities and national fraternities when they fail to protect students.

If you’re a parent in Lowndes County wondering, “Is this hazing?” or “What can we do?”—this comprehensive guide explains your rights, the legal landscape, and how families across Alabama are holding organizations accountable. We serve families nationwide from our Texas offices, bringing unparalleled hazing litigation experience to help your family through this crisis.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately at local facilities like Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery or regional trauma centers
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Lowndes County families whose college experience might have been different, today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digital abuse. It’s not just about “boys will be boys” or harmless traditions. Modern hazing involves calculated psychological pressure, institutional cover-ups, and threats hidden behind social media and encrypted apps.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing:

1. Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

Forced servitude: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends, requiring permission to socialize
Psychological control: Answering to derogatory nicknames, not speaking unless spoken to
Digital monitoring: Required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours, location sharing demands

2. Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive bland foods
Extreme “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, punishment workouts
- This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threats
Public humiliation: Embarrassing acts in public, “roasting” sessions, degrading costumes

3. Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking quizzes
- This pattern killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, Max Gruver at LSU, and Andrew Coffey at FSU
Physical beatings: Paddling, punches, kicks, “branding” with burns or cuts
Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling” that killed Michael Deng), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners causing severe burns (as in Texas A&M SAE case)

Where Hazing Happens Across Alabama Campuses

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternity houses. For Lowndes County students, risk exists in:

Greek Life Organizations:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
Panhellenic sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine)
Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Other High-Risk Groups:

Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Marching bands and performance groups
ROTC and military-style programs
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Some academic and service organizations

The Cultural Context in Alabama:
The SEC’s intense school pride and tradition-rich environments can sometimes enable dangerous behaviors disguised as “team building” or “bonding.” For Lowndes County families sending children to Alabama’s flagship universities, understanding this culture is crucial to recognizing when tradition crosses into abuse.

The Legal Framework: Alabama, Federal, and Your Rights

Alabama Hazing Laws

While we are Texas-based attorneys, we help families nationwide understand their state’s legal landscape. Hazing laws vary by state. Alabama has its own hazing statutes that may provide criminal penalties and civil liability. Generally, Alabama law defines hazing as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

What this means for Lowndes County families:

Hazing can be prosecuted as a crime in Alabama
Both individuals and organizations can face liability
Consent is typically not a defense (even if your child “agreed”)
Serious injuries or deaths can elevate charges

In Texas, for comparison: Hazing is a criminal offense under Education Code Chapter 37, with state jail felony charges for serious bodily injury or death. Texas also has a clear “consent is not a defense” provision and organizational liability up to $10,000 fines per violation.

Federal Laws That Apply Everywhere

Regardless of state lines, these federal frameworks protect your child:

1. The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates strengthened hazing education and prevention
Phased implementation through 2026 will create public hazing databases

2. Title IX of the Education Amendments

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates institutional responsibility to investigate and remedy
Applies to all schools receiving federal funding (virtually all major universities)

3. The Clery Act

Requires reporting of certain campus crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses trigger Clery obligations

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Case?

For Lowndes County families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supervised, or participated in the hazing
Members who supplied alcohol to minors
Officers who failed to report or covered up incidents

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity, sorority, or club itself (if incorporated)
Housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurred

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Can be liable for negligent supervision or failure to act on known patterns
- In the Bermudez case, Pi Kappa Phi national is a defendant alongside the local chapter

4. The University/College

Public and private institutions may face liability for:
- Negligent supervision of recognized organizations
- Deliberate indifference to known dangers
- Failure to enforce their own policies
Sovereign immunity protections vary (stronger for public universities)

5. Third Parties

Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop liability)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Alabama

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This demonstrates how national fraternities with known patterns face immense liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, the pledge was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. He died with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing charges. The fraternity chapter was closed permanently.

Why This Matters for Lowndes County Families:
These same national organizations—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Phi—have chapters at Alabama universities. The forced drinking rituals that killed students in Ohio and Louisiana are the same “traditions” practiced in Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and Montgomery.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He died from traumatic brain injuries while members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal,” the 18-year-old was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. He suffered severe, permanent brain damage, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care for life. The family settled with 22 defendants.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements. This proves hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with deep institutional protection.

What These Patterns Mean for Alabama:
The same dynamics exist at SEC schools. Powerful athletic traditions, intense rivalries, and institutional protection can enable abusive behaviors in sports programs just as in fraternities.

Alabama Universities: What Lowndes County Families Need to Know

The Alabama Higher Education Landscape

Lowndes County families typically send students to these institutions:

Major Public Universities:

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) – Flagship campus with extensive Greek life
Auburn University – Strong Greek system and athletic traditions
Alabama State University (Montgomery) – Historically Black university with NPHC presence
University of Alabama at Birmingham – Urban campus with growing Greek life
Troy University – Regional campus with Greek organizations

Notable Private Institutions:

Samford University (Birmingham) – Baptist-affiliated with Greek life
University of Montevallo – Public liberal arts with Greek organizations
Birmingham-Southern College – Private liberal arts

Community Colleges (Often Feeding to Universities):

Wallace Community College (Selma)
Chattahoochee Valley Community College (Phenix City)
Trenholm State Community College (Montgomery)

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the nation, with over 11,000 students in fraternities and sororities. The Machine (a coalition of traditionally white fraternities and sororities) has historically wielded significant political influence on campus.

Hazing History & Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Faced national scrutiny with multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide. At UA, allegations have included traumatic brain injuries from hazing rituals.
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): National pattern of dangerous haizing includes the Danny Santulli brain damage case at Missouri.
Panhellenic Sororities: While less publicized, sororities have faced hazing allegations including sleep deprivation, forced drinking, and psychological abuse.

Reporting Channels for UA Families:

Office of Student Conduct (205-348-8234)
UA Police Department (205-348-5454)
Anonymous reporting through UA’s hazing prevention website
Title IX Office for gender-based hazing

What Makes UA Cases Complex:

Deep institutional protection of Greek system
Historical resistance to external oversight
Powerful alumni networks that protect traditions
SEC athletic culture that normalizes extreme behaviors

Auburn University

Campus Culture & Traditions:
Auburn’s “family” culture and intense school pride create both supportive communities and potential for tradition-based abuse. The Greek system is substantial, with additional risks in athletic teams and spirit organizations.

Notable Hazing Concerns:

Corps of Cadets & ROTC: Military-style programs with documented hazing risks
Athletic Teams: Football and other sports programs with intense initiation traditions
Spirit Organizations: Tiger Paws (cheerleaders) and other groups with reported hazing

Auburn’s Anti-Hazing Measures:

Public hazing policy prohibiting all forms
Required hazing prevention education for Greek organizations
Anonymous reporting systems
Clearly defined disciplinary procedures

For Lowndes County Families at Auburn:

Document everything immediately through photos and notes
Request prior disciplinary records of the organization involved
Understand that Auburn, like many schools, may prioritize institutional reputation initially
Seek independent medical evaluation beyond student health services

Alabama State University (Montgomery)

NPHC (Divine Nine) Context:
As an HBCU, ASU has strong NPHC sorority and fraternity presence. While these organizations have officially banned physical hazing for decades, allegations of “underground” pledging with paddling and physical abuse periodically surface.

Unique Cultural Considerations:

Historical significance of Black Greek organizations
Strong emphasis on tradition and legacy families
Different reporting dynamics within close-knit communities
Potential reluctance to report due to community protection instincts

Reporting at ASU:

Office of Student Conduct and Compliance
Campus Police Department
NPHC Council oversight
Alumni advisor networks

Regional Universities & Community Colleges

For Lowndes County Students at Nearby Institutions:

Troy University: Growing Greek system with standard hazing risks
Chattahoochee Valley CC: Students often transition to Auburn or Alabama, bringing early exposure to Greek recruitment
Wallace Community College: May have informal Greek-like groups without national oversight

The Commuting Student Reality:
Many Lowndes County students commute to Montgomery or Selma schools. Hazing doesn’t only happen in residential settings—it occurs at off-campus houses, retreats, and events that commuting students attend.

National Fraternities & Sororities: The Alabama Connection

Organizations Present at Alabama Universities

The same national groups involved in deadly hazing cases nationwide have active chapters at Alabama schools:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), multiple other fatalities
Alabama Presence: Chapters at UA, Auburn, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at UA
Alabama Presence: Strong chapters throughout state
Pattern: Alcohol poisoning, physical abuse, chemical burns (Texas A&M case)

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver death (Louisiana felony hazing law)
Alabama Presence: Active chapters
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey death at FSU, Leonel Bermudez case at UH
Alabama Presence: Chapters at multiple universities
Pattern: Brutal physical hazing, forced workouts, degradation

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple suspensions for paddling, forced drinking
Alabama Presence: Traditionally strong in Southern universities
Pattern: Physical beatings, alcohol hazing

NPHC Organizations (Divine Nine)

National History: Official bans on physical hazing but underground issues persist
Alabama Presence: Strong at HBCUs including ASU
Pattern: Paddling, physical endurance tests, psychological pressure

Why National History Matters for Your Case

When we represent Lowndes County families, we investigate not just what happened to your child, but what the national organization knew about similar incidents elsewhere. This establishes:

1. Foreseeability

The national HQ knew this type of hazing was occurring in their chapters
They had notice from prior incidents, lawsuits, or media reports
They failed to implement effective prevention measures

2. Pattern Evidence

Similar rituals led to injuries/deaths at other campuses
Shows this wasn’t an isolated “rogue” incident but part of organizational culture
Strengthens negligence claims against nationals

3. Punitive Damage Arguments

Organizations that ignore known dangers may face punishment beyond compensation
Demonstrates reckless disregard for student safety

4. Insurance Coverage

Nationals often have liability insurance that may cover local chapter incidents
Pattern evidence can overcome “rogue chapter” defenses from insurers

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

Critical Evidence Collection

For Lowndes County families, evidence preservation must begin immediately:

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat
- Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and participant names visible
- Even “disappearing” messages can sometimes be recovered
Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts/events
- Capture images of injuries, events, locations
- Note hashtags, locations, participant tags
Text Messages: Save entire conversations, not just selections
Emails: Official chapter communications, university correspondence

Physical Evidence:

Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days (bruises evolve)
Location: Pictures of houses, rooms, off-campus venues
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Clothing: Don’t wash items with blood, vomit, or chemical stains

Medical Documentation:

ER records from Baptist Medical Center South, Jackson Hospital, or regional trauma centers
Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney/liver function)
Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Crucial: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it enters the record

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtain via request or discovery)
Campus police reports
National fraternity risk management files
Prior incident reports and disciplinary history

Witness Information:

Other pledges (may be afraid but often cooperate later)
Roommates, friends who noticed changes
Former members who quit
Emergency responders, hospital staff

Building the Legal Strategy

Phase 1: Emergency Response (First 48 Hours)

Secure medical care and evidence preservation
Initial legal assessment of criminal and civil options
Strategic decision about when/how to report to authorities
Protection against retaliation and evidence destruction

Phase 2: Investigation (Weeks 1-12)

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Subpoenas for university and national organization records
Witness interviews under legal protection
Expert consultations: medical, psychological, Greek life culture

Phase 3: Case Development (Months 3-9)

Comprehensive damages analysis with economists
Life care planning for permanent injuries
Settlement demand preparation
Insurance coverage investigation

Phase 4: Resolution (Months 9-24+)

Negotiation with defendants and insurers
Mediation with experienced neutrals
Trial preparation if settlement fails
Long-term monitoring of compliance with any reform agreements

Understanding Damages and Recovery

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawal, transfer expenses)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent disabilities)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs
Life care expenses for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

For particularly reckless or malicious conduct
When defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
To punish and deter future similar conduct
Available under certain circumstances in both Alabama and Texas

Practical Guide for Lowndes County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation (constantly tired, up at odd hours)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or unusual substance use

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Constant phone monitoring for group messages
Financial strain from unexplained expenses

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Questions to Ask (Without Confrontation):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you feeling good about it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for studying and sleep?”
“What kinds of activities do new members participate in?”
“Is there anything that’s made you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment first
Prioritize safety and medical care
Document everything they tell you
Contact an attorney before taking other actions

For Students: Self-Protection & Reporting

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Check:

Am I being pressured or coerced?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Go to the nearest ER (Baptist South in Montgomery, regional hospitals)
You won’t get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency
Tell medical staff “I was hazed” so it’s documented

Safe Reporting Options:

Campus counseling centers (confidential)
Dean of Students office
Campus police or local police
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Anonymous online reporting systems

Preserving Evidence:

Screenshot ALL messages immediately
Photograph injuries and locations
Save clothing and physical items
Write down names, dates, details while fresh
Don’t delete anything, even if embarrassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
What happens: Messages disappear, case becomes “he said/she said”
Better approach: Screenshot everything immediately, back up to cloud storage

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better approach: Document quietly, let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
What happens: You may waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Better approach: Have an attorney review ANY documents before signing

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Keep details private, let your attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for “Internal Investigation”
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
Better approach: Preserve evidence immediately, consult attorney within days

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball settlements
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

7. Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Meeting”
What happens: Pressure, intimidation, extracting damaging statements
Better approach: Once legal action is considered, all communication through counsel

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Alabama Hazing Case?

Our Texas-Based National Expertise

While we’re based in Texas, we serve families nationwide—including Lowndes County—through co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys and direct consultation. Here’s why our Texas experience matters for your Alabama case:

1. We’re Fighting One of America’s Most Serious Hazing Cases Right Now
The Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case involves:

$10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Brutal hazing including forced workouts, hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Chapter shutdown and national organization liability
This isn’t theoretical—we’re actively litigating against major institutions

2. Insurance Insider Knowledge
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Our insider perspective levels the playing field

3. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants and know how to:

Uncover institutional knowledge of dangers
Trace failures through organizational hierarchies
Manage cases against unlimited defense budgets
This expertise transfers directly to universities and national fraternities

4. Data-Driven Investigation
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros. While we don’t have identical data for Alabama, this demonstrates our investigative depth. We know how to:

Identify all liable entities (nationals, housing corps, alumni groups)
Uncover prior incidents and pattern evidence
Build cases that force accountability at every level

5. Dual Criminal/Civil Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

Criminal hazing charges and defenses
How to advise witnesses with potential exposure
Coordination between criminal and civil proceedings
This is crucial when hazing involves potential crimes

6. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to ensure full compensation for:

Lifetime medical needs
Lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Family impact

How We Help Alabama Families

For Lowndes County Residents:

Initial Consultation: We listen to your story, review evidence, explain options
Case Evaluation: Assess strengths, identify defendants, estimate timeline
Strategic Partnership: Work with local Alabama counsel if needed
Full Investigation: Digital forensics, records requests, witness interviews
Resolution Pursuit: Negotiation, mediation, or trial as needed

Our Commitment to Your Family:

We handle cases on contingency—no fee unless we recover
Regular updates every 2-3 weeks
Direct access to your attorneys (not assistants)
Spanish language services available
Respect for your privacy and emotional needs

Frequently Asked Questions for Lowndes County Families

Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific.

Is hazing a felony in Alabama?
Hazing laws vary by state. Alabama has its own statutes that may provide for criminal penalties including potential felony charges for serious injuries or deaths. We can review the specific allegations to determine potential criminal exposure.

What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
Consent is typically not a defense in hazing cases. Courts recognize that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make true voluntary consent impossible. Alabama law, like Texas’s, likely recognizes this reality.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Statutes of limitation vary by state and claim type. Generally, personal injury claims have 2-year deadlines, but discovery rules and tolling provisions may apply. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

Will my child’s name be public?
Most cases settle confidentially. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.

What if the hazing happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases occurred off-campus.

How much does a hazing lawsuit cost?
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover. We advance all case costs and are only reimbursed if we win.

Can we handle this without a lawyer?
Technically yes, but against universities and national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets, self-representation is extremely risky. These organizations know how to protect themselves at your expense.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family in Lowndes County—whether your child attends an Alabama university, an SEC school, or any campus nationwide—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: Tell your story without judgment or interruption
We Review: Examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
We Explain: Outline your legal options clearly and honestly
We Answer: Address all your questions about process, timeline, and potential outcomes
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)

Serving Lowndes County and All Alabama Families

From our Texas offices, we help families throughout Alabama, including:

Fort Deposit, Hayneville, White Hall, Mosses
Montgomery, Selma, Tuscaloosa, Auburn
Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville
Every community affected by campus hazing

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com